SNAP Pause Alert: Due to the federal government shutdown, your November SNAP benefit payment may be delayed or temporarily reduced. Find food resources near you and get important SNAP updates below.
SNAP Pause: Find food here.
Pennsylvania residents, find food resources here:
- Philabundance: Call 215-339-0900.
- Share Food Program | Find Food | Share Food Program
- Food banks and community fridges in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware counties
- Senior Food Box Program (Ages 60+)
- This monthly food box program serves seniors aged 60+ via delivery or pickup depending on location. The PACE Center can help clients sign up for this box, just call 215-572-1234
- Feeding Pennsylvania: Click ‘Find Food’ tab to search for local food banks near you
- PA Navigate: Enter your ZIP code, then click ‘Food’ tab, then ‘Emergency Food’
Clarifi’s BenePhilly team can help Philadelphians with questions or concerns about applying for SNAP and other benefits. Contact us at 1 (800) 994-5537 or ClarifiTeam@clarifi.org. The BenePhilly Helpline is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
SNAP Government Shutdown FAQ:
Why is my SNAP payment paused?
The federal government has shut down because lawmakers in Washington, D.C., could not agree to pass a budget that funds the government. Lawmakers are currently at work trying to reach an agreement.
Will I get my SNAP payments eventually?
You will get your SNAP payments when the government shut down ends. This includes any missed payments. Payments will not be cancelled. Your County Office and caseworker will notify you when payments resume.
Do I need to renew my SNAP?
Yes, you must renew your SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Failing to do so may result in you losing SNAP benefits and missed payments. For help renewing, call your local County Office.
Are my other benefits impacted?
No, other benefits like Medical, TANF, WIC, or Section 8 vouchers are not impacted at this time. The LIHEAP heating assistance program has been delayed, and is now starting December 3.
What about the new SNAP rules about work requirements?
The new SNAP work requirements still apply, and you have until December first to prove that you’re meeting or are exempt from these new federal rules. Scroll down for more info.
New Rules: Take action to keep your SNAP benefits!
Regardless of the government shutdown, you must still comply with new federal work requirements. Here’s more information:
SNAP Work Requirements FAQ
What’s changing with SNAP?
- Congress passed new federal laws this July requiring SNAP recipients to prove they either work 20 hours a week or meet an exemption.
- You may lose your SNAP benefits as soon as December 1 unless you show you’re exempt from or are complying with work requirements. If you don’t report proof of work or exemption, you may only get 3 months of SNAP every 3 years.
Who do these new requirements apply to?
- They apply if you are ages 18-64 (previously 18-54), you don’t get SNAP for children under 14 (previously under 18), and you don’t receive a disability benefit.
Am I exempt?
- People with children under 14, caregivers, people with disabilities, people with medical conditions (like asthma, arthritis, and depression) that make it difficult to work, and others can apply for an exemption. Visit Community Legal Services’s SNAP page for the full list of exemptions.
What do I need to do?
- Comply with any documentation requests related to work requirements. This is how you prove work hours or an exemption to keep your SNAP benefits.
- Everyone on SNAP needs to turn in their exemption checklist form. Download the form in English or Spanish and get it to your County Office via mail or in person.
- Do you have a medical issue like a disability, depression, or asthma? Work requirements may not apply to you. Download the medical exemption form in English or Spanish and get help from a medical professional like a doctor, therapist, or social worker. Then get it to your County Office via mail or in person.
- IMPORTANT: If you get mail from your County Office requesting information, respond immediately. If you drop your mail off in person at the County, request a receipt of delivery.
Who can I call for help?
- If you have questions about SNAP changes, call your caseworker or County Office directly.
When could I lose my SNAP benefits?
- It depends on your state, but if you’re in Pennsylvania, you must submit your proof of work or exemption by December 1. After this date, you may lose your benefits if you don’t take action.
‼️ Remember:
If you’ve recently gotten mail from your County, turn it in ASAP. They are trying to confirm your work hours or exempt status.
Have questions or need help applying for public benefits in Philadelphia? Clarifi’s BenePhilly team can assist. Contact us at 1 (800) 994-5537 or ClarifiTeam@clarifi.org. The BenePhilly Helpline is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.