PENNSYLVANIA — Nearly 60,000 Pennsylvanians have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since September, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
State officials say the decline is likely tied to changes in work reporting requirements mandated by a Congressional Republicans’ budget bill signed into law by President Donald Trump last July. Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh discussed the numbers during a Senate appropriations hearing Wednesday.
The department noted the total also includes individuals who lost SNAP benefits for other eligibility reasons, such as moving out of state or otherwise becoming ineligible.
Under the new requirements, certain recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in an education or training program for at least 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, to maintain benefits. DHS said losses connected to the work reporting requirements may involve recipients who are not meeting those thresholds.
Arkoosh said previous Pennsylvania studies show that when work requirements are expanded and people lose access to SNAP benefits, Medicaid spending increases. DHS officials said the governor is promoting investments in health initiatives to help offset that potential impact.
The department emphasized that the figures represent a snapshot in time. Individuals who lost benefits due to work reporting requirements may regain eligibility if they report meeting the requirements or qualify for an exemption.
