Pennsylvania is facing one of the biggest blows to the SNAP program in its history. According to official state data, up to 144,000 Pennsylvania residents — including 45,000 people in Philadelphia alone — could lose their food stamps as a result of the new work requirements imposed by federal law H.R. 1. Thousands of families are already scrambling to prove they are working or that they cannot work, facing the risk of having their benefits cut off overnight.
The new requirements oblige adults between the ages of 18 and 64 without dependents under 14 and without a certified disability to document at least 20 hours per week of work, volunteering, or job training to continue receiving SNAP. Those who cannot demonstrate this will lose their benefits after three months. But what worries advocacy organizations most is that many people are losing their food stamps due to administrative errors — not because they have actually stopped meeting the requirements.
Why errors are happening and what you can do
The problem is bureaucratic. Pennsylvania, like many other states, is processing an enormous volume of recertifications and verifications in a very short time and with fewer staff than before. The result is that some recipients are receiving benefit termination notices even though they remain eligible — because their documentation was not reviewed in time, a form arrived late, or the system made an error processing their case.
The good news is that you have the right to appeal. If you receive a letter telling you that you are going to lose SNAP, or that you have already lost it, and you believe it was a mistake, you can file a formal appeal and request that your benefits continue while it is resolved. Here is how to do it step by step.
How to appeal if you lose SNAP in Pennsylvania
The first step is to act fast. In Pennsylvania you have 30 days from the date of the notification letter to file an appeal. If you do so within that window, you have the right to request that your benefits continue while the appeal is processed — known as «continuation of benefits.» If you wait more than 30 days, you lose that right.
To file the appeal, you have three options: in writing, by sending a letter to your county office formally requesting a hearing; in person, by visiting your local Department of Human Services office; or by phone, by calling Pennsylvania’s SNAP customer service line at 1-800-692-7462.
In the appeal you will need to explain why you believe the decision to cut your benefits is incorrect and provide supporting documentation. If the reason for the cut is that you could not demonstrate work activity, bring pay stubs, employer letters, volunteer hour records, or any other document showing you meet the requirements. If you believe you qualify for an exemption — due to a disability, pregnancy, or caregiving responsibilities — request it at the same time as the appeal.
Exemptions that many recipients do not know about
Before assuming you have permanently lost SNAP, check whether you qualify for any of these exemptions that many people overlook. Exempt from work requirements are those with a physical or mental disability certified by a doctor, even if they are not currently receiving any disability benefit. Also exempt are caregivers of a person with a disability, pregnant women, those enrolled at least part-time in an education or training program, and those caring for children under 14.
Advocacy organizations in Pennsylvania are particularly concerned about people whose disability is not formally recognized in any system — such as people with mental health conditions or chronic illnesses without an official diagnosis. If you think your situation could qualify for an exemption, seek support from a doctor or social worker who can document it.
Where to get help in Pennsylvania
If you need guidance filing your appeal or understanding your rights, you can contact Community Legal Services in Philadelphia (for city residents), the Pennsylvania Health Law Project, or any free legal services organization in your county. Local food banks can also point you toward alternative resources while your situation is resolved.
Losing SNAP does not have to be permanent. In many cases it is a mistake that can be corrected — but only if you act before the 30 days from the date of your letter run out.