Changes to SNAP Benefits
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Due to the federal budget impasse, as of November 1st, SNAP (Food Stamps) recipients are experiencing an interruption in their benefits.
What this means:
- SNAP EBT cards will not be reloaded on Saturday, November 1st.
- Any funds left over on an individual's EBT card at the end of October will remain available through the end of the calendar year.
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will continue to process SNAP applications through the shutdown.
- SNAP recipients are still expected to comply with reporting requirements. Failure to comply during this time could result in further interruptions in the future (see below).
- It is expected that when the shutdown ends, SNAP recipients will receive any missed benefits retroactively.
We know that many in the MCC community are impacted by the lapse in SNAP benefits lapse. SNAP recipients are being encouraged to use food banks as an alternative during any disruption to their benefits. Food banks are not equipped to meet such an overwhelming need, so we will continue to actively seek information from trusted partners on how families can meet their basic needs during this time.
Below are some helpful links to help folks locate their nearest food bank.
How to help:
We are already seeing an increased need both from community members and partners. To assist while families reassess their budgets in light of this new economic reality, MCC is actively working to expand our distribution of basic resources for parenting families.
MCC is accepting new and unopened in-kind donations of diapers, wipes, formula, and menstrual hygiene products in response to increased need. To support our families with an in-kind donation today, you can:
- Purchase from our Wish List to ship supplies directly to MCC; or
- Email our team at [email protected] to coordinate the donation of supplies.
Please check back here for updates.
SNAP recipients are still expected to comply with reporting requirements. Failure to comply during this time of SNAP benefits being lapsed could result in further interruptions in the future.
Starting September 1, 2025, significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will take effect. Adults between the ages of 18 and 64, without young children and who are not receiving disability benefits, will be required to demonstrate that they are working, in training, or volunteering to maintain their food benefits.
While these new rules will create challenges for many Pennsylvanians, they will also disproportionally affect the most vulnerable members the hardest, those already facing health issues, caregiving responsibilities, unstable employment, or other barriers. Without proper guidance and information, families risk losing essential food support at a time when groceries and living costs are already at historic highs.
Now, adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have children under 14 and are not receiving disability benefits will need to demonstrate that they are:
- Working at least 20 hours per week
or
- Participating in job training or volunteer service.
Participants will also be required to report to a Caseworker every six months to confirm they are meeting these requirements.
There are, however, important exemptions to be noted. Individuals may be exempt if they:
- Have a physical or mental health condition that limits their ability to work,
- Are enrolled in school or training at least half-time,
- Are earning above a set income threshold,
- Are over age 65, under 18, pregnant, or receiving certain other benefits such as SSI or Unemployment Compensation.
Without taking action, some individuals could risk losing SNAP benefits as soon as November 2025.
