Pennsylvania Veterans SNAP Work Requirements Exemption: The Complete 2026 Guide
Pennsylvania veterans are no longer automatically exempt from SNAP work requirements as of November 1, 2025. Federal law removed the veteran exemption that existed under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. Veterans aged 18-64 without dependent children under 14 must now meet work, training, or volunteer requirements—unless they qualify for another exemption like disability.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | SNAP food assistance (formerly food stamps) |
| Eligibility | Income-based; new work requirements apply to adults 18-64 |
| Application | PA Department of Human Services (DHS); COMPASS online system |
| Processing Time | 30 days for initial application; 7 days expedited |
| Official Agency | PA Department of Human Services; USDA FNS |
| Required Forms | PA SNAP application; Medical Exemption Form if disabled |
| Updated For | 2026 guidelines; reflects OBBB Act changes |
What Changed for Pennsylvania Veterans in SNAP
Pennsylvania veterans lost their automatic SNAP work requirement exemption on November 1, 2025. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed July 4, 2025, removed the veteran exemption that had been added by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. Veterans are now subject to the same work requirements as other able-bodied adults without dependents.
Why This Change Matters
Approximately 1.2 million veterans nationally live in households receiving SNAP benefits. Many are younger than 65, do not have disabilities, and do not live with dependent children—making them newly subject to the three-month time limit. Veterans who fail to meet work requirements or qualify for another exemption will lose SNAP benefits after three months within a three-year period.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If you are a Pennsylvania veteran receiving SNAP, contact your County Assistance Office immediately to determine whether you meet any remaining exemptions. Complete the voluntary screening survey sent by DHS. If you believe you cannot work due to a disability, submit a Medical Exemption Form before your benefits expire.
New SNAP Work Requirements: Who Is Affected
Pennsylvania SNAP recipients must meet new work and reporting requirements if they are 18-64 years old, do not have a dependent child under 14, and are physically and mentally able to work.
Age and Household Rules
| Rule | September 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Age range | 18-54 | 18-64 |
| Dependent child age | Under 18 | Under 14 |
| Veterans exempt? | No | No |
| Homeless exempt? | No | No |
| Former foster youth exempt? | No | No |
The requirements expanded in two phases. September 2025 applied the rules to adults 18-54 without children under 18. November 2025 expanded the age range to 64 and reduced the dependent child threshold to under 14.
The 20-Hour Requirement
Affected recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in an approved education or training program for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). This must be reported to the County Assistance Office. Searching for a job outside an official program does not count.
The Three-Month Time Limit
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityRecipients who do not meet the work requirement or qualify for an exemption can only receive SNAP for three months within a three-year period. In Pennsylvania, the earliest potential benefit loss was December 2025. The three-month clock starts when you are approved or recertified for benefits.
Which Veterans Still Qualify for Exemptions
Veterans who do not meet the work requirement may still qualify for exemptions based on disability, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances. The veteran exemption is gone, but many other exemptions remain.
Disability Exemption
Veterans who are physically or mentally unable to work qualify for an exemption, regardless of whether they receive VA disability benefits. The key question is whether your condition prevents you from working 20 hours per week.
If you believe you qualify, fill out a Medical Exemption Form and contact your caseworker. The form allows a medical professional to verify your work-limiting condition.
Other Qualifying Exemptions
| Exemption | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Dependent child | Living in a SNAP household with a child under 14 |
| Disability | Physically or mentally unable to work |
| Caregiver | Needed in the home to care for an ill or disabled person |
| Pregnancy | Currently pregnant |
| Unemployment compensation | Receiving or applied for UC |
| Domestic violence | Unable to work due to domestic violence |
| Treatment program | Participating in drug or alcohol treatment |
| Homeless | Living in shelter or temporary housing |
| Temporary unemployment | Expect to return to work within 60 days |
These exemptions remain available to veterans and non-veterans alike.
The Medical Exemption Process
If you cannot work due to a physical or mental health condition, the Medical Exemption Form is your primary path to protecting SNAP benefits. Your caseworker will provide the form or you can request it from your County Assistance Office. A licensed medical provider must complete the form verifying your condition. Submit it promptly—delays can result in benefit termination.
How to Meet the Work Requirement If You Don‘t Qualify for an Exemption
Veterans who do not qualify for an exemption can comply with the work requirement through employment, volunteering, or approved training programs. The requirement is 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month.
Work Options
Paid employment of at least 20 hours per week automatically satisfies the requirement. Report your hours to your County Assistance Office.
Combining work and other activities: If your paid work is less than 20 hours, you can combine it with unpaid work, volunteering, or training to reach 20 hours weekly.
Volunteering
Volunteering for a nonprofit or community organization counts toward the requirement. The organization must complete Form PA 1938 for you. You must also complete an Employment Development Plan at your County Assistance Office and be assigned to a monitoring program.
The number of volunteer hours required equals your SNAP grant divided by $7.25 (minimum wage). For example, a single person receiving $292 monthly in SNAP must volunteer 41 hours per month.
Education and Training
Participation in an approved employment and training program counts at 20 hours per week. The program must be officially registered with the state. Job searching outside an official program does not count.
Reporting Requirements
You must report your work, training, or volunteer hours to your County Assistance Office. If your hours drop below the required level, you must report the change within 10 days so the state can track your three-month clock.
How to Apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania
Apply for SNAP through Pennsylvania‘s COMPASS online system or at your County Assistance Office. The application process is the same for veterans and non-veterans.
Step-by-Step Application
Complete the PA SNAP application through COMPASS (compass.state.pa.us) or at your County Assistance Office
Provide documentation of income, household composition, and expenses
Complete the ABAWD questionnaire if you receive one, which asks about veteran status and VA disability benefits
Submit Medical Exemption Form if claiming disability-based exemption
Attend an interview if required by your caseworker
Receive determination within 30 days (7 days for expedited benefits)
Required Documents
Proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID)
Social Security numbers for all household members
Proof of income (pay stubs, VA benefit letters, unemployment)
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)
Medical Exemption Form (if claiming disability exemption)
VA disability documentation (if applicable)
Processing Times
Initial SNAP applications are processed within 30 days. Expedited benefits are available within 7 days for households with very low income and resources.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
Veterans often make preventable errors that result in benefit loss. Understanding these mistakes helps protect your SNAP benefits.
Assuming Veteran Status Still Exempts You
The veteran exemption was removed effective November 1, 2025. Relying on outdated information will result in benefit termination after three months.
Ignoring the DHS Screening Survey
Pennsylvania DHS sends voluntary screening surveys to potentially affected recipients. Completing and returning this survey helps determine whether you qualify for an exemption based on medical needs or life circumstances. Ignoring it delays your exemption determination.
Failing to Report Hours
If you are meeting the work requirement, you must report your hours. The state tracks compliance and will terminate benefits if you do not document your hours.
Missing the 10-Day Reporting Window
If your work hours drop below 20 per week, you must report the change within 10 days. Failing to report can result in incorrect benefit payments that you may have to repay.
Not Submitting the Medical Exemption Form
Veterans with work-limiting conditions may qualify for the disability exemption. The Medical Exemption Form must be completed by a medical provider and submitted promptly. Waiting until benefits are terminated makes reinstatement more difficult.
Common Questions
Are Pennsylvania veterans exempt from SNAP work requirements?
No. The veteran exemption was removed effective November 1, 2025, by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Veterans aged 18-64 without dependent children under 14 must now meet work requirements or qualify for another exemption like disability.
What is the SNAP work requirement in Pennsylvania?
Affected recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in an approved training program for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours monthly). The requirement applies to adults 18-64 without dependent children under 14 who are physically and mentally able to work.
How long can I receive SNAP without meeting work requirements?
Three months within a three-year period. After exhausting those months, you lose SNAP eligibility until you meet the work requirement or qualify for an exemption.
Can I qualify for an exemption if I receive VA disability benefits?
Receiving VA disability benefits alone does not automatically exempt you. The exemption is based on whether you are physically or mentally unable to work 20 hours per week. You must complete the Medical Exemption Form and have it verified by a medical provider.
What happens if I am 100% VA disabled?
If your VA disability prevents you from working, you likely qualify for the disability exemption. Submit the Medical Exemption Form with documentation of your condition. VA rating alone does not exempt you, but the underlying condition may.
How do I report my work hours for SNAP?
Contact your County Assistance Office or call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. In Philadelphia, call 215-560-7226. Report any changes within 10 days.
What counts as an approved training program?
Officially registered employment and training programs, GED classes, ESL classes, Adult Basic Education, college classes, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs count. Job searching outside an official program does not.
Can volunteering satisfy the work requirement?
Yes. You must volunteer at a nonprofit or community organization that completes Form PA 1938 for you. You also need an Employment Development Plan at your County Assistance Office. Hours required equal your SNAP grant divided by $7.25.
What if I am homeless?
The homeless exemption was also removed by the OBBB. Homeless veterans must meet work requirements or qualify for another exemption. However, if you are staying with family or friends for 90 days or less, you may still qualify under a different exemption category.
How do I appeal a SNAP termination?
You can request a fair hearing through your County Assistance Office or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Appeals must typically be requested within 90 days of the termination notice. Contact your caseworker for assistance.
Key Takeaways
Veterans lost automatic SNAP exemption on November 1, 2025, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Work requirement is 20 hours weekly (80 monthly) for adults 18-64 without dependent children under 14
Three-month time limit applies to those who do not meet the requirement or qualify for an exemption
Disability exemption remains available if you are physically or mentally unable to work
Medical Exemption Form is the primary tool for veterans with work-limiting conditions
DHS screening surveys should be completed promptly to determine exemption eligibility
Report changes within 10 days to avoid incorrect payments and benefit disruption
Other exemptions still exist including dependent children, caregiving, pregnancy, and domestic violence
Official Resources
PA Department of Human Services SNAP Work Requirements — dhs.pa.gov/work
COMPASS Application System — compass.state.pa.us
USDA SNAP Work Requirements — fns.usda.gov/snap/work-requirements
PA DHS Statewide Customer Service Center — 1-877-395-8930
Philadelphia SNAP Customer Service — 215-560-7226
VA Disability Benefits — VA.gov/disability
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
