New SNAP Work and Education Program Certification Process
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) recently announced a new initiative to certify more eligible work and education programs that serve SNAP recipients. This new certification program will increase the number of work and education providers available statewide, which will help SNAP recipients meet their federal work and community engagement reporting requirements so that they can keep food on their tables.
Through the new process, work and education programs that are not currently contracted as DHS SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) programs but provide similar services can apply for certification through PA DHS.
This certification is only through PA DHS and helps ensure SNAP recipients are meeting federal work and community engagement requirements by participating in the program.
The certification program eligibility criteria and application form is available on PA DHS’ website.
Previously, there was no way for other work and education programs to receive PA DHS certification. This new, simple process requires some basic information about the organization, the number of anticipated participant slots, and typical weekly program hours.
Streamlining the program certification process means that more Pennsylvanians who are already participating in a work, education, or training program can meet their federal work and community engagement reporting requirements to remain eligible for SNAP benefits while they invest in their future success.
PA DHS encourages work and education programs that are not already a PA DHS SNAP E&T program to apply for certification if they already provide work and education services to SNAP recipients and meet the outlined criteria. Please note that becoming DHS-certified as a qualified SNAP work and education program recognizes that a program meets the requirements of a SNAP E&T program and does not mean state or federal funding will be available for this program.
Questions
If SNAP recipients have questions about how to report work, education, training, or volunteering activities, they can talk with a caseworker at DHS’ County Assistance Office or call the Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 for people living in Philadelphia).
Re-Applying for SNAP
If a Pennsylvanian loses SNAP benefits, they can reapply anytime.
PA DHS strongly encourages people to reapply if they lost benefits but have since started to meet work, training, education, or volunteering requirements or meet an exemption.
If Pennsylvanians aren’t sure whether they are eligible for SNAP benefits, PA DHS’ online screening tool can help.
By answering a quick and simple set of yes or no questions, SNAP applicants and recipients can find out if they still need to meet the work requirements, if they’ve started meeting the work requirements, or if they are likely to now be eligible for an exemption.
Social Media Post to Share
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Check your SNAP Work Requirements! Use our online screening tool to see if you must meet the new requirements and learn more: dhs.pa.gov/work
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Do You Need to Follow New SNAP Work and Reporting Requirements? Visit dhs.pa.gov/work and use the simple online screening tool to learn what you need to do to keep your SNAP benefits! Graphic showing the screening tool on a computer screen over a blue gradient background.
This is so helpful - thank you from a non-profit director - you are going above & beyond, and earnestly digest & distribute common language materials. Points gained, Pennsylvania :)