Text Message Pilot for SNAP Semi-Annual Reporting & Reporting Requirements
PA DHS and Code for America are partnering on a SNAP text messaging pilot program from July-September 2026.
Starting July 20, 2026, PA DHS will send Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) and reporting requirements text reminders to SNAP recipients in the following counties: Bucks, Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York.
These text messages will be sent to SNAP-only recipients who are subject to SAR.
The text messages are as follows. Note that the { } show where specific information about the SNAP recipient will be included in the text.
SAR Reminder: reminds recipients to complete their SAR
Text: PA DHS: Hi {firstname}. Complete your Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) form by {deadline}. Include proof of all household income for {SAR_income_month}. Submit at https://dhs.pa.gov/compass or myCOMPASS PA app. If you don’t, you may lose your SNAP benefits. If you already did it, ignore this message. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for more information.
Text frequency: one notification, sent one day before SAR is due
Late/Incomplete (L/IN) Notice: informs recipients that they need to complete their SAR or risk losing benefits
Text content: PA DHS: Hi {firstname}. Our records show that you didn’t submit or fully complete your Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) form. You may not get SNAP benefits. If we get your form by {deadline}, you can get SNAP again. Submit at https://dhs.pa.gov/compass or myCOMPASS PA app. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for more information.
Text frequency: one notification, sent on the late/incomplete notice mail date
Reporting Requirement Reminder for SAR Households: prompts recipients to report an increase in household income if it exceeds the 130% federal poverty income limit for their household size, and any household changes since their last application, SAR, or renewal submission.
Text content: PA DHS: Hi {firstname}. Report changes if your total household income before taxes is over {income_threshold} monthly, or if anyone moves in/out. You have 10 days from the change to report for SNAP at https://dhs.pa.gov/compass or myCOMPASS PA app. More info: https://dhs.pa.gov/SAR. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for more information.
Text frequency: one reminder, sent 3 months post-application/SAR/renewal
If SNAP recipients ask about these texts, please assure them that the messages are legitimate if their phone shows the messages came from the PA DHS 69217 number.
More information is also available on the SAR page at dhs.pa.gov/SAR, which includes a SAR FAQ.
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PA DHS and Code for America are partnering on a text messaging pilot program to remind SNAP recipients about their reporting requirements. Starting July 20, 2026, PA DHS will send Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) and reporting requirements text reminders to SNAP recipients. The text messages will come from the PA DHS 69217 number.
Learn more about SAR at dhs.pa.gov/SAR.
Alt Text:
SNAP text messaging pilot program. PA DHS and Code for America are partnering on a text messaging pilot program to remind SNAP recipients about their reporting requirements. Starting July 20, 2026, PA DHS will send Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) and reporting requirements text reminders to SNAP recipients in the following counties: Bucks, Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York. Please note that these text messages will be sent to SNAP-only cases that are subject to SAR. The text messages will come from the PA DHS 69217 number. Graphic on a blue gradient background with a mobile phone shoing the PA DHS logo, the word reminder in a text box, and the SNAP logo.