Changes to federal law require certain SNAP applicants and recipients to participate in work, education, training, and/or volunteering to continue receiving benefits.
A new PA DHS certification process is increasing the number of work and education programs to help SNAP recipients meet these requirements.
Pittsburgh, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration met with students and representatives from local SNAP employment and training (E&T) partners to discuss how SNAP E&T programs help students learn and prepare for careers while putting food on the table for themselves and their families.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) Executive Deputy Secretary Andrew Barnes and Office of Income Maintenance Deputy Secretary Hoa Pham toured Trade Institute of Pittsburgh and talked about how SNAP employment and training programs help students meet new federal work and community engagement requirements, enabling them to keep SNAP benefits.
“Having enough to eat and having access to nutritious food is one of our most basic needs. It’s what helps us be healthy enough to learn, work, raise our families, and live with dignity, which is something we all deserve,” said Executive Deputy Secretary Barnes. “The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is working tirelessly to streamline and simplify our processes to help SNAP recipients meet new federal requirements and maintain SNAP benefits. We are proud to continue partnering with and expanding our network of employment and training providers and community-based and non-profit organizations across the Commonwealth that are dedicated to creating opportunities for their communities.”
PA DHS administers several SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Programs, which provide access to the education and training SNAP recipients need to pursue their goals, succeed in the workforce, and find family-sustaining careers. In addition, PA DHS recently announced a new initiative which created a process to certify work and education programs. These programs help SNAP recipients meet federal work and reporting requirements, thereby helping them maintain their ability to feed themselves and their families.
This new process allows education and work programs that are not currently part of the DHS SNAP E&T program — but may be providing similar services to SNAP recipients — to apply for certification through PA DHS. Certified programs will be recognized as a program available to SNAP recipients to help them meet federal work and education reporting requirements signed into law by President Trump in July 2025.
Program eligibility criteria and the application form for certification is available at www.dhs.pa.gov/workprograms.
The Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP) is a non-profit organization providing tuition-free training opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment and those who need additional holistic support to begin their careers. Located in Pittsburgh’s Homewood community and founded in 2013, the Trade Institute has engaged and empowered over 1,000 men and women throughout five counties in the region to meet a growing need for skilled tradespeople. Students learn core masonry and carpentry skills and participate in career readiness, life coaching, financial wellness, and math. Graduates are matched with a family-sustaining career upon graduation and have access to ongoing support and continuing education through TIP’s flourishing Alumni Program.
“TIP provides the platform and training people need to remove barriers to employment and empowers them to secure family-sustaining careers,” said TIP Executive Director Donta Green. “SNAP is a critical support that enables workforce development programs to achieve their intended outcomes. Without food security, our students are significantly less likely to complete training and transition into sustainable employment.”
How to Meet SNAP Work Requirements
SNAP recipients with questions about work and reporting requirements should talk with a caseworker at a PA DHS’ County Assistance Office or call the Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 for people living in Philadelphia). Caseworkers can also assist with enrollment in SNAP E&T programs.
For more information on SNAP work and reporting requirements, including videos and a communications toolkit, visit dhs.pa.gov/work.
# # #
