Despite recent remarks from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins describing an effort to “completely deconstruct” SNAP and require millions of recipients to reapply, federal officials have not issued any new regulations or guidance altering how benefits are currently administered.
SNAP remains fully funded through Sept. 30, 2026, following last week’s spending agreement in Congress. Benefits will continue to be issued on schedule in December and beyond, regardless of the risk of a partial government shutdown early next year.
Rollins’ recent public comments have fueled uncertainty, particularly her suggestion that all SNAP participants may be required to reapply as part of a broader crackdown on fraud. Anti-hunger advocates and legal aid organizations say no such mandate exists, and recipients should continue to follow existing procedures. In Pennsylvania and most states, those receiving SNAP must already verify their household and income information every six months and complete an annual renewal.
What has changed are several work requirements enacted this fall, tightening eligibility for many low-income adults. A new law signed in September limits states’ ability to waive work requirements, allowing exemptions only in narrow circumstances such as pregnancy, caregiving or participation in a treatment program. Additional requirements took effect Nov. 1, increasing the upper age limit for mandatory work participation from 54 to 64. Parents with dependents age 14 and over must now meet work thresholds to keep benefits, and exemptions previously applied to veterans and former foster youth ages 18 to 24 have been removed.
Under federal rules, adults ages 18 to 64 who are physically able to work and lack dependents under 14 must log at least 20 hours of work, training or approved activities each week. Applicants must also fall within income limits that vary by household size, and certain factors — such as disability or age — may increase the level of support.
Despite the administration’s rhetoric, SNAP’s core structure remains intact. Recipients do not need to file new applications unless they miss required reporting deadlines or undergo major household changes.
Source: Phila Inquirer