New federal requirements are now in effect for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Pennsylvania, changing what documentation households must provide to maintain benefits.
As of Feb. 9, 2026, applicants and current recipients must provide proof of shelter costs and utility responsibility at application and renewal if that information is not already on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Households that move must also submit updated documents.
Previously, recipients could self-report those expenses without providing verification.
DHS says failing to submit documentation will not cause benefits to close or an application to be rejected. However, households that do not verify shelter and utility costs will have their benefits calculated without those deductions — which could result in a lower monthly SNAP amount.
According to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the average SNAP benefit is about $170 per person, per month. Shila Ulrich, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, says the changes come as some families are already navigating expanded work requirements.
“We’re just seeing people with a lot of question marks. We’re here to help,” she said.
If families struggle with the application or recertification process, the food bank says help is available. The organization has a SNAP outreach team that assists with paperwork and determines eligibility for other benefits.
“We want to make sure that we’re contributing to making sure that neighbors have a basic need, a basic right of food,” Ulrich said.
The food bank also partners with more than 1,100 agencies across 27 counties to provide food assistance if benefits decrease or do not meet a household’s needs.
Families can find more information through DHS or the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.