{"id":771,"date":"2025-09-04T14:44:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/?page_id=771"},"modified":"2026-04-15T16:40:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T20:40:33","slug":"snapalert","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/snapalert\/","title":{"rendered":"SNAP Alert"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-swiftype-index=\"true\">\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  <br>\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"container\" id=\"main_header\">\r\n\r\n\r\n     <!-- BEGIN readspeaker div -->\r\n\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve\" id=\"readspeaker_button1\">\r\n\r\n\r\n      <a class=\"rsbtn_play\" href=\"https:\/\/app-na.readspeaker.com\/cgi-bin\/rsent?customerid=7262&amp;lang=en_us&amp;readid=main_content&amp;url=https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/snapalert\/\" title=\"Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker\">\r\n\r\n\r\n        <span class=\"rsbtn_left rsimg rspart\"><span class=\"rsbtn_text\"><span>Listen<\/span><\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n        <span class=\"rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n      <\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <!-- END readspeaker div -->\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n    <header class=\"pull-left\">\r\n\r\n\r\n      <h1><!--[type=EDIT name=\"Page Title\"]--><!--[END]--><\/h1>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <\/header>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <\/div><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"container\">\r\n\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"row\">\r\n\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"col-md-3\" id=\"leftCol\">\r\n\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\">\r\n\r\n\r\n          <div class=\"panel sectionmenu_panel\">\r\n\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"panel-heading\">\r\n\r\n\r\n              <p class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"agency_nav\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapseOne\"><strong><i class=\"fa fa-align-justify fa-fw\"><\/i> Social Services  Menu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"panel-collapse collapse in\" id=\"collapseOne\">\r\n\r\n\r\n              <div class=\"panel-body\" id=\"clf_nav\">\r\n\r\n\r\n                  <ul class=\"nav nav-stacked nav-pills-clf\" id=\"agency_sidebar\">\r\n    <li><a href=\"\/dss\/\"><h2>Home <i class=\"fa fa-home fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a><\/li>\r\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#agency_sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#HomeMenu\"><h2>About <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\r\n    <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"HomeMenu\">\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/about.html\">About DSS<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/sections.html\">Sections &amp; Programs<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/faq.html\">FAQs<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n  \r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/contact.html\">Contact Information<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/ofclocations.html\">Office Locations<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n  <\/ul><\/li>\r\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#ServicesMenu\"><h2>Services <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\r\n    <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"ServicesMenu\">  \r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/assist.dhss.delaware.gov\/\">ASSIST<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/cashast.html\">Cash Assistance<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/genast.html\">General Assistance<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/refast.html\">Refugee Cash Assistance<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/tanf.html\">Temporary Assistance (TANF)<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/foodstamps.html\">Food Supplement Program<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/childcr.html\">Child Care<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/fpl.html\">Income and Eligibility<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n  <\/ul><\/li>\r\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#InformationMenu\"><h2>Information <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\r\n    <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"InformationMenu\">\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/regs.html\">Regulations<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/pubs.html\">Publications &amp; Forms<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n    <li>\r\n      <a href=\"\/dss\/repstats.html\">Reports &amp; Statistics<\/a>\r\n    <\/li>\r\n  <\/ul><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n              <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n          <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n        <\/div><br>\r\n\r\n\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"col-md-9\" id=\"main_content\"> \r\n\r\n\r\n  <!--[type=HTMLEDIT name=\"Content\"]-->\r\n<font color=\"black\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"image-text-container\">\r\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/10\/SNAP-Alert.jpg\" alt=\"SNAP Alert\">\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<br>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"info-box\">\r\n<h2>Important news about SNAP food benefits for noncitizens<\/h2>\r\n<p>A new federal law changes which noncitizens can get SNAP food benefits. This change started in Delaware on April 1, 2026. <\/p>\r\n\r\nUnder the new law, only these groups are eligible for food benefits:\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>U.S. citizens<\/li>\r\n\t<li>U.S. nationals<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Cuban and Haitian entrants<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) who have held LPR status for at least 5 years, or who qualify for an exemption from the 5-year waiting period for food benefits<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<p>If you do not have one of these statuses, you will not be able to get SNAP food benefits after your next renewal or if you apply again. People in your food benefit household with one of these statuses can keep getting benefits as long as they still meet the other eligibility requirements. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you have questions or need to tell us about a change in your immigration status, call 1-866-843-7212 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. \u2013 4:30 p.m.). We know these rules can be hard to understand. We are here to help and can go over your situation with you. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>Reminder About Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><h2>Act now to avoid losing your food benefits! <\/h2> <\/p>\r\n<p>If you received a notice from DHSS about SNAP benefits but have not yet verified your work or exemption information with your case manager, call <strong>1-866-843-7212<\/strong> today! <\/p>\r\n<h2>3 ways to keep your SNAP food benefits: <\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Prove you work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program<\/strong> at least 80 hours every month. <br>\r\n<em>or<\/em><\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Provide a signed form from your doctor<\/strong> saying you are physically or mentally unable to work. <br>\r\n<em>or<\/em><\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Meet an approved federal exemption.<\/strong> Keep scrolling to learn more below. <\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <div class=\"wrap\" id=\"main_content\" role=\"main\">\r\n    <h1>SNAP Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\r\n\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>How can I make sure I keep getting SNAP food benefits? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">To keep getting SNAP food benefits in Delaware, you must be able to show you meet the work requirements of the federal government. This means you must spend at least 80 hours every month working and\/or participating in the SNAP Employment and Training Program.\r\n\r\nThese new rules are part of the federal budget bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in July 2025. If you cannot prove that you meet the new work requirements, you risk losing your SNAP benefits.\r\n<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>Do SNAP work requirements apply to me? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">If you live in Delaware and currently get SNAP food benefits, and you fall under the new work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), you must be able to prove that you spend at least 80 hours working and\/or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program each month.\r\n\r\nIf you do not meet these new federal work requirements, you risk losing your SNAP food benefits.\r\n\r\nUnder the federal government\u2019s SNAP work requirements, effective November 1, 2025, you are considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) and no longer exempt from work requirements if you:\r\n\r\n\u2022\tCurrently receive food benefits.\r\n\u2022\tAre 18-64 years old.\r\n\u2022\tDo not have children under 14 living with you.\r\n\u2022\tAre physically and mentally able to work.\r\n\r\n<strong>Note:<\/strong> Being homeless, a veteran, or in foster care at the age of 18 is no longer considered an exemption from work requirements.\r\n<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>Is there anything I need to do to make sure I keep getting my SNAP food benefits? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">It is <strong>your responsibility<\/strong> to contact your case manager at <strong>1-866-843-7212<\/strong> to prove you are meeting the SNAP work requirements or have an approved documented exemption.\r\n\r\nIt is also very important to keep your contact information up-to-date with the Delaware Division of Social Services so we can reach you with any new information about your SNAP food benefits. Talk with your case manager, visit a Delaware State Service Center, or call <strong>1-866-843-7212<\/strong> to let us know if your contact information changes, or if your health or living situation changes and may qualify you for an exemption.\r\n <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>How will I know if my SNAP benefits are at risk of ending because of work requirements? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">Watch your mail for an official letter from DHSS if SNAP work requirements apply to you. DHSS will mail you an official notice through the U.S. Postal Service to the address we have on file for you. This letter will notify you of the change in federal work requirements and remind you to verify your information with your DSS case worker. It is your responsibility to update your case manager with your work information, or proof of an approved exemption from work requirements. It is also your responsibility to make sure we have a current mailing address to reach you.\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/details>\r\n\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>What if I have a disability that keeps me from being able to work? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">If you believe you are unable to work due to a disability, contact your case manager at <strong>1-866-843-7212<\/strong> for a Medical Exemption Form to be completed and signed by your doctor. <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details>\r\n      <summary>I need help finding and keeping a job. How do I sign up for the SNAP Employment and Training Program? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">If you need help finding and keeping a job, the Delaware Division of Social Services SNAP Employment and Training program can help you learn work skills, find a job, or choose an education or job training program. Participating in this program also counts toward the SNAP work requirements so you continue to get SNAP food benefits. Contact Career Team at <strong>302-654-4949<\/strong> or <a href=\"mailto:teamdelaware@careerteam.com\">teamdelaware@careerteam.com<\/a>. <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <details>\r\n      <summary>What happens if my work hours get cut? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">If your work hours drop below 80 hours a month (20 hours per week), you must let your case manager know within 10 days. Call <strong>1-866-843-7212<\/strong>. <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <details>\r\n      <summary>What changed with SNAP work requirement exemptions on November 1, 2025? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">Starting November 1, 2025:\r\n\r\n  \u2022 The upper age limit for SNAP work exemptions changed from 54 to 64. This means if you are between the ages of 55 and 64, you are no longer exempt from SNAP work requirements based on age alone. \r\n  \u2022 The exemption based on the age of a child living with you changed from 18 to 14. This means if you have a child living with you who is 14 or older, you are no longer exempt from SNAP work requirements based on the child\u2019s age alone. \r\n  \u2022 The exemption from SNAP work requirements for those who are homeless ended October 31, 2025. \r\n  \u2022 The exemption from SNAP work requirements for those who are veterans ended October 31, 2025. \r\n  \u2022 The exemption for those who were in foster care on their 18th birthday ended October 31, 2025. This means you are no longer exempt until age 24. \r\n  \u2022 New exceptions were added for an \u201cIndian\u201d, \u201cUrban Indian\u201d, and \u201cCalifornia Indian\u201d as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong>Note:<\/strong> the U.S. Department of Agriculture \u2013 Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) waived the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirement for November 2025 due to the federal government shutdown and uncertainty around November benefits. <\/li><\/ul>\r\n <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <details>\r\n      <summary>Are there still any exemptions from the SNAP work requirements? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">You may be exempt from the SNAP work requirements if you can say yes to <strong>at least one<\/strong> of these exemptions:\r\n\r\n \u2022 You are younger than age 18.\r\n \u2022 You are age 65 or older. <strong>(Note: The federal government changed this from 54 to 64 on 11\/1\/2025)<\/strong>\r\n \u2022 You are unable to work because of a physical or mental health reason.\r\n \u2022 You are pregnant.\r\n \u2022 You are an \u201cIndian,\u201d \u201cUrban Indian,\u201d or \u201cCalifornia Indian\u201d as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. (Note: The federal government added these exemptions on 11\/1\/2025.) \r\n \u2022 You are living with someone in your house who is younger than age 14. (Note: The federal government changed this exemption from 18 to 14 on 11\/1\/2025)\r\n \u2022 You are taking care of a child younger than age 6 or someone who needs help caring for themself.\r\n \u2022 You are already working at least 30 hours a week.\r\n \u2022 You are already earning $217.50 or more per week in wages.\r\n \u2022 You are receiving unemployment benefits, or you applied for unemployment benefits.\r\n \u2022 You are going to school, college, or a training program at least half time.\r\n \u2022 You are meeting the work rules for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).\r\n \u2022 You are participating in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program.\r\n\r\n<strong>If you said yes to at least one of these exemptions, talk to your case manager or call 1-866-843-7212. If your exemption is approved, you will continue to receive your SNAP food benefits.<\/strong>\r\n <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <details>\r\n      <summary>Do I need to prove that I meet the SNAP work requirements? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">Yes. It is <strong>your responsibility<\/strong> to contact your case manager to prove you are meeting the SNAP work requirements.\r\n <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n<details>\r\n      <summary>Who can help me make sure I don\u2019t lose my SNAP benefits? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">Delaware officials cannot change the rules of this federal law, but we are here to help you learn what you need to do to keep getting your SNAP food benefits. Contact your case manager at <strong>1-866-843-7212<\/strong> or visit a Delaware State Service Center to prove you are meeting the new work requirements, so you do not lose your SNAP benefits.\r\n <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n<details>\r\n      <summary>What if I need food assistance? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">Delaware is a state of neighbors who care about one another. If you need help stretching your food budget, these resources may be able to help: \r\n\r\n<strong>Delaware 211<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/delaware211.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Food Assistance | Delaware 211<\/a>   \r\n\u2022 Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372   \r\n\u2022 Text your ZIP code to 898-211 \r\n\r\n<strong>Food Bank of Delaware<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fbd.org\/get-help\/community-food-pantries\/\" target=\"_blank\">Food Bank of Delaware Community Food Pantries<\/a>   \r\n\u2022 New Castle County: (302) 292-1305   \u2022 Kent and Sussex Counties: (302) 424-3301 \r\n\r\nDelaware State Service Center Food Pantries   \u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/stateservices\/\" target=\"_blank\">Delaware State Service Center Locations<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n<details>\r\n      <summary>How can I check my EBT balance? <\/summary>\r\n      <div class=\"panel\">\r\n        <div class=\"content\">To check your balance, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.connectebt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">www.ConnectEBT.com<\/a> or call 1-800-526-9099. Don\u2019t forget to lock your card, protect your PIN, and stay SNAP safe!\r\n <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  <!--[END]-->\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <\/div><!-- \/container -->\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Listen Social Services Menu Home About About DSS Sections &amp; Programs FAQs Contact Information Office Locations Services ASSIST Cash Assistance General Assistance Refugee Cash Assistance Temporary Assistance (TANF) Food Supplement Program Child Care Income and Eligibility Information Regulations Publications &amp; Forms Reports &amp; Statistics Important news about SNAP food benefits for noncitizens A new federal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-771","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=771"}],"version-history":[{"count":42,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":913,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/771\/revisions\/913"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}