SNAP Changes Under H.R. 1: What Pennsylvania Faces, and How It Can Respond
Of the sweeping changes that the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, or H.R 1, has implemented, the hottest topic is the overhaul of SNAP benefits across the country. Designed to dramatically reduce federal spending, the bill reshapes SNAP eligibility, work requirements, and funding avenues. States will absorb much of the fallout through higher administrative costs and new funding obligations.
The Major Changes
While some states have always had work requirements, the law now states that all recipients “over 17 and under 65” must work, volunteer, or be otherwise enrolled in a training program for 80 hours/month.
The new plan also cuts the federal reimbursement rate, or the share of SNAP costs covered by the federal government, from 50% to 25% starting in FY27. It also creates a cost-sharing requirement for SNAP allotments beginning in FY2028—the state share would increase to 5%, 10%, or 15% when a state’s payment error rate exceeds 6%, 8% or 10%, respectively. If a state’s error rate is less than 6%, then it avoids the new cost-sharing payments, and the federal government continues covering its portion of the benefits.
Of the direct fiscal changes, the bill cut SNAP funding by $186 billion over the next decade. The bill also eliminated SNAP eligibility for non-citizens, with exceptions for refugees, asylum seekers, and certain lawful permanent residents.
National Impacts
On a widespread scale, millions of families are projected to lose benefits entirely or see reductions. The Urban Institute has a wide analysis of the numbers, and has predicted that 2.7 million families or 5.4 million people will be affected. 1.5 million families may lose benefits entirely, and those losing some of their benefits could lose $254 per month on average.
Assistant Professor of Cardiology Sameed Khatana, MD, from Penn co-conducted research to quantify the mortality rate for those who will lose SNAP benefits. SNAP access, the research shows, helped lower rates of diabetes and prevent deaths from heart disease. Their estimation states that SNAP cuts will result in 93,000 premature deaths between now and 2039.
It’s no secret that SNAP benefits rural areas, due to lower food costs and expanded markets for farmers. This stands to change with the cuts that the OBBB makes, exacerbating food insecurity in regions already grappling with access.
Pennsylvania Implications
Governor Shapiro’s office estimates that 140,000-144,000 Pennsylvanians face losing SNAP benefits due to the changes. For context, around 2 million residents—or 15% of PA’s population—currently rely on SNAP. Benefits may also be reduced, in part, because the state’s error rate hovered around 10.7-10.8% in 2024, exceeding the new law’s threshold. This would require the state to contribute 15% of the benefit cost beginning in FY28—if the error rate remains the same in FY27. These funding gaps are, unsurprisingly, a major source of concern for the state’s bank account, with Governor Shapiro claiming that the Commonwealth simply can’t backfill the funding gaps.
Locally, food pantries already operate at max capacity and will face a surge in demand. SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal from a food bank, and cuts will stress charitable organizations. Rural hospitals and grocery stores will also face ripple effects, with reduced spending harming local farms and small grocery businesses.
Not all is lost: the state has avenues of mitigating the impact. These include simplifying and streamlining SNAP operations, upgrading systems to reduce error rates, and using public education campaigns to inform residents about processing and paperwork to avoid errors. Supportive services like food vouchers and local aid will become even more important, and strengthening local safety nets like food banks, supporting grocer partnerships, and raising awareness are all vehicles that might help to ease the impact.
The Shapiro administration has already proposed increasing funding for programs like the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and the State Food Purchase Program, which connect low-income Pennsylvanians with local food banks. The administration says addressing root causes, such as minimum wage and increased living costs, is also essential.
Pennsylvania faces a policy chasm: a federal bill that slashes funding with few local buffers in place. Yet the Commonwealth is not without options. Creative policymaking, partnerships, and coordination are the best path forward to keep families fed and support our rural communities. We’ll be keeping you updated as the changes unfold.
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