SNAP Reporting Text Reminders
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is launching a new text message program from July to September 2026, in partnership with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and Code for America.
Starting July 20, 2026, PA DHS will send Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) and reporting requirements text reminders to SNAP recipients in the following counties: Bucks, Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia, and York.
These text messages will be sent to SNAP-only recipients who are subject to SAR.
The text message types are as follows. Please note that the { } indicate where specific information about the SNAP recipient will be included in the text.
SAR Reminder
- Reminds recipients to complete their SAR
- One notification, sent one day before SAR is due
- Text: PA DHS: Hi {firstname}. Complete your Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) form by {deadline}. Include proof of all household income for {SAR_income_month}. Submit at https://dhs.pa.gov/compass or myCOMPASS PA app. If you don’t, you may lose your SNAP benefits. If you already did it, ignore this message. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for more information.
Late/Incomplete (L/IN) Notice:
- Informs recipients they need to complete their SAR or risk losing benefits
- One notification, sent on the late/incomplete notice mail date
- Text content: PA DHS: Hi {firstname}. Our records show that you didn’t submit or fully complete your Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) form. You may not get SNAP benefits. If we get your form by {deadline}, you can get SNAP again. Submit at https://dhs.pa.gov/compass or myCOMPASS PA app. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for more information.
Reporting Requirement Reminder for SAR Households
- Prompts recipients to report an increase in household income if it exceeds the 130% federal poverty income limit for their household size, and any household changes since their last application, SAR, or renewal submission
- One reminder, sent 3 months post-application/SAR/renewal
- PA DHS: Hi {firstname}. Report changes if your total household income before taxes is over {income_threshold} monthly, or if anyone moves in/out. You have 10 days from the change to report for SNAP at https://dhs.pa.gov/compass or myCOMPASS PA app. More info: https://dhs.pa.gov/SAR. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for more information.
If you receive these texts, you can be sure the messages are legitimate if your phone shows the messages came from the PA DHS 69217 number.
More information is available on the SAR page at dhs.pa.gov/SAR