How To Apply For Pennsylvania Food Stamps
View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in Pennsylvania. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Pennsylvania SNAP hotline at 800-692-7462 or TDD: 800-451-5886. The department that handles this program is called the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the new name for the food stamp program. These benefits are used to buy food and help eligible low-income households in Pennsylvania obtain more nutritious diets by increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. If you are eligible, you will receive a Pennsylvania Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card which is used to make food purchases at grocery stores and supermarkets.
Apply for Pennsylvania food stamps
There are a couple of different ways to apply for Pennsylvania SNAP. If you do not know if you are eligible, you may still apply. You can apply for or renew your SNAP benefits online by using their website, COMPASS. COMPASS is an online site that allows you to apply for food stamps and many other services that can help you make ends meet.
Or if you prefer, you can download an application (English version - Spanish version) and fill it out. Once you have completed the form you can then submit it in person at your local county assistance office. If you need help completing the application form or need more information about benefits, trained county assistance office staff can help you. The following persons may apply:
- The head of the household
- The spouse of the head of household
- Any other responsible household member or
- A designated authorized representative, who can be a friend, relative, neighbor, or anyone else the applicant trusts to go food shopping and use his or her SNAP benefits
Simple SNAP application for elderly or disabled households
You can use this application (English version - Spanish version) for SNAP benefits if everyone in the household is age 60 or older or disabled and purchases and prepares food together and does not receive any earnings from work. A household is a group of people who usually purchase and prepare meals together. People in the household are not required to be related.
What are the minimum and maximum monthly benefit amounts?
| Family Size | Maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 | $192 |
| 2 | $352 |
| 3 | $504 |
| 4 | $640 |
| 5 | $760 |
| 6 | $913 |
| 7 | $1,009 |
| 8 | $1,153 |
| 9 | $1,297 |
| 10 | $1,441 |
| Each Additional | $144 |
The minimum benefit for eligible households is $15.
What are the income eligibility requirements?
To get SNAP benefits, your income has to be under certain limits. SNAP households may receive deductions from their gross income for things like housing costs, child or dependent care payments, and medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled people.
If you have questions about SNAP you may call the Department of Human Services Helpline toll-free at 800-692-7462 (800-451-5886 TDD number for individuals with hearing impairments) or your local county assistance office.
What should I do if I need food right away?
Contact your regional food bank and ask for the nearest food distribution site. For information on food banks in your area visit feedingamerica.org or contact your local county assistance office.
Pennsylvania SNAP Income Limits
If your gross monthly income (based on your household size) is less than or equal to the amount in the table below, you might qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The best way to determine if your household will qualify for Pennsylvania food stamps is to apply.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income | Maximum Gross Monthly Income for households that contain an elderly or disabled member |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,608 | $2,010 |
| 2 | $2,166 | $2,708 |
| 3 | $2,723 | $3,404 |
| 4 | $3,280 | $4,100 |
| 5 | $3,838 | $4,798 |
| 6 | $4,395 | $5,494 |
| 7 | $4,952 | $6,190 |
| 8 | $5,510 | $6,888 |
| 9 | $6,068 | $7,586 |
| 10 | $6,626 | $8,284 |
| Each Additional | +$558 | $698 |
SNAP Work Requirements (ABAWDS)
SNAP recipients that are known as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) will see a change in their benefits and requirements. An ABAWD is a benefit recipient, ages 18 through 49 with no dependents, who must work or participate in a work program to maintain eligibility for SNAP.
What are the changes?
ABAWDs will need to now fulfill work requirements in order to continue to receive SNAP benefits. The work requirements are one of the following:
- Work an average of at least 80 hours per month
- Participate in, and comply with, a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program, a Trade Adjustment Assistance Act program, or an approved employment training program for 80 hours or more per month
- Participate in an approved program for 20 hours or more per week.
Individuals who do not complete any of the described work requirements will receive three months of SNAP benefits during a fixed three-year period. DHS will notify all ABAWDs regarding these changes by letter.