The SNAP program, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program previously known as food stamps, works in the state of Pennsylvania just like in the other 50 states and other territories such as the US Virgin Islands and Guam.
Although SNAP is administered with funds from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), these funds are distributed to all states to be distributed among beneficiaries as efficiently as possible. It is easier for a State entity or a local organization to understand the needs of its beneficiaries compared to if it were done directly by the USDA, all the way from Washington.
Currently, in the state of Pennsylvania, there are 1.88 million beneficiaries of food stamps throughout the state, of which about 667,000 are children, 353,000 are elderly adults, and about 458,000 are individuals with disabilities.
Am I Eligible for SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania?
Eligibility in the state of Pennsylvania is determined following federal guidelines from the USDA, so they are quite similar to those of other states.
Primarily, you must be a permanent resident in the state of Pennsylvania and be a US citizen or have legal residency status.
Your family income must be equal to or below the income limit set in the program. The income limit is based on household size. For example, in 2024, the income limit for a two-person household is $2,376 per month, and to know exactly what your income limit is, you can check with your local SNAP office.
The caseworker who reviews your application will also review your resources such as savings and bank accounts, which must be equal to or below certain limits.
Another requirement in Pennsylvania, as in other states, is to meet certain work obligations.
If you are between 18 and 50 years old and do not have any disabilities, you generally must meet a work requirement such as job searching while receiving SNAP benefits or participating in job training programs. Individuals aged 60 and over and those with disabilities are exempt from work requirements.
Students aged 18 to 49 are typically not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they meet certain requirements that you should check with your local SNAP office.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania
At the local level, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is responsible for administering food stamps to beneficiaries. Therefore, you can apply directly online on their official website. You can also visit the COMPASS system website where you can apply or renew your benefits when it’s time to recertify.
The head of the household or the head of the family’s spouse, as well as any other legally responsible member, can apply for SNAP benefits. Additionally, any authorized representative designated with a valid document can apply: it can be a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or anyone the applicant trusts to buy food and use their SNAP benefits.
This is particularly relevant in the case of people with disabilities that affect their mobility and prevent them not only from going to a local SNAP office to apply or perform any related procedures but also when buying food at the supermarket or store.
Simplified SNAP Benefits for Qualifying Individuals
You can use the Simple SNAP Application if all household members are 60 years or older or if they have a disability, buy and prepare food together, and do not receive any income from work:
- Simple Application for Simple Application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (English)
- Solicitud simple para el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (Spanish)
If applying online, COMPASS will detect if you qualify for the simplified application and provide it for you.
