The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is becoming available to more Pennsylvanians who need the program’s aid.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE | As of October 1st, the income threshold to be applicable for SNAP was increased to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPIG). The increase is estimated to allow another 420,000 Pennsylvania residents to receive SNAP benefits.
“Being able to eat and nourish yourself every day is one of the most essential building blocks to living well and doing everything else in life. It’s easy to take for granted, but for too many people, being able to afford your next meal isn’t a given. SNAP helps to make that possible,” said Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary, Meg Snead. “Expanding eligibility for SNAP allows us to extend a reprieve to people who may be struggling so we can help more Pennsylvanians meet this most essential need that literally fuels us to live, work, grow, and thrive, and I strongly encourage Pennsylvanians not currently using this program to apply and see if SNAP can help them make a little extra room in their monthly budget.”
The Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility for SNAP allows states such as Pennsylvania the ability to set income thresholds for SNAP benefits despite SNAP being a federal program. Currently, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has set the income threshold for SNAP benefits to 160 percent of FPIG for applicants without an elderly or disabled individual within the household.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Huan Services, the new household monthly income limits for all households to be eligible for SNAP are as follows:
Household Size 200% Increase in FPIG
- 1 $2,266
- 2 $3,052
- 3 $3,840
- 4 $4,626
- 5 $5,412
- 6 $6,200
- 7 $6,986
- 8 $7,772
- 9 $8,560
- 10 $9,348
Each additional member $788
Applications for SNAP and other public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us.
NAP and Medicaid applications are accepted by phone by calling the Consumer Service Center at 1-866-550-4355.
Clients can reach online services or need assistance through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are also available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance.
