Food & Nutrition

Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, once known as Food Stamps), helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Pennsylvania pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the ACCESS Card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your ACCESS EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Pennsylvania to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Pennsylvania SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS county offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Pennsylvania?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHS case worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Pennsylvania SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Pennsylvania SNAP online, in person, or by mail. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have an in-person or phone interview with an DHS case worker.
Wait for a decision: Most Pennsylvania SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your ACCESS Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, you and all household members applying for benefits must meet the following requirements:

You are a resident of the county where you are applying for benefits.
All household members must have a Social Security number (or apply for one).
You are a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen meeting other eligibility rules.
You meet any work requirements currently in place for able-bodied adults.
You meet the income guidelines.

The amount of money you will get in Pennsylvania SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Pennsylvania SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Pennsylvania, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some households must only meet the net income limit.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction, based on household size
Dependent care expenses
Certain housing expenses
Certain utility expenses
Legally obligated child support
Medical expenses in excess of $35 per month (for older adults and people with disabilities)

What are the Pennsylvania SNAP resource limits?

Resources refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate).

There is generally no resource limit for SNAP in Pennsylvania. If your household has a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability, and you did not meet the gross income test, you can alternatively qualify under the federal SNAP rules. Under these rules, there is no gross income limit, but there is a resource limit of $4,500.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

To apply for Pennsylvania SNAP, you will need the following for everyone in your household (try to gather as much of it as possible):

Identification for you or the head of the household (a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
Social Security numbers, birthdates, and proof of citizenship status for each person in the household
How much money each household member has in cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, etc.
Your household's monthly bills, including child care, child support, and care services for adults with disabilities
Medical bills for anyone over 60 or who has a disability
Proof of income for each person (pay stubs, etc.)
Paperwork or IDs from other benefits you receive, like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you don’t have all of this information handy, don’t worry. You can always go back and provide additional information after you’ve submitted your application. Benefits start from the day you submit your SNAP application.

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania?

There are several ways to apply for Pennsylvania SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through Pennsylvania's COMPASS website portal. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through COMPASS

To apply online:

Go to the COMPASS website and click ‘Get Started.’
- Click ‘See If You Qualify’ to check your SNAP eligibility first.
- Click ‘Apply Now’ to go straight to the application.
Once you click ‘Apply Now,’ read through the information on the next screen and click ‘Get Started.’
Review the next several screens and answer the questions provided.
If you answer that you do not have a COMPASS account, you will be prompted to create one. This is optional; however, we recommend creating an account. This will allow you to save your unfinished application, see the status of your application, and check your benefits online quickly and easily.
Once you've created your account, log in to COMPASS with your new username and password.
Follow the prompts to complete your benefits application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
For assistance, view the COMPASS Quick Reference Guide, visit the Help Center, or call the HELPLINE at 1-800-692-7462.
If English is not your primary language, click on the drop-down menu at the top right of your screen and choose the correct language.
If you are hearing impaired, call TTY/TTD at 1-800-451-5886.

APPLY IN PERSON OR BY MAIL

To apply for Pennsylvania SNAP in person or by mail, start by downloading and printing a paper application here:

SNAP Application (English)

SNAP Application (Spanish)

After filling it out, you can mail it or take it to your nearest County Assistance Office. If you don’t have a printer, you can call your local office and ask them to mail you a paper application.

Simple SNAP application

Use this shorter application if everyone in your household is 60 or older, or has a disability, prepares food together, and has no income from work. You can mail or drop off the completed application at your nearest county office.

Before you apply, have this information ready for all household members:

Dates of birth
Social Security numbers
Household income information
Household expenses information (e.g., housing costs such as rent or mortgage and medical expenses)

Download the Simple SNAP Application now: English | Spanish

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Quick SNAP benefits (within 5 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You must meet at least one of the following conditions to receive Quick SNAP:

Your household has $100 or less in available cash and bank accounts and expects to receive less than $150 in income this month.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker.
Your monthly gross income and cash on hand are less than your rent/mortgage and utility costs for this month.

Need food today? See the state list of Pennsylvania food pantries to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Pennsylvania SNAP application. You can:

Call DHS at 1-800-692-7462 (or 1-800-451-5886 if you are hearing impaired).
Contact your local county assistance office.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application (within 5 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you will need to complete an interview. This interview can take place in person at your local county assistance office, or over the phone if you are unable to get to a nearby office. DHS can interview you—or someone you choose to represent you.

To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from DHS, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHS case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Pennsylvania SNAP, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Pennsylvania, that period is 12 months. Households where all members are age 60+ and have no income are certified for 24 months.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your ACCESS EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, SNAP benefits will be deposited during the first 10 business days of the month based on the last digit of your case record number.

Other important tips to know

What if my Pennsylvania SNAP application is denied?

Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for requesting a fair hearing if you do not agree with the decision. During this hearing, a judge will review your case.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can log in to the COMPASS website to check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my Pennsylvania ACCESS card?

The best way to know your SNAP EBT card balance is to keep your last store receipt. If you lose your last receipt and need to know your balance, call the recipient hotline at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). You can also visit ConnectEBT. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount within 10 days of the change. This can be done online through COMPASS or by completing a Change Report form. Reportable changes may include:

A change in household size
An increase in household income
Reduced work hours
Lottery or gambling winnings

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania SNAP households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a renewal package. It will contain information on how to renew your benefits, which can be done online, in person, or by mail.

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