More Pennsylvanians are eligible for SNAP benefits as of Oct. 1, 2022

Important January 2023 update in our website News section! SNAP benefits are changing: You will get only 1 payment per month starting in March 2023

https://www.lasp.org/news/changes-to-snap-and-what-to-do-2023

(Oct. 10, 2022)

Are you in need of food assistance? You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, even if you were not eligible before. On Oct. 1, 2022, the income guidelines for all applicants changed to 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. With this change, more than 420,000 additional Pennsylvanians in more than 174,000 households will now be eligible for SNAP.

Before Oct. 1, eligibility in PA was 160% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for households that do not have elderly or disabled members.

SNAP is a federal program, and SNAP benefits are funded through the federal budget, but Pennsylvania’s Dept. of Human Services sets eligibility for PA and issues the benefits.

Income guidelines for SNAP in Pennsylvania, starting Oct. 1, 2022

Household of 1 - income limit of $2,266 per month
Household of 2 - income limit of $3,052 per month
Household of 3 - income limit of $3,840 per month
Household of 4 - income limit of $4,626 per month
Household of 5 - income limit of $5,412 per month
Household of 6 - income limit of $6,200 per month
Household of 7 - income limit of $6,986 per month
Household of 8 - income limit of $7,772 per month
For every additional person, add $788

Maximum SNAP benefits

Until February 2023, if you are eligible for SNAP benefits, you will receive the maximum benefit.

Household of 1 - can receive up to $281
Household of 2 - can receive up to $516
Household of 3 - can receive up to $740
Household of 4 - can receive up to $939
Household of 5 - can receive up to $1,116
Household of 6 - can receive up to $1,339
Household of 7 - can receive up to $1,480
Household of 8 - can receive up to $1,691
For every additional person, add $211

How to apply

Information you will need to apply

To apply, you will need: Names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, and proof of income for all household members.

Application form

Application for cash assistance, SNAP, and Medical Assistance benefits (English)

Solicitud para recibir beneficios (Spanish)

Apply online or in person

Online: www.compass.state.pa.us
In person at your County Assistance Office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Bucks County: 1214 Veterans Highway, Bristol, PA 19007 (215-781-3300 or Toll-Free: 800-362-1291)
- Chester County: 100 James Buchanan Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372 (610-466-1000, or Toll-Free: 888-814-4698
- Delaware County (Crosby District) (Headquarters): 701 Crosby Street, Suite A, Chester, PA 19013 (610-447-5500)
- Delaware County (Darby District): 845 Main Street, Darby, PA 19023 (610-461-3800)
- Montgomery County (Norristown District): 1931 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401 (610-270-3500, or Toll-Free: 877-398-5571)
- Montgomery County (Pottstown District): 24 Robinson Street, Pottstown, PA 19464 (610-327-4280, or Toll-Free: 800-641-3940)
By phone: SNAP applications are accepted by phone by calling the Consumer Service Center at 866-550-4355.

Do you need help with your application?

COMPASS Helpline: 800-692-7462 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
- If you have a disability and need this application in large print or another format, please call the COMPASS Helpline at 1-800-692-7462.
- If you are hearing impaired, call TTY/TTD: 800-451-5886.
- Full contact information sheet for COMPASS
Benefits Data Trust’s Pennsylvania Benefits Center helps people apply for benefits. Call 833-373-5869 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Need legal help?

If you are denied SNAP benefits, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA may be able to help. LASP provides free civil legal aid in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Please call our Helpline, 877-429-5994, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or apply online 24/7 at lasp.org/apply.