More than 1.8M Pennsylvania residents qualify for food assistance. Here’s who’s eligible
Inflation has hit grocery prices harder than most other categories, with a 13% hike from September 2021 to September 2022. The increase of grocery costs is likely to worsen food insecurity rates across the country and in Pennsylvania, where more than 1 million residents already struggle to make ends meet.
About 14.5% of the commonwealth’s population, or 1.88 million people, receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as of September, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This number includes 667,153 children, 353,149 older adults and 485,813 people with disabilities.
SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, is available to certain Pennsylvania residents who meet income and other eligibility guidelines, and applications are available online and in person. Here’s what to know about getting food assistance in Pennsylvania.
Who qualifies for SNAP in Pa.? How can you know if you qualify?
Income limits may vary based on household size, whether a household member is over the age of 60 or has a disability and other factors, so the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website says the best way to know whether you qualify is to apply.
That said, the department does provide general income guidelines current as of Oct. 1. Here are the limits:
One-person household: $2,266 maximum gross monthly income
Two people: $3,052
Three people: $3,840
Four people: $4,626
Five people: $5,412
Six people: $6,200
Seven people: $6,986
Eight people: $7,772
Nine people: $8,560
Ten people: $9,348
Each additional person after 10: Add $788
How can you apply for SNAP in Pa.?
You can apply for or renew your SNAP benefits online or you can apply in person. If all members of your household are over the age of 60 or have a disability and no household member receives earnings from work, you may qualify for the Simple SNAP Application.
Those who qualify for the Simple SNAP Application may be able to receive benefits as soon as five days after applying. An interview with the county assistance office is required.
Required information to complete the application includes income, expenses, resources and social security numbers for each household member.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank keeps a directory of food pantries, soup kitchens and multi-service programs in the area. Contact information for local resources is available from the organization’s website.
