How To Apply For Food Stamps In Philadelphia

Food Stamp Income Requirements

The SNAP program has eligibility standards for both gross and net monthly income. Most people will need to fit within both the gross and net income guidelines in order to be eligible. Exceptions to this include the elderly. For households including at least one person over the age of 60, only the net income standard is applied. Another exception is those receiving TANF and SSI.

The table below shows the maximum gross and net monthly income based on family size for SNAP eligibility. The gross income is the income you make prior to any deductions. Net income is after deductions. The only exceptions to the chart below are Alaska and Hawaii, which have higher income limits due to the significant increase in cost of living.

How Do I Apply For Snap In Philadelphia Pennsylvania

People used to get paper stamps to buy food. Today, they use an Electrical Benefits Transfer Card. In Pennsylvania, this is called an ACCESS Card. It works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets and corner stores.

SNAP is the current name for the nutritional assistance program known as the: Food Stamp Program. The federal government started the Food Stamp Program more than 30 years ago to fight hunger. Now called SNAP , the program helps low-income people buy groceries. That helps them pay for other needs, like rent, heat or childcare. These programs are always free.

Housing authorities and Human resource offices are government funded entities but do not work together. One must consult their PHA if they want to complete a Section 8 application in Pennsylvania.

Other Eligibility Requirements To Get The Ebt Card And Food Stamps Benefits

In addition to the three main food stamps eligibility requirements, there are so-called Other Eligibility Requirements. Notably, as a food stamps recipient, you must have a social security number and be a citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.

Different applicant categories have various additional eligibility requirements for getting food stamps benefits in their EBT card account every month.

If you are under the age of 18, pregnant, disabled, or elderly, you may be exempt from the work requirements. All others without dependents can get the food stamps and the EBT card but for a limited time in a total of 3 months for 36 months. Here, there are exemptions also like enrolling in a state-approved workforce program or training for a new job.

Also, each state may have additional specific requirements that must be met to qualify for food stamps and get the EBT card. Learn more about Who is eligible for SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania?

The SNAP or Food Stamps help specific categories of low-income individuals that need food assistance.

Read Also: Who Do I Call For Food Stamps

Tests For The Coronavirus Are Covered By Medical Assistance

The County Assistance Office is closed to the public, but they are continuing to accept and process applications for medical assistance. Please include on your application if you have a health emergency including COVID-19.Immigrants are also able to receive emergency medical assistance for treatment. .

How To Sign Up For Ebt

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program issues food stamp and cash benefits to eligible recipients on an Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT card. Each state has an assistance program, funded by the federal government, for low-income households that meet certain eligibility requirements. To become eligible for benefits and an EBT card, you have to complete an application process, which includes submitting a list of documents. The agency determines your eligibility based on the program criteria.

Visit your local Department of Human Services office to complete an application for food stamp and cash benefits. Search your local business telephone directory or online by typing “Department of Human Services” or “Food and Nutrition Service” into a search engine to locate an office in your area.

Provide your name and the names of your dependents, address, contact and earnings information. You need to provide documentation to verify the information on your application. Obtain a list of documents that you have to submit with your application from the local office or online. Required documents may include proof of income or resources, personal identification and utility bills for identity verification.

Submit your application with the required documentation. Allow up to 30 days to have your application processed. Provide any additional information as requested.

Warnings

References

You May Like: Food Stamp Eligibility Calculator Washington State

Food Pantries Also Known As Food Banks

Food pantries offer produce and staple items in your district. Please call the pantry before you go to double check their hours of operation. The areas largest food bank, , is depicted below. They also have an on-site community garden and affordable groceries! Some agencies require a referral, ID, or proof of address.

How Do I Apply For Snap

There are several options for applying. Only one member of the households needs to apply for the total household, but everyone living in the household needs to be included on the application along with their income. Most states provide an online application to start the process. See the States website section for a link to your states website. If your state does not provide an online application or you do not have access to a computer, you can go to your local state or county office to apply.

As part of the application process, you will need to go to your local state or county office for a face-to-face interview. If you are not able to go to the local office or apply online, you can designate an authorized representative. This is someone you give authority to represent you. You have to designate the person in writing to be official. This person can be a friend or relative.

The entire process generally involves filling out an application, going in for a face-to-face interview, and providing verifications for needed information such as income, residency, and expenses. If because of age or disability, an applicant is unable to go to the office and cannot appoint a representative, the interview may be waived at the discretion of the local office. However, if the interview is waived, the applicant will have to have a phone interview or consent to a home visit instead.

Also Check: Food Stamps For College Students California

Social Security Offices Are Closed To The Public But Payments Will Continue To Go Out Each Month

Staff are still working on some time-sensitive issues such as urgent applications for benefits and fixing benefits interruptions. Social Security is stopping some actions, including overpayment collections and continuing disability reviews, until the COVID-19 crisis passes. More information about how to contact Social Security during the COVID-19 crisis, including how to start an application online or over the phone, can be found here.

Definition Of A Household

When determining eligibility, you need to provide information on all members of the household. A household, for this situation, is defined as all individuals that live together and purchase and prepare meals together. Likewise, you may have people living with you that are not considered part of your household. For example, if you rent a room to someone that does not purchase or prepare food with you, they are not part of your household. However, whatever they pay you for rent has to be counted under income.

There are two exceptions to this definition. The first is a household that includes a husband, wife, and children under 22 years of age. This group will be considered a household even if they purchase and prepare meals separately. The second exception is elderly or disabled individuals that are unable to purchase and prepare their meals independently and live with others that do.

You May Like: Income Limits For Food Stamps In Michigan

Who Can Get These Benefits

This ranges from families with kids, along with senior citizens, college students, and adults with disAbilities. Most programs do have a certain income-level to be able to qualify. For more in-depth information, see this food benefits by location guide or find out what food benefit programs are right for you.

Food Stamps For The Elderly & Disabled

It has been mentioned in the above eligibility requirements that households containing an elderly or disabled individual are held to different requirements. This includes increased limits for both income and resources. In order to fall under the special eligibility requirements, the following definitions are used.

Elderly:

• Someone that is 60 years old or older.

Disabled:

• Receives benefits through SSI, social security disability, or blindness payments.
• Receives disability or blindness payments through a state program that follows the rules of SSI.
• Receives disability retirement benefits through a government agency due to a disability that is deemed permanent according to the Social Security Act.
• Eligible for Medicare or disabled according to SSI rules and receives annuity payments under the Railroad Retirement Act.
• A veteran who is disabled, homebound, or in need of consistent aid.
• The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who is considered permanently disabled and receiving VA benefits.

SNAP eligibility is extended to many non-citizens based on their immigration status. In order to be eligible for SNAP, you must fit in one of the following qualified alien categories.

In order for non-citizens to be eligible for SNAP, they must fit into one of the above categories as well as meet one of the following conditions.

What non-citizen groups are ineligible for SNAP based on their citizenship status? There are five groups that are considered ineligible.

Excludes all vehicles

Don’t Miss: How To Renew Food Stamps Texas

Benefits And Programs To Consider

There is a number of benefits and programs for you to consider. Whether its for yourself as a senior citizen, or for your family of two young kids. There are also low-cost groceries in Philadelphia available here, which are not covered below.

Review the benefits and programs below to see which ones are right for you. There are many benefits available in the city of Philadelphia. From Food Pantries to WIC, youll be sure to find something that fits your current situation.

Using The Philadelphia County Assistance Office Food Stamps Office In Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia County Assistance Office Food Stamps Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is where you need to go to speak with program representatives. In fact, you can visit this facility no matter where you are in the enrollment process. Regardless of whether you are a first-time or renewal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applicant, a representative at this office can assist you.

At this Philadelphia food stamps office, Food Assistance Program representatives can help you manage your SNAP benefits. If you live nearby, you may need to come to this facility to submit your application or complete an interview. In any case, it is important that you know how to contact the Philadelphia County Assistance Office Food Stamps Office in Pennsylvania workers if you have any questions.

You May Like: What Grocery Stores Accept Food Stamps

Philadelphia Food Stamp Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare allows for individuals and their families to apply for food assistance and benefits through the COMPASS website, which is linked in the resources section below. The Pennsylvania Food Stamp program is known to provide benefits on a monthly basis to individuals in a low income family or household or unrelated individuals who are living together. Although anyone is allowed to apply, the program is designed only for those who need the most help and assistance. The program is part of the federal SNAP assistance plan. COMPASS allows for individuals to apply for multiple benefits, such as food stamps and other related services. More detailed information about food stamps and related services is readily made available on the COMPASS website.

For more information about access SNAP benefits in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area you can use the following contact information.

If I Apply For Food Stamps In Philadelphia Did I Apply For Snap Too

Yes. Keep in mind that the Food Stamp program in now called the SNAP program. It depends on a persons income as to whether or not they are eligible. Income includes job wages, public assistance, unemployment compensation, SSI , retirement benefits, pensions, veterans benefits and child support. Expenses include rent or mortgage, utility bills, property taxes, shelter costs and childcare.

Can someone who owns a home or a car get SNAP?

Yes. As long as they meet the income limits. People can apply for SNAP, even if:

They own a home or a car.They have a bank account.They are homeless.They have a criminal record.

Recommended Reading: If I Have Medicaid Can I Get Food Stamps

Applying For Food Stamps

What is the Food Stamp Program?The Food Stamp Program, known at the federal level as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, is a state-administered federal nutrition assistance program. Federal law sets forth the factors for eligibility and amount of benefits, while each state screens applicants, determines eligibility and is responsible for record-keeping.

How do I apply for Food Stamps?To apply for food stamps, you will have to fill out an application and provide certain supporting documents to your local food stamp processing agency.

To get an application for food stamp benefits, you can:

• Go to your local Department of Social Services and pick up an application
• Print out an application from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance webpage at www.otda.ny.gov or
• File an application online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov.

You can apply for food stamps by mail, in person, fax, online or through a third party such as a friend, relative or community agency representative.

Can I apply for other benefits at the same time I apply for Food Stamps?Yes. There is a 16-page joint application which can be used to apply for multiple services .

What documentation will I need to provide?You may need to provide the following documentation to apply for food stamps:

What happens next?The local Department of Social Services will interview you.

How To Apply For Pennsylvania Food Stamps And The Ebt Access Card

To get the EBT Card and use it in the Pennsylvania food stamps authorized stores first, you must get approved for food stamps benefits from the Pennsylvania food stamp office.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or the food stamps as it is generally known in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services provides the food stamps application or the SNAP application. You can get it also from any local DHS offices in all Pennsylvania counties. You must complete the SNAP application for food assistance and file it in person at your county assistance office or mail it to the address printed on the form. The DHS office is required to conduct an interview with you to determine your food stamps eligibility.

You can apply for Pennsylvania food stamps benefits online by visiting the Pennsylvania State website COMPASS. You have to register and open an account, then follow onscreen instructions and complete your food stamps application. Then you must fill in all the required information online. When you complete your online application you will be able to get an appointment for an interview with a DHS food assistance worker. If approved for Pennsylvania food assistance, the DHS office will mail you the EBT ACCESS card. With your EBT ACCESS card, you will be able to the food you need in all Pennsylvania food stamps authorized stores listed on this webpage table.

Read Also: Food Stamps For Elderly In Alabama