Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly called food stamps, helps Pennsylvanians buy groceries with an EBT Card. If you need help paying for food, you can apply.
Apply for SNAP
Find out if you're eligible
Apply for SNAP
Apply online, in person, or by mail. All Pennsylvanians who need help are encouraged to apply.  You do not need to know whether you are eligible to apply for SNAP. DHS will review your application and let you know.
Do I qualify?
To qualify for SNAP, you must meet certain rules. These are set by the federal government.
Your eligibility depends on:
Total Household Income:
Your household income must be within federal limits.
Details of your Household:
Health, disability status, and household size can affect eligibility.
Work and volunteering:
Some adults must work or volunteer to stay eligible.
Training and education:
In some cases, going to school or being in a job training program can meet the requirement.
Learn more about SNAP eligibility
Some SNAP recipients may also have to
meet work, education, or volunteering requirements
to stay eligible.
Income eligibility for benefits
Factors that determine your eligibility include household size, monthly income, and if a member of your household is 60 years old or older, or has a disability. The best way to determine if and how much your household will qualify for SNAP is to apply.
Income Verification Walkthrough video
Maximum Benefit Amounts
(effective
October 1, 2025)
How much might SNAP help my family?
The table shows the highest monthly benefit a family can receive based on family size. These benefits are not cash and can only be used on food purchases.
Family Size
Each Additional
Maximum
$298
$546
$785
$994
$1,183
$1,421
$1,571
$1,789
Add $218
SNAP Income Guidelines
(effective
October 1, 2025)
What is the income limit for my family size?
Your household’s SNAP income limit depends on multiple factors. The table shows the maximum monthly income, but the best way to know what you qualify for is to apply.
Household Size
10
Each Addt’l
Maximum Gross Monthly Income
$2,610
$3,526
$4,442
$5,360
$6,276
$7,192
$8,110
$9,026
$9,944
$10,862
$918
How to apply
Who can apply:
The head of the household
The spouse of the head of household
Any other responsible household member
A designated authorized representative (can be a friend, relative, neighbor, or community organization) anyone else the applicant trusts to go food shopping and use their SNAP benefits)
Apply now
Apply Online
Apply for SNAP online via COMPASS, Pennsylvania’s benefits management website
Go to COMPASS
Apply In Person
You can apply for SNAP and other benefits at your local county assistance office
Find Your County Assistance Office
Print an Application
You can download a paper application, complete and deliver it in person, or mail it to your local county assistance office.
English Application
Imprima una solicitud en Espanol
Puede descargar una solicitud en papel, completarla y entregarla en persona o enviarla por correo a la oficina de asistencia de su condado local.
Solicitud en Espanol
SNAP Work Requirements
A new federal law requires some SNAP recipients to work, volunteer, or be in school or a job training program to stay eligible. To keep getting benefits, you may need to report this to DHS.
Learn what this means for you and how to report your work requirements
Get help with:
Resources to help you report scams, replace lost benefits, fix account issues, and find assistance offices.
Report a scam or fraud
Replace food bought with benefits after a disaster
Fix problems with your account
Find a County Assistance Office near you
Track your application status
After you apply for benefits, you can check your application at any time. Go to trackmybenefits.pa.gov to see updates on your LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF application.
Check your status
SNAP Resources for Residents
Learn about specific support for different populations across Pennsylvania.
Older adults
Check your eligibility for SNAP if you’re more than 60 years old.
Check eligibility
College students
See if you’re eligible for SNAP benefits as a college student.
See if you qualify
Summer EBT benefits
Benefits for children may be automatically applied to eligible households. Check your eligibility for summer assistance.
Check summer benefits
Vendors
Apply to be an authorized SNAP retailer for farmers markets and direct-marketing farmers.
Apply to be a vendor
SNAP Policies & Procedures
View current SNAP policies and procedures. This includes the policy handbook, information about quality control, grants, and semi-annual reporting requirements.
View all policy-related content
Questions?
Call the Department of Human Services Helpline, toll-free, at
1-800-692-7462
(1-800-451-5886 for individuals with hearing impairments) or your
county assistance office