Food (updated 6/2017)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps)

What is it?
SNAP is a federal benefit program that helps families access nutritious food. SNAP recipients in Pennsylvania use an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, also known as an ACCESS card. This card works like a debit card and can be used at grocery stores, supermarkets and some farmers markets to make food purchases. SNAP benefits buy food items or seeds and plants to grow your own food.

Do I qualify?
The SNAP program will look at all kinds of factors to determine your eligibility, like whether you have an elderly or disabled person living in your household, your savings account, medical bills, etc. Eligibility is also based on monthly income and expenses.

Households where all members receive or are authorized to receive Cash Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Family Works (FW) are considered categorically eligible for SNAP, which means they do not have to meet resource or income limits.

Because eligibility varies depending on your circumstances, even if you earn more than the eligibility range below, you may still qualify. The best way to determine if your household will qualify for SNAP is to apply.

SNAP Income Guidelines
Household Size
Maximum Gross Monthly Income (10/1/2016)
Maximum Gross Monthly Income for Households that contain an elderly or disabled member

1
$1,584
$1,980
2
$2,136
$2,670
3
$2,688
$3,360
4
$3,240
$4,050
5
$3,792
$4,740
6
$4,344
$5,430
7
$4,898
$6,122
8
$5,453
$6,816
each additional member
+$555
+$694


How do I apply?
You can apply at www.compass.state.pa or in-person at your local County Assistance Office. Phone numbers for County Assistance Offices are in the County Help Chart. For questions you can call the Department of Human Services Helpline toll-free at 1-800-692-7462.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

What is it?
WIC is a federally funded program that provides healthy supplemental food and nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as for infants and children under age five.

Do I qualify?
All pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five can be eligible. Income eligibility standards must be met for new participants and for recertifying current participants. Participants must also have medical or nutritional risks, which will be determined at the certification appointment. WIC does not require proof of citizenship or alien status.

WIC Income Guidelines
Household Size
(include unborn children)
Monthly Approximate Income (7/1/2016)
Annual Income (7/1/2016)
1
$1,831
$21,978
2
$2,469
$29,637
3
$3,107
$37,296
4
$3,746
$44,955
5
$4,384
$52,614
6
$5,022
$60,273
7
$5,662
$67,951
8
$6,303
$75,647
each additional member
+$642
+$7,696


How do I apply?
Find your local WIC office in order to apply online, or you can apply in person at your local office.

National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs

What is it?
The National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs provide free or low-cost nutritious meals to school children in an effort to encourage learning in school. Children can receive these meals in school until age 18. Free Summer Food Programs are also available.

Do I qualify?
Children in families with incomes at or below 130% of the poverty level, children in families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or children in families receiving food stamp benefits are eligible.

National School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Household Size
Monthly Income for
Free Meals
(Through June 30, 2015)
Monthly Income for
Reduced Price Meals 
(Through June 30, 2015)
1
$973
$1,800
2
$1,311
$2,426
3
$1,650
$3,051
4
$1,988
$3,677
5
$2,326
$4,303
6
$2,665
$4,929
7
$3,003
$5,555
8
$3,341
$6,181
each additional member
+$339
+$626


How do I apply?
You can apply at www.compass.state.pa or in-person at your local County Assistance Office. Phone numbers for County Assistance Offices are in the County Help Chart. You can also ask your school for an application and information, or contact the Division Chief of Food and Nutrition at 1-800-331-0129.

Click here to view a printable pdf of the information on Food.