Due to the ongoing pandemic and the resulting economic uncertainty, several states have taken steps to provide additional support to individuals and families. One way this is being done is through the distribution of extra food stamps, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Pennsylvania is one of the states that has announced additional SNAP benefits for eligible recipients. The extra benefits are being provided on a temporary basis to help families struggling financially. The amount of extra benefits varies depending on the household size and income. The exact amount of extra benefits and eligibility criteria may vary, so it’s recommended to check with local authorities.
Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for good health.
SNAP benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to buy food at authorized retailers. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on the household’s income and size.
SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania
- SNAP benefits are available to low-income individuals and families who meet certain eligibility criteria.
- The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on the household’s income and size.
- SNAP benefits are provided on an EBT card, which can be used to buy food at authorized retailers.
SNAP Eligibility
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, a household must meet the following criteria:
- Have a gross income that is at or below 130% of the poverty level.
- Have net income that is at or below 100% of the poverty level.
- Have resources that are at or below $2,250 for a household of one, or $3,750 for a household of two or more.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can:
- Apply online at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
- Apply in person at your local county assistance office.
- Call the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at 1-877-395-8930.
SNAP Benefits Schedule
SNAP benefits are issued on a monthly basis. The following table shows the SNAP benefits schedule for Pennsylvania:
| Month | Benefit Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 20 |
| February | February 20 |
| March | March 20 |
| April | April 20 |
| May | May 20 |
| June | June 20 |
| July | July 20 |
| August | August 20 |
| September | September 20 |
| October | October 20 |
| November | November 20 |
| December | December 20 |
SNAP Emergency Allotments
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to millions of Americans. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided emergency allotments to SNAP recipients, increasing the amount of benefits they receive each month.
- What are SNAP emergency allotments?
SNAP emergency allotments are temporary increases in the amount of SNAP benefits that households receive. These allotments were initially authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March 2020, and have been extended several times since then. The most recent extension was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which was signed into law on December 29, 2022.
- Who is eligible for SNAP emergency allotments?
All SNAP households are eligible for emergency allotments, regardless of their income or household size. The amount of the emergency allotment is based on the household’s normal SNAP benefit amount.
- How much are SNAP emergency allotments?
Emergency allotments are equal to the maximum SNAP benefit amount for the household’s size. The maximum benefit amounts are adjusted each year based on changes in the cost of food.
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount (Including Emergency Allotment) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $745 |
| 4 | $974 |
| 5 | $1,203 |
| 6 | $1,433 |
| 7 | $1,662 |
| 8 | $1,891 |
- When are SNAP emergency allotments issued?
Emergency allotments are issued on the same day that the household’s regular SNAP benefits are issued. The emergency allotments are issued as a separate payment, and are not included in the household’s regular SNAP benefit amount.
- How long will SNAP emergency allotments continue?
SNAP emergency allotments are currently scheduled to continue through September 2023. However, the Biden administration has proposed extending the emergency allotments through the end of the fiscal year, which is September 2024. Congress would need to pass legislation to approve this extension.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS)
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) provides financial assistance to low-income families and individuals through a variety of programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. SNAP provides eligible households with a monthly benefit that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of the benefit is based on household size and income.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has temporarily increased SNAP benefits for all eligible households. This increase will remain in effect through June 2023. The additional benefits are being provided through an emergency allotment, which is a one-time payment that is added to the regular SNAP benefit.
Emergency Allotments for March 2023
- Households that received the maximum SNAP benefit in February, which is $939 for a family of four, will receive an additional emergency allotment of $300 in March.
- Households that received less than the maximum SNAP benefit in February will receive an emergency allotment that brings their total March benefit up to the maximum amount.
- The emergency allotment amount for March will vary depending on household size and income.
To find out how much your household will receive in emergency allotments for March, you can contact your local DHS office or check your MyCOMPASS account online.
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit | Emergency Allotment Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $281 | $95 |
| 2 | $516 | $170 |
| 3 | $782 | $255 |
| 4 | $939 | $300 |
The emergency allotments will be issued on the same day as your regular SNAP benefit. If you receive your SNAP benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, the emergency allotment will be added to your card. If you receive your SNAP benefits by check, you will receive a separate check for the emergency allotment.
SNAP Benefit Distribution Schedule
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits are distributed to eligible recipients on a monthly basis, and the amount of benefits a recipient receives is based on their income and household size.
The SNAP benefit distribution schedule varies from state to state. In Pennsylvania, SNAP benefits are typically distributed on the following schedule:
- Households with a last name beginning with A-C: 1st of the month
- Households with a last name beginning with D-G: 5th of the month
- Households with a last name beginning with H-K: 10th of the month
- Households with a last name beginning with L-O: 15th of the month
- Households with a last name beginning with P-S: 20th of the month
- Households with a last name beginning with T-Z: 25th of the month
If the distribution date falls on a weekend or holiday, benefits will be distributed on the next business day.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or other non-food items.
| Last Name | Distribution Date |
|---|---|
| A-C | 1st of the month |
| D-G | 5th of the month |
| H-K | 10th of the month |
| L-O | 15th of the month |
| P-S | 20th of the month |
| T-Z | 25th of the month |
Hey folks, thanks for taking the time to join me on this food stamp expedition. I know it can be a bit of a maze trying to figure out what’s what, but hopefully this article shed some light on the situation. Remember, things can change quickly in the world of government assistance, so be sure to check back in with us later. Until then, keep your forks and wallets close, and may your pantries overflow with deliciousness. Cheers!