Tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians are now eligible for food stamps, thanks to the state Department of Public Welfare’s decision to raise the income limits for eligibility. Effective immediately, the gross-income limit for food stamps (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) is 160 percent of the federal poverty line, up from 130 percent.

That means a family of four earning $2,827 a month, or $33,924 a year, could now qualify for SNAP. Before the change, that same family would have to earn $2,297 a month—$27,564 annually—or less to be eligible for the program.

“The state has taken a major step in helping more Pennsylvanians put food on their tables during this economic recession, and we commend them for it,” says Coalition Food Stamp Campaign Manager Rachel Meeks. “This change particularly benefits households with working people struggling to pay rent, mortgage or childcare expenses.”

The Coalition annually screens more than 5,000 residents for food stamp benefits. “From April through June of this year alone, the Coalition screened 350 people who didn’t qualify for food stamps because their income barely pushed them over the threshold,” Meeks says. “Under the new guidelines, many of them will now be eligible for benefits.”

While the Coalition recognizes the importance of this change, it asks residents for their patience with local County Assistance Offices during the application process. Over the past year, the Department of Public Welfare has seen a dramatic rise in the number of SNAP applications, but has fewer caseworkers to process them. The uncertainty of the state budget—and pay issues facing most state departments—has further complicated the situation.

“This much needed change in gross-income requirements will certainly add to the workloads of these offices, so applicants should be patient during the process,” Meeks says.

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FACT SHEET: Food Stamps (now called SNAP) in Pennsylvania

NEW Food Stamp Gross-Income Limits:
Households might be eligible if their income is less than the amount listed.

Household Size                      Monthly Income            

1                                  $1,387                          

2                                  $1,867                           

3                                  $2,347                        

4                                  $2,827                           

5                                  $3,307                           

6                                  $3,787                         

7                                  $4,267                         

8                                  $4,747                           

Each Additional Member           +$480                           

How to Apply for Food Stamps:

• Apply in person at your local County Assistance Office. Visit the Department of Public Welfare’s website for a list of offices: www.dpw.state.pa.us
• Apply online through the state’s COMPASS program: www.humanservices.state.pa.us/compass/CMHOM.aspx
• Philadelphia residents can also call the Food Stamp Hotline, run by the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger: 215-430-0556.

Food Stamp Enrollment in Pennsylvania (as of June 2009):

• In Philadelphia, 369,190 residents—about 26 percent of the city’s population—receive food stamps.
• In the five-county region, there are 488,014 food stamp recipients.
• Statewide, 1.37 million Pennsylvania residents—11 percent of the population—get food stamps.

Available Interview Source:
Rachel Meeks, Food Stamp Campaign Manager
Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger
215-430-0555 ext. 103
rmeeks@hungercoalition.org

Additional statistics are available on food stamp enrollment and applications by county as well as hunger and poverty in the Greater Philadelphia region. For more information, contact Ronna Bolante at 215-430-0555 ext. 105 or rbolante@hungercoalition.org