How to Apply for Food Stamps in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's original food stamp benefit program which used food vouchers and food coupons has been phased out and a new program has since been instituted. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, otherwise referred to as SNAP, is the new food stamp program that Pennsylvania has in place. Anyone who is a resident of PA can apply for SNAP but certain eligibility requirements must be met before an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) access card is given to you. So how do you apply for SNAP and receive food stamp benefits in PA?

APPLY ONLINE USING COMPASS-
Pennsylvania has created a website called COMPASS that makes it quick and easy for you to find out if you qualify for any health and humane services provided by the state including SNAP. After filling out the screen for benefits questions, you will be told if you are eligible to apply for food stamps. You will then be directed to the online application which you can fill out from the comfort of your home.

APPLY IN PERSON-
Find your county assistance office and walk in. You can call 1-800-692-7462 to find out where your local office is. At the front counter of the office you will find a paper application that can be filled out to see if you will qualify for SNAP and receive food stamp benefits. You can fill the application out at the office or you can bring it home to fill out then drop it off later.

DOWNLOAD THE FORM-
Visit Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare website and download the application if you don't have time to fill the form out via COMPASS or to take a ride to your local assistance office. Once the form is filled out you can drop it off or mail it in. PA's Department of Public Welfare website also has a SNAP income limit guide set up that can help you determine if you qualify for food stamps based on your household size and income limit.

When applying for SNAP you will need to have a few items on hand that will need to be turned in with your application. If employed, you will need a months worth of paystubs. If not employed, you will need proof of unemployment and proof if you are receiving unemployment benefits. You will also need 2 forms of identification, proof of residency in PA (you can use a utility bill or a lease) and social security numbers for everyone in the household. Once your application is accepted and you are found eligible for SNAP, you will be assigned a case worker who you will show this information to and who will provide you with an EBT ACCESS card and explain how it is used and what it can be used for.