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.
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.
Maximum Benefit Amounts (effective October 1, 2024)
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 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Each Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | $292 | $536 | $768 | $975 | $1,158 | $1,390 | $1,536 | $1,756 | Add $220 |
SNAP Income Guidelines (effective October 1, 2024)
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 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Each Addt’l |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Gross Monthly Income | $2,510 | $3,408 | $4,304 | $5,200 | $6,098 | $6,994 | $7,890 | $8,788 | $9,686 | $10,584 | $898 |
How to 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)
Get help with:
Resources to help you report scams, replace lost benefits, fix account issues, and find assistance offices.
SNAP Policies & Procedures
View current SNAP policies and procedures. This includes the policy handbook, information about quality control, grants, and semi-annual reporting requirements.
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.