Food Stamp Income Level Guidelines in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the former Food Stamp Program has been replaced with SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps low-income Pennsylvanians buy healthy groceries with preloaded electronic benefit debit cards that can be swiped at participating grocery stores, farmers markets and seed stores. Eligibility for SNAP is dependent on the household's combined income, but the only way to guarantee benefits is to submit an application.

Gross Monthly Income

• A household's combined gross monthly income is the most important factor concerning SNAP eligibility. Gross income is based on household size and varies depending on whether a household member is elderly or disabled. For example, a four-person household would have to earn no more than $2,941 per month to be considered for SNAP benefits unless an elderly or disabled person lives in the household, which raises the gross monthly income limit to $3,675. Gross income includes the combined earnings of each household member, and does not include any tax deductions or household expenses. For a listing of Pennsylvania's SNAP gross income limits by family size, see References.

Net Monthly Income

• For some households, the combined monthly net income will be taken into consideration once gross income is reported. Net income includes the amount of money that enters once deductions such as housing, child-care or dependent costs are subtracted. If an elderly or disabled person is a member of the household, medical expenses that equal more than $35 a month may be deducted.

Assets and Resources

• Pennyslvania SNAP benefits are not dependent on a household's assets and resources, which may include savings or checking account finances, or retirement funds.

Documentation

• According to the SNAP application, documentation of each household member's income must be presented at the final interview. The household's Department of Public Welfare's case worker will list the household information and documentation needed at the interview.

Immediate Food Stamyps

• If your income is less than $150 a month and you have less than $100 in savings, you are a migrant worker, or your cash on hand is less than the amount needed to cover your utilities and housing costs, you may be eligible for the Department of Public Welfare's Emergency Food Stamps. Applicants may call 800-692-7462 to determine eligibility.