What is the SNAP food assistance program and do I qualify?

More than 2 million Pennsylvanians experience food insecurities on a daily basis. And with inflation on the rise and grocery store prices going up by almost 15%, affording food is getting harder than ever.

SNAP, which is short for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, can help reduce the stress of figuring out how to afford food by providing individuals with a monthly food stipend. As of September 2022, 1.88 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled, of whom 667,153 are children.

Check to see if your family qualifies.

SNAP provides individuals with a monthly food stipend. SNAP benefits are sent to an Electronic Benefit Transfer Card, which can then be used at food stores, farmers markets, and retailers. The card can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, breads, etc.; however, it cannot be used to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, vitamins, medicines, or hot foods.

Despite being a federal strategy, the benefits you receive depends on the state you live in. Once approved, you will get your EBT ACCESS card. In Philly, that card can also grant you $2 tickets to over 60 museums, gardens, and other cultural attractions.

SNAP is designed for individuals who meet both work and income requirements.

Traditionally, children, seniors, pregnant women, and people living with physical or mental disabilities are exempt from the work requirement. Everyone else, must be working, participating in training programs, have lost their jobs, or have seen their hours reduced to qualify. However, Pennsylvania currently has a waiver in effect until October 1, 2023. Meaning that PA “applicants do not need to be working to receive SNAP,” according to Community Legal Services.

Keep in mind, most students (ages 18 to 49) are ineligible, but there are exceptions.

Undocumented immigrants don’t qualify for SNAP, documented immigrants do. To apply, you must have either lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years, be under the age of 18, or be enrolled in a disability-assistance program.

Since this is a program for low-income families and individuals, this bracket is based on both the household’s gross and net income:

Federally speaking, until Sep. 2023, your gross monthly income has to be within 130% of the federal poverty level — $1,473 for an individual, $3,007 for a family of four. Your net monthly income must fall within 100% — $1,133 for one, $2,313 for a household of four.

In most cases, you must meet both limits to be eligible for SNAP. Households with elders or people with disabilities only have to meet the net income limit.

Due to the nature of the program, states are allowed to set their own income limits through a policy called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). In Pennsylvania, the threshold was set to include households within 160% of the federal poverty level.

That changed on Oct. 1, when the state government expanded access to all qualifying households within 200% of the federal poverty level. Meaning, individuals making $2,266 a month — or households of four with a monthly income of $4,626 — can now apply for SNAP.

This modification is estimated to expand benefits to an additional 420,000 Pennsylvanians.

There are two ways to apply and you can fill in the form even if you’re unsure of your eligibility.

If everyone in your household is 60 years or older, or has a disability, there is a “Simple Application” to fill out instead.

For folks filing in person, you should be able to request help at the county assistance office. But, if you are filling it out online or have any questions, call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-692-7462.

The Coalition Against Hunger also provides free assistance at 215-430-0556. And if your application is denied, Community Legal Services can (CLS) help you appeal for free. Call 215- 227-2400 to check their intake hours.

According to Community Legal Services, these are the maximum benefits you could get depending on your family size:

To have a more accurate estimate for your specific case, multiply your net income by 30%, rounding up the result. Then, subtract 30% of the net income from the maximum allotment for your household size.

Another option can be using the Community Legal Services SNAP calculator. This bilingual tool, for English and Spanish speakers, can help you figure out both your eligibility and how much your benefit will be. You just need to know your monthly household income before taxes, dependent care costs, child support payments, rent or mortgage, homeowner insurance, and tax values.

Entering “0″ is an option, and they don’t ask for your name, address, email, or other personal information.

Emergency allotments were introduced during the pandemic to bring your SNAP benefits to the maximum amount your household size is allowed to get. Beginning in March 2023, this initiative will come to an end. The decision comes after the Biden administration announced the COVID-19 emergency declaration is set to end on May 11.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the city’s push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org.