You can apply for food stamps in the state of Pennsylvania if you meet specified low-income requirements. Food stamps can help bridge a financial gap and provide nutritious foods for your family. Learn how to apply for food stamps in Pennsylvania.

The federally funded food stamps program is an important part of the social service offerings in Pennsylvania. Helping low-income children, elderly individuals, families and disabled individuals obtain the nutrition they need for good health is the goal of the food stamp program in Pennsylvania. The food stamp program is now referred to as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/servicesprograms/foodstamps. Using SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania is easy. Participates are given an electronic benefits transfer card that functions as a debit card that you use at participating grocery stores. Your food stamp benefits in Pennsylvania are loaded onto your card based on your personal benefits schedule, but can range from $2 to over $1502, depending upon your family size and financial situation.http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/servicesprograms/foodstamps

Food stamp benefits are provided to individuals and families who meet specific requirements. You must be a resident of Pennsylvania to apply for food stamps in Pennsylvania.

Here are some food stamp eligibility requirements:

1. Your household must have less than $5,000 in liquid assetshttp://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/programs/FoodStamps/estimator/index.html
2. You must make less than:
   1. Family Size of 1: Maximum Gross Income of $1,127
   2. Family Size of 2: Maximum Gross Income of $1,517
   3. Family Size of 3: Maximum Gross Income of $1,907
   4. Family Size of 4: Maximum Gross Income of $2,297http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps

You income totals may allow for some deductions based on medical expenses, child care requirements or other required expenses. If you think you are close to the benefits requirement, it is best to consult a Food Stamps counselor for an official financial eligibility review. The application process can be done in English or Spanish and the head of a household, their spouse or designated representative can apply for food stamp benefits.http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps/

If you are close to the income guidelines, the application process with help establish your edibility.

The state of Pennsylvania offers multiple ways for residents to apply for food stamp benefits, or SNAP.

Online Application If you prefer to to apply from home, you can apply online using the COMPASS system. This system can also notify you if you qualify for other assistance such as health care coverage, home heating (LIHEAP) assistance, long-term living assistance, and child care help. The program guides you through the application process step-by-step. You can use their "Do I Qualify?" tool to check your food stamp eligibility before entering your data and starting an application. Once you determine you qualify for assistance, click the "Apply for benefits" link and enter all requested information. You will be required to fill out your demographic profile such as your name, address and social security number along with your financial data. You can save your application and return to finish it later if you run out of time or get stuck. After you finish filling out your application, ensure your application is being reviewed by clicking the "Check application status" link.https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/compass.web/CMHOM.aspx

In-Person Application You can choose to apply in person at your local County Assistance Office. Be sure to take your salary information, bank account statement, proof of identity and your ongoing medical and child care expenses. It is advisable to call the office to see if an appointment is suggested for your office to avoid long wait times.

Mail Application You can opt to download an Application for Food Stamps (SNAP) from http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps and return it to your County Assistance office by mail or fax. This option may be a good choice if you have a slow internet connection, or prefer to manually fill out the application, but do not want to physically appear at your local office.http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps

After you have applied for food stamps in Pennsylvania, you will be sent a letter confirming or denying your benefits.

The maximum benefits you can receive are:

1. Household size of 1: $200
2. Household size of 2: $367
3. Household size of 3: $526
4. Household size of 4: $668 http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/fs_Res_Ben_Elig.htm

You may also be eligible for free health and nutrition classes, so make sure to check with County Assistance office representative.http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps/003677056.htm

If you are approved for SNAP benefits, you will be sent an electronic benefits transfer card. This plastic card looks like a debit card and can be used for purchases at your local grocery store or supermarket. You can only use the card for purchase up to your allotment. If your purchases exceed your food stamp allotment, you will need to pay the balance with an alternative payment method.http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/oimpolicymanuals/manuals/bop/fs/580/580-05.htm#P580_19831