How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania online, in person, or by mail. Each method provides a clear path to accessing food assistance based on your preference.

Online Application

Applying online is often the fastest route. You can use the state’s COMPASS portal to submit your application and documents from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

In-Person Application

If you prefer face-to-face help, you can visit your local County Assistance Office. Staff are available during business hours to guide you through the application and answer your questions directly.

Mail-In Application

You can also apply by mail. Download the application form from the state website or pick one up from a County Assistance Office, then mail the completed form with your documents.

Income Limits

Most households must meet both gross and net income limits to qualify. Households with a member who is over 60 or disabled are exempt from the gross income test but must meet the net income test.

• 1 person: $2,510 gross / $1,186 net

• 2 people: $3,408 gross / $1,601 net

• 3 people: $4,304 gross / $2,016 net

• 4 people: $5,200 gross / $2,431 net

• 5 people: $6,098 gross / $2,846 net

For households larger than five, the limits increase. These income limits are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

Resource (Asset) Limits

Your household’s countable resources must be below a certain limit. This is typically $2,750, but it increases to $4,250 if a member is 60 or older, or has a disability.

Your home, one vehicle per adult, retirement accounts, and personal belongings are not counted toward this resource limit.

Residency, Citizenship, and Work Rules

You must live in the Pennsylvania county where you apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or specific “qualified” non-citizens, and every household member applying needs a Social Security number.

Able-bodied applicants from 16 to 59 must register for work and accept suitable job offers. Stricter rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents, limiting benefits unless they meet work or training requirements.

A statewide waiver on these time limits is in effect through May 31, 2025. The time-limit rules will resume in certain areas on June 1, 2025.

Special Circumstances

Seniors and people with disabilities may have higher deductions, like for medical expenses, which can help them qualify. College students enrolled at least half-time must meet an exemption, such as working 20 hours a week.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Pennsylvania

• Phone: For application help, call the DHS Helpline at 1-800-692-7462.

• Hours: Live operators are available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

• Services: They can answer questions about your application, SNAP, Cash Assistance, and other benefits.

See Pennsylvania EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania

Once you are approved for SNAP, you will want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it as a special debit card just for your food assistance. The card is linked to your SNAP account, holding the funds you are approved for.

Using your EBT card is simple and works just like a regular debit card. At the checkout of an approved store, you will swipe your card and enter your private four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your benefits are intended for most grocery items that you would prepare at home. This helps you and your family get the nutrition you need. Eligible items generally fall into these categories:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt

• Breads and cereals

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat

On the other hand, there are specific items you cannot purchase with your SNAP benefits. These restrictions are in place because the program is designed to cover food staples, not prepared meals or non-food goods.

• Alcoholic beverages or tobacco

• Hot foods sold ready-to-eat

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your food assistance and stay on track with your budget.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

Knowing your EBT card balance helps you plan your shopping trips. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card or by looking at your last grocery receipt. Pennsylvania also offers an online portal for balance inquiries.

For a quick way to see your balance, you can use a free app. The Benny app shows your current SNAP and cash balance in real-time on your phone and offers cashback on eligible purchases.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Pennsylvania

Your SNAP benefits are deposited on the same day each month. In Pennsylvania, the deposit date is based on the last digit of your case record number. Payments are staggered over the first 10 business days of the month.

For example, if your case number ends in 1, you will receive your benefits on the first business day. If it ends in 0, you will get them on the tenth business day. This predictable schedule helps you plan your monthly food budget.

Renewing Your SNAP Benefits

Your SNAP benefits are not permanent and must be renewed periodically. You will receive a notice in the mail when it is time to renew. This process confirms that you are still eligible for assistance.

You can renew your benefits online through the COMPASS portal, by mail, or at your County Assistance Office. Be sure to submit your renewal form and any required documents by the deadline to avoid a gap in your benefits.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, your SNAP benefits are deposited monthly on a schedule based on the last digit of your case number. Knowing your specific payment date is important for managing your monthly food budget effectively.

You can find your specific payment date in our Pennsylvania deposit schedule guide.

See Pennsylvania EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your balance through Pennsylvania’s online portal, by calling the number on your card, or on your last grocery receipt. You can also use the free Benny app to see your balance and get cashback, or check it at an ATM.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Pennsylvania EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and get cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to manage your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.