Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support

Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support
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Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support

Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support
Home
Find Help by State
SNAP Benefits
Medicaid / CHIP Help
Housing Assistance
TANF / Cash Help
Contact
More
  • Home
  • Find Help by State
  • SNAP Benefits
  • Medicaid / CHIP Help
  • Housing Assistance
  • TANF / Cash Help
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Find Help by State
  • SNAP Benefits
  • Medicaid / CHIP Help
  • Housing Assistance
  • TANF / Cash Help
  • Contact

Pennsylvania Benefits – SNAP, Medicaid, Housing & TANF Help

🥗 SNAP (Food Stamps) in Pennsylvania

📘 What Is SNAP?

 SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps low-income individuals and families in Pennsylvania buy groceries. Benefits are loaded monthly on an EBT Access Card, which works like a debit card.

The program is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).

✅ Who Qualifies?

 You may qualify for SNAP in Pennsylvania if you:

  • Are a resident of PA
     
  • Are a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
     
  • Have low income and limited assets
     
  • Are working or unemployed
     
  • Have children, are elderly, or live with a disability

 

📊 SNAP Income Limits – Pennsylvania (2025)

Monthly Income Limits (Before Taxes)
• 1 person — up to $2,430
• 2 people — up to $3,288
• 3 people — up to $4,144
• 4 people — up to $5,000
• 5 people — up to $5,858
• Each extra person — add $858
✅ Higher limits may apply for seniors and people with disabilities.

📝 How to Apply

 

🌐 Online:

Apply at:
🔗 www.compass.state.pa.us

☎️ By Phone:

Call: 1-800-692-7462 (Statewide Customer Service Center)

🏢 In Person:

Visit your local County Assistance Office:
🔗
Find an Office

🏥 Medicaid in Pennsylvania

📘 What Is Medicaid?

 Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible low-income Pennsylvanians. It covers doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, hospital stays, mental health services, and more. 

✅ Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Pennsylvania?

 You may qualify if you are:

  • A resident of Pennsylvania
     
  • A U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
     
  • A low-income individual or family
     
  • A pregnant woman, child, senior (65+), or person with a disability
     
  • Someone receiving SSI or in need of long-term care

 

📊 Medicaid Income Limits – Pennsylvania (2025)

Monthly Income Limits (Approximate, Before Taxes)
• 1 person — up to $1,677
• 2 people — up to $2,268
• 3 people — up to $2,859
• 4 people — up to $3,450
• 5 people — up to $4,041
• Each additional person — add $591
✅ Pregnant women and children may qualify with higher income
✅ Seniors and disabled adults may qualify through different limits (SSI-based)

📝 How to Apply for Medicaid in PA

 

🌐 Apply Online:

Go to:
🔗 www.compass.state.pa.us

Create an account and apply under Medical Assistance (MA).

☎️ Apply by Phone:

Call: 1-866-550-4355 (Statewide Helpline)

🏢 Apply In Person:

Visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO):
🔗 Find your office here

Bring:

  • Photo ID
     
  • Proof of income
     
  • Birth certificates or Social Security numbers (if available)
     
  • Medical bills (if applying under special health situations)
     

✅ Once approved, you’ll get a Medical Assistance ID card, and you can select a managed care plan for your medical services.

🏠 Section 8 Housing in Pennsylvania

📘 What Is Section 8?

 Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, helps low-income Pennsylvanians afford safe, clean housing. The program pays part of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest — typically about 30% of your income 

✅ Who Can Qualify?

 You may qualify for Section 8 if you:

  • Live in Pennsylvania
     
  • Have low household income
     
  • Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
     
  • Pass a background check (no serious recent criminal history)
     

📌 Preference is often given to:

  • Seniors (62+)
     
  • People with disabilities
     
  • Families with young children
     
  • Veterans
     
  • Homeless individuals

 

📊 Section 8 Income Limits – Pennsylvania (2025)

These are estimated limits based on 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Each county is slightly different (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, rural areas), but here’s a general example:

Sample Income Limits – Section 8 in PA
• 1 person — up to $30,000/year
• 2 people — up to $34,250/year
• 3 people — up to $38,500/year
• 4 people — up to $42,750/year
• 5 people — up to $46,200/year
✅ Limits are higher in cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh
🔗
Check exact income limits by county here

📝 How to Apply for Section 8 in Pennsylvania

 There is no statewide application — you must apply through your local housing authority.

🌐 Check Waitlists:

Search for open waitlists and apply at:
🔗 AffordableHousing.com

🏢 Apply In Person:

Visit or contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
🔗 Find your local PHA

You’ll need:

  • Proof of income (paystubs, benefit letters)
     
  • Social Security numbers or IDs for all household members
     
  • Rent history and background info


Some waiting lists may be open in smaller towns even if cities are full.

📅 After You Apply:

  • You’ll be placed on a waiting list (can be long in some areas)
     
  • When selected, you get a voucher
     
  • You must find a home or apartment that accepts Section 8
     
  • The unit must pass inspection before move-in

💵 TANF / Cash Assistance in Pennsylvania

📘 What Is TANF?

 TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides monthly cash help to low-income families with children under age 18. In Pennsylvania, it’s called “Cash Assistance” and is managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). 

✅ Who Qualifies for TANF in PA?

 You may be eligible if:

  • You live in Pennsylvania
     
  • You are pregnant or have a child under 18
     
  • Your income is very low
     
  • You are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
     
  • You meet work requirements, unless exempt
     

📌 You must also meet resource limits: cash, savings, and other assets are typically limited to $1,000.

✅ Grandparents or other relatives caring for children may also qualify

 

📊 TANF Income Limits – Pennsylvania (2025)

Sample Monthly Income Limits (Before Taxes)
• 1 adult + 1 child — must earn less than $300/month
• 1 adult + 2 children — under $400/month
• 2 adults + 2 children — under $500/month
✅ Limits vary slightly by county and family situation.
✅ You must also report other benefits or income (like child support or unemployment).

📝 How to Apply for TANF in Pennsylvania

 You can apply:

  • 🌐 Online
     
  • ☎️ By phone
     
  • 🏢 In person

 

🌐 Apply Online:

Go to:
🔗 www.compass.state.pa.us

Choose “Cash Assistance” and follow the prompts.

☎️ Apply by Phone:

Call the Statewide Customer Service Center:
📞 1-877-395-8930

🏢 Apply In Person:

Visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO).
🔗 Find an office here

Bring:

  • ID and proof of income
     
  • Birth certificates or Social Security numbers
     
  • Bank or resource information
     
  • Proof of housing/rent
     

💳 What Happens Next:

  • You’ll have an interview (usually by phone)
     
  • You may be assigned to a work or training program
     
  • If approved, cash will be loaded monthly to your EBT card
     

Copyright © 2025 Low Income Guide USA - All Rights Reserved.

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