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).
You may qualify for SNAP in Pennsylvania if you:
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.
Apply at:
🔗 www.compass.state.pa.us
Call: 1-800-692-7462 (Statewide Customer Service Center)
Visit your local County Assistance Office:
🔗 Find an Office
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.
You may qualify if you are:
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)
Go to:
🔗 www.compass.state.pa.us
Create an account and apply under Medical Assistance (MA).
Call: 1-866-550-4355 (Statewide Helpline)
Visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO):
🔗 Find your office here
Bring:
✅ Once approved, you’ll get a Medical Assistance ID card, and you can select a managed care plan for your medical services.
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
You may qualify for Section 8 if you:
📌 Preference is often given to:
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
There is no statewide application — you must apply through your local housing authority.
Search for open waitlists and apply at:
🔗 AffordableHousing.com
Visit or contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
🔗 Find your local PHA
You’ll need:
Some waiting lists may be open in smaller towns even if cities are full.
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).
You may be eligible if:
📌 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
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).
You can apply:
Go to:
🔗 www.compass.state.pa.us
Choose “Cash Assistance” and follow the prompts.
Call the Statewide Customer Service Center:
📞 1-877-395-8930
Visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO).
🔗 Find an office here
Bring:
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