The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is like most government aid programs in that it changes and grows every year.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs the program, which helps low-income people buy the healthy food they need to live comfortably by giving them food benefits.
One thing that makes the SNAP program unique is that it is managed and distributed by the states, even though it is funded and enforced by the federal government. This helps families not fall through the cracks and makes the program better fit the needs of each state and its people.
One strange thing about this program is that the changes don’t start in January like most programs do. Instead, they start in October, as soon as the cost of living increase is announced. This gives program recipients a head start on the year and takes away one worry for those who get help from more than one source.
Changes in Pennsylvania SNAP benefits
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has revealed changes to the SNAP income limits and maximum benefit amounts. The changes only affect people who live in Pennsylvania. One of the biggest changes that will affect people in the state is the increase in the top income level that families can have when they ask for the benefit.
People are not all affected by the changes in the same way. Benefits are given out differently based on the age or size of the family. As a general rule, though, this is the most money a family in Pennsylvania can make each month and still be qualified for the benefit:
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,408 |
| 3 | $4,304 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,098 |
| 6 | $6,994 |
| 7 | $7,890 |
| 8 | $8,788 |
| 9 | $9,686 |
| 10 | $10,584 |
| Each additional member | +$898 |
Secretary Jan Arkoosh of Pennsylvania stressed how important the SNAP program is for families in the state. “Being able to feed yourself and your family is important for your health, but it also gives you a sense of safety, self-reliance, and dignity to know that you can get fresh, healthy food without having to choose between paying for groceries and other things you need.”
This is why the Thrifty Food Plan is another important change to the program. The USDA says it is “the cost of food necessary to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four.” Based on the number of people living in the home, this sets the highest amount of SNAP payments that a family can get.
| Household Size | Maximum Thrifty Food Plan |
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| 9 | $1,976 |
| 10 | $2,196 |
| Each Additional Member | $220 |
How to find out if you are eligible for SNAP benefits
Not everyone in the country is eligible because not every state has the same cost of living, food supply, or standard of living. People who live in rural Alaska and people who live in a city in California should not be held to the same standards. This is the reason why each state needs to have its own way of reviewing applications.
The SNAP website has page after page of information about the application process and the rules that apply in each of the 50 states. If your application isn’t clear, don’t give up. There is some room for people who need help.
“SNAP helps more than two million Pennsylvanians, many of whom are our friends and neighbors, keep food on the table,” says Secretary Arkoosh. I strongly advise anyone who might need help with food to apply for SNAP.