Community Legal Services SNAP Eligibility Louise Hayes Community Legal Services LHayes@clsphila.org September 2017

Who Can Get Food Stamps? Almost everyone who is low income and has few assets Exceptions: Some immigrants Some students Some folks with certain criminal histories or who have broken FS rules

Who Must Apply Together? Everyone who: 1- lives together and 2- purchases and prepares food together Some special rules: Kids under 22 living with parents must be part of the parents’ household Spouses living together must always apply together

Special Rules for Certain People Students (may be ineligible unless…) Homeless (eligible even if in a shelter) People violating probation or parole are not eligible Work rules. None for now (in Philadelphia); may change.

Eligibility for Immigrants Legal (“qualified”) immigrants are eligible after five years; some are eligible right away. Eligible right away (if “qualified”): Children under 18 People in humanitarian immigration categories (refugees, asylees) People receiving disability benefits (12 mo. or more) (but recent immigrants are mostly ineligible for these)

PA CAP PA CAP (= Combined Application Project) is automatic SNAP benefits for single people on SSI. No need to apply, no semi-annual reports. Computer match sends SNAP based on what SSA knows of housing costs. SSI-only, rent < $196 $111 in SNAP SSI-only, rent > $196 $152 in SNAP SSI + soc sec, rent < $196 $102 in SNAP SSI + soc sec, rent > $196 $143 in SNAP Tip: If rent is > $196, report this to the welfare office to get moved into the higher category.

How Quickly Can You Get Food Stamps? Usually within 30 days of application: apply early to get things started. In some cases, within 5 days or less (“expedited FS”): Shelter costs (including standard utility allowance) exceed monthly income and cash on hand <$100 on hand and <$150 in gross monthly income Migrant farmworker with <$100 on hand and no job for the next 10 days

Application Process Can apply in person, by mail, or online: www.compass.state.pa.us Need interview. Usually by phone: push to reschedule if can’t make it! Tip: put request for new interview in writing. Need verification. Rules are flexible – see SNAP Handbook ch. 578. Can submit via DHS’s mobile app, MyCOMPASS, or by mail or in person. Verify ID, income, medical expenses (if 60+ or disabled), immigration status. Other items if questionable.

Keeping Benefits Should get semi-annual reporting (SAR) form after 6 months. Can also submit via the MyCOMPASS mobile app. Return the SAR form (or the Late/Incomplete Notice) timely or risk suspension of SNAP! Yearly “recertification.” Interview required. Between SARs/ recerts: report if income exceeds 130% of the poverty level. No other reports required for SNAP (but maybe for MA or TANF). Report by 10th day of month after the month of change.

EBT Problems with card: call 1-888-EBT-PENN. Also https://www.connectebt.com/paebtclient/index.jsp# balance inquiries last 10 transactions report lost/stolen cards