1. Community Legal Services
SNAP Eligibility
Louise Hayes
Community Legal Services
September 2017

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Application Process
Can apply in person, by mail, or online:
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 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.

9. 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.

10. EBT Problems with card: call 1-888-EBT-PENN.
Also
balance inquiries
last 10 transactions
report lost/stolen cards