Before you apply for food stamps in Pennsylvania, it is a good idea to read through the submission process and prepare yourself for the application. This involves collecting documents that will help you calculate your household’s total income, gathering personal information from your other household members and more.

The food stamp application in PA is designed to fulfill the program’s requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Therefore, if you wish to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), make sure you read through the helpful tips detailed below.

What do you need to apply for food stamps in Pennsylvania?

You may not be ready to apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania until you have all your application documents in order. These will help you answer the questions on the form, which are extensive and often require you to provide exact numbers.

One of the most important pieces of information you must provide is the Social Security number (SSN) for every member of your household. Thus, it will be helpful to have the proper documents issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If certain household members do not wish to participate in the program or do not qualify for SSNs, you may simply leave them out of the application.

As a general rule, the food stamp application form will require you to reference the following documents as well:

• Proof of citizenship or legal non-citizen status.
• Bank statements.
• Verification of employment for each able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) in your household.
• Checks for child support payments or foster care assistance, if applicable.
• Proof of stocks, bonds and real estate, if applicable.
• Utility bills.
• Federal tax filing information.
• A mortgage, lease or rental agreement.
• Medical bills, if at least one household member is disabled or above a certain age.

Depending on your circumstances, some of these documents may be difficult to produce. For example, if you work as a freelancer or an independent contractor, you may not have steady paychecks. In that case, you must provide a reasonable estimate of your monthly earnings.

If you want to sign up for food stamps in Pennsylvania as a student, you will need to produce additional paperwork. For instance, you must provide proof of enrollment and proof of a work-study program, if applicable.

Applying for Food Stamps Online in Pennsylvania

Do you want to apply for food stamps online? If so, you must use the official PA online application tool. It is important to note that this same portal may also be used to apply for other assistance programs.

First, you must clarify whether you are applying for yourself, a family member, someone in your household or a non-family member. Then, you must create an account by supplying your name, date of birth and email address.

The PA food stamp application online is one of the fastest application methods. It is also convenient and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You do not have to worry about losing your work because you can save your progress and come back to it later. If you want to learn more about the application process, download our free guide.

Submitting a Pennsylvania Food Stamps Application by Mail or Fax

If you would rather not apply for SNAP online, you may apply by mail or fax. To do so, you may print out the application from the DHS website, which is available in both English and Spanish. If it is helpful, you may also request to have an application mailed to you.

After you have filled out the form and signed it at the bottom, send it by mail or fax to your county assistance office. Keep in mind that it usually takes longer for these offices to receive mailed-in applications than forms submitted in person or online.

Applying for SNAP in Person in Pennsylvania

If you print the Pennsylvania SNAP benefits application from the DHS website, you may submit it in person instead of by mail. However, make sure to check the business hours of your county assistance office before visiting it. In addition, if you are having difficulty, a staff member at the office may assist you in filling out the forms.

If everyone in your household is 60 years of age or older or has a disability, you may use the simple SNAP application form instead. Moreover, be mindful that there are other circumstances when you are allowed to use this simplified form.

If you want to apply for SNAP benefits as a senior, the simplified form will speed up this process for you to complete. It also eliminates certain questions that exist on the regular form, which may not apply to you meeting the program’s eligibility criteria.

Checking Your SNAP Application Status in Pennsylvania

Are you wondering how to check your SNAP application status in Pennsylvania? If you applied online, you may log into your state portal account and view your status there. The online portal may show whether the application was received or is in process. If you applied in person or by mail, contact your county assistance office for further instructions.

Regardless of your submission method, you will receive a notification once your application is approved or denied. Additionally, you will receive a decision within 30 days of your forms being received.

Pennsylvania Food Stamps Interview Process

All applicants are required to undergo a PA food stamp interview sometime after submitting their application forms. During the interview, a staff member from your county assistance office will ask you about certain details you provided on the application. In addition, the agent may also ask you to submit the following documents:

• An acceptable form of identification
• Proof of employment
• Your Social Security number (SSN) and the SSNs of each household member
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S., if you are a non-citizen

About SNAP Recertification in Pennsylvania

Beneficiaries may complete the Pennsylvania SNAP recertification process if they wish to renew their eligibility. Recertification forms may be found at county assistance offices and online through the DHS website.

If you want to renew your benefits, you must prove that you still need them by providing proof of your monthly income and ensuring that you still qualify under other circumstances.

About Appealing a Food Stamps Denial in Pennsylvania

Sometimes, an application for food stamps is denied because the applicant failed to meet all of the program’s eligibility requirements. In this case, applicants have the right to a fair hearing in order to request an appeal of the decision.

If you wish to appeal the decision made by your county assistance office, make sure you contact the office directly with your request. Get information on SNAP denials and how to renew your benefits by downloading our free guide.

Last Updated: February 27, 2023