Pennsylvania Benefits Access Packet — LSC-Grade Legal Guide

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed Pennsylvania attorney or your local legal aid organization.

Quick Facts: Public Benefits in Pennsylvania

1. Eligibility Checker — Pennsylvania Public Benefits

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

You MAY qualify if:

• Your gross monthly income is at or below 200% of federal poverty level (PA has higher limits)
• Your net monthly income is at or below 100% of federal poverty level
• You have limited resources ($2,750 for most households, $4,250 if elderly/disabled)
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• You meet work requirements (if applicable)

Pennsylvania SNAP Income Limits (2024):

Medical Assistance (Medicaid)

You MAY qualify if you are:

• Adult with income up to 138% of federal poverty level (expanded Medicaid)
• Pregnant woman with income up to 220% of FPL
• Child under 19 (CHIP covers higher incomes)
• Parent/caretaker relative of dependent child
• Aged 65+ or disabled (different rules apply)
• Medicare beneficiary (Medicare Savings Programs)

Adult Income Limits (2024):

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

You MAY qualify if:

• You have dependent children
• Your income is below Pennsylvania's payment standard
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• You meet work requirements (unless exempt)
• You cooperate with child support enforcement

Maximum Monthly Benefit (2024):

Lifetime Limit: 60 months (5 years) of cash assistance

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance)

You MAY qualify if:

• Your household income is at or below 150% of federal poverty level
• You are responsible for heating/cooling costs
• You meet citizenship/residency requirements

Income Limits (2024):

2. Required Documents

For All Applications

For SNAP Specifically

• Proof of all income (employment, SSI, unemployment)
• Proof of housing costs (rent/mortgage)
• Utility bills
• Childcare expenses
• Medical expenses (if elderly or disabled)

For Medical Assistance Specifically

• Immigration documents (if applicable)
• Health insurance information (if any)
• Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
• Proof of disability (if applying as disabled)

For TANF Specifically

• Proof of children's school attendance
• Immunization records
• Work/school schedule
• Childcare arrangements
• Child support information

3. Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Apply Online via COMPASS

COMPASS is Pennsylvania's online application for health and human services:

1. Go to compass.state.pa.us
2. Click "Apply for Benefits"
3. Create an account
4. Select the benefits you want to apply for:

• SNAP (Food Stamps)
• Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
• Cash Assistance (TANF)
• LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)

1. Complete the application
2. Upload documents or submit them later
3. Submit application
4. Complete interview (for SNAP/TANF)

Apply In Person

1. Visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO)
2. Request and complete application
3. Submit with documents
4. Schedule interview

Apply by Phone

1. Call the Statewide Customer Service Center: 1-877-395-8930
2. Request application assistance
3. Complete phone interview

4. Local Office Information

Philadelphia County Assistance Office

• Address: 801 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• Phone: (215) 560-7226
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Allegheny County Assistance Office (Pittsburgh)

• Address: 301 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Phone: (412) 565-2146
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Montgomery County Assistance Office

• Address: 1931 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401
• Phone: (610) 270-3500
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Delaware County Assistance Office

• Address: 701 Crosby Street, Suite B, Chester, PA 19013
• Phone: (610) 447-3100
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Chester County Assistance Office

• Address: 100 James Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372
• Phone: (610) 466-1000
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bucks County Assistance Office

• Address: 1260 New Rodgers Road, Bristol, PA 19007
• Phone: (215) 781-3300
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lehigh County Assistance Office (Allentown)

• Address: 1601 North 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18102
• Phone: (610) 821-6500
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Lackawanna County Assistance Office (Scranton)

• Address: 100 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
• Phone: (570) 963-3800
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. Application Checklist

Before Applying

• [ ] Gather all required documents
• [ ] Know your household size and income
• [ ] Have Social Security numbers ready
• [ ] Know your housing and utility costs
• [ ] Have bank account information

During Application

• [ ] Answer all questions honestly
• [ ] Report ALL income sources
• [ ] List ALL household members
• [ ] Sign and date the application
• [ ] Get a receipt or confirmation number

After Applying

• [ ] Complete your interview (SNAP/TANF)
• [ ] Submit any requested documents within 10 days
• [ ] Keep copies of everything submitted
• [ ] Report any changes in circumstances within 10 days
• [ ] Check application status on COMPASS

6. What to Bring to Appointments

• [ ] Photo ID for all adults
• [ ] Social Security cards for everyone
• [ ] Birth certificates for children
• [ ] Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)
• [ ] Last 4 weeks of pay stubs
• [ ] Bank statements (last 2 months)
• [ ] Rent/mortgage statements
• [ ] Utility bills (electric, gas, water)
• [ ] Childcare receipts
• [ ] Medical bills (if elderly/disabled)
• [ ] Immigration documents (if applicable)

7. What Happens After Applying

SNAP Timeline

Expedited SNAP: If your income is very low, you may receive benefits within 5 days.

Medical Assistance Timeline

TANF Timeline

8. Appealing a Denial

Your Rights

If your application is denied or benefits are reduced/cut off, you have the right to:

1. Request a fair hearing within 90 days
2. Receive a written notice explaining the decision
3. Have legal representation at the hearing
4. Continue receiving benefits while appealing (in some cases)

How to Appeal

1. Call your County Assistance Office
2. Request a fair hearing in writing
3. State why you disagree with the decision
4. Submit within 90 days of the notice

Fair Hearing Process

1. You'll receive notice of hearing date
2. Bring all relevant documents
3. Present your case to a hearing officer
4. Receive written decision

9. Local Legal Aid Resources

LSC-Funded Legal Aid in Pennsylvania

Additional Resources

10. Controlling Law Citations

Federal Law

• 7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq. — Food and Nutrition Act (SNAP)
• 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq. — Social Security Act (Medicaid)
• 42 U.S.C. § 601 et seq. — TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Pennsylvania Law

• 62 Pa.C.S. § 101 et seq. — Public Welfare Code
• 62 Pa.C.S. § 431 et seq. — Medical Assistance
• 55 Pa. Code Chapter 255 — SNAP regulations
• 55 Pa. Code Chapter 225 — TANF regulations

Disclaimer

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Benefits eligibility is complex and depends on individual circumstances. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this information.

For help with your benefits application or appeal, contact:

• Community Legal Services at (215) 981-3700
• Your County Assistance Office
• PA 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1)

Last updated: March 2026 | Jurist-Diction | "The law, precisely spoken."

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