by Ronni Dee

Created on: December 13, 2009

When difficult times are imminent, there is never any shame in asking for some help. The Department of Public Welfare offers many different services, including food stamps, for low-income individuals and families. This program is designed to help supply food for low-income households in the state.  

Fortunately, the state of Pennsylvania has almost made in near effortless to screen and apply for benefits such as the

Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. SNAP is the new name for the state’s food stamp program.

To screen for benefits online simply CLICK HERE to begin the HERE to be taken to the Screening Questionnaire. You will be able to select the various programs for which you wish to screen. In order to make this prescreen accurate as it relates to your situation, be sure to enter correct information.

If you would like to go directly to the application process, simply HERE. You will again be able to choose from a variety of services for which you would like to apply. Be sure to click the check box beside food stamp benefits.

On the following page you will be asked to confirm the benefits for which you wish to apply. You will be able to change your selection or continue.

The following page will explain that it should take between twenty and forty five minutes to complete the application process. COMPASS also recommends you have the following information readily available before starting the application:

-Household Income Information

-Social Security Numbers and dates of birth for all members of the household

-Resource and asset information including all insurance information (auto, health and life), financial accounts, vehicle information, home and property information, etc.

-Income and expense information for all members of the household

-Proof of United States citizenship status and identity (birth certificates, driver’s license, state identification, etc.)

Before submitting your application for benefits, you will be given the chance to review the information you have entered and make any necessary corrections.

After submitting your complete application you will hear from the local Department of Public Welfare for your county. You may be contacted by telephone or by mail. You may be required to attend a meeting at the DPW building in your county. Be sure to bring all required items with you to the appointment to ensure proper processing of your application for benefits. (The caseworker will notify you what items you need to supply either by telephone or by mail.)

Pennsylvania’s COMPASS website is designed to make the application for services process easier and more efficient. In addition to providing the ability to screen and/or apply for benefits, current benefit recipients can also create a user ID and password to view their current benefits, renewal dates and to request or report changes to their account.

If you would like to speak with someone at the DPW, you can contact the DPW Help Line at 1-800-692-7462 or contact your local DPW office. To view the SNAP handbook, HERE. The current income limitations for SNAP, effective 10/1/09, can be viewed by HERE.

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