SNAP Update

By Anonymous -
According to a recent article from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the number of Philadelphians receiving SNAP benefits, formally known as food stamps, has increased by 3% over the last two years. In addition, experts, including Rachel Meeks from the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, anticipate that this number is likely to continue rising over the upcoming year.

Fortunately, on August 3, 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the eligibility standards and deductions for the new 2010 fiscal year (see the table below for more information). Because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the Stimulus Package, SNAP benefits this year are significantly greater than they would be otherwise. As a result, the eligibility levels for qualifying families have increased.

This means that more families needing assistance will be able to receive SNAP benefits. Even individuals who already have jobs may be able to qualify.

PathWays PA encourages all families to check to see if they qualify for food assistance. This can be done either by contacting PathWays PA directly, by going online to our Online Training and Benefits Eligibility Tool, or by going directly to Pennsylvania’s benefits checker, COMPASS.

The following charts are effective from October 2009 to September 2010.

--Anna Walker

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