The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for many families and individuals in Pennsylvania, providing essential financial assistance for purchasing food. Each month, SNAP benefits are loaded onto electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, allowing recipients to buy groceries at participating stores. With October approaching, many Pennsylvanians wonder when to expect their next SNAP payment.
When will SNAP benefits be paid in Pennsylvania for October 2024?
In Pennsylvania, SNAP benefits are distributed based on the last digit of the recipient’s case number. For October 2024, payments will be made from October 3 to October 14. Here is the specific schedule:
- Case numbers ending in 1: October 3
- Case numbers ending in 2: October 4
- Case numbers ending in 3: October 5
- Case numbers ending in 4: October 6
- Case numbers ending in 5: October 7
- Case numbers ending in 6: October 8
- Case numbers ending in 7: October 9
- Case numbers ending in 8: October 10
- Case numbers ending in 9: October 11
- Case numbers ending in 0: October 14
This staggered distribution ensures that benefits are issued smoothly across the state, avoiding overburdening the system.
SNAP benefit increases starting in October 2024
Pennsylvania SNAP recipients can also expect slight increases in their benefit amounts starting in October, thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) implemented by the federal government. The COLA is designed to account for inflation, ensuring that benefits keep pace with rising food costs.
As of October 1, 2024, the maximum SNAP benefit amounts in Pennsylvania are as follows:
- 1-person household: $292
- 2-person household: $536
- 3-person household: $768
- 4-person household: $975
- 5-person household: $1,158
- 6-person household: $1,390
- 7-person household: $1,536
- 8-person household: $1,756
For households larger than 8, an additional $220 is added per person. While these increases are modest compared to last year, they provide much-needed relief as food prices have risen by around 2% from August 2023 to August 2024.
Changes to SNAP eligibility for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Notable changes to SNAP eligibility requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) will also take effect in October 2024. Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, ABAWDs between the ages of 53 and 54 will need to meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits.
Previously, ABAWDs aged 18 to 52 needed to work, attend school, or be in a training program for at least 80 hours per month to qualify for benefits beyond three months in three years. This requirement now extends to individuals aged 53 and 54.
Exemptions remain for veterans, homeless individuals, those with physical or mental limitations, and caregivers for dependents under the age of 18. Individuals falling under these categories will not be subject to the new work requirements.
How to check your SNAP benefits
Pennsylvania SNAP recipients can easily check their benefit balance and payment dates by accessing the state’s online portal, MyCOMPASS PA, or the EBT cardholder website. Alternatively, recipients can call the customer service number on the back of their EBT cards.
In addition to tracking benefits online, SNAP recipients should stay informed about upcoming changes to the program through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which regularly updates its website with critical information on SNAP payments, eligibility, and benefit changes.
What can SNAP benefits be used for?
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items, including:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants for growing food
SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, hot food, or non-food items like pet food and household supplies.
