If you lost your job or had your hours reduced and you live paycheck to paycheck, you probably qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps Pennsylvanians buy food.

People in eligible households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP by increasing their food-buying power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer ACCESS card to make food purchases.

Do you qualify?

You must meet income and asset tests to qualify. Currently, households may have $2,250 in countable resources (such as cash or money in a bank account) or $3,500 in countable resources if at least one member of the household is age 60 or older or is disabled. These amounts are updated annually.

If you go to the Department of Human Services COMPASS website, you will see the federal guidelines and income requirements, effective Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020.

Pennsylvania has unemployment conditions and a special rule that allows for higher limits.

There are certain additional deductions from income allowed. Check this on the COMPASS Do I Qualify? link at compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/Screening/DoIQualify#/SelectBenefits.

SNAP is a temporary benefit program, so you can own certain things and still qualify:

• A home and lot

• SSI resources

• TANF resources (welfare)

• Most retirement and pension plans (not withdrawals)

• One vehicle per adult household member

• Any vehicle used by a household member under 18 to drive to work, school, job, training or to look for work.

For more information on resources that count toward income, check the COMPASS website.

How do you apply?

Apply for SNAP through COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome.

Check for nonfinancial eligibility requirements at COMPASS.

If you need assistance, you can apply by phone through the Pennsylvania SNAP hotline at 1-800-692-7462.

For more information on SNAP and SNAP programs, visit the Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council website at lvfpc.org.