Rules for Maintaining Your SNAP Benefits in PA
You can continue to receive SNAP benefits as long as you meet the income eligibility requirements. But there are reporting requirements regarding what SNAP recipients must do to continue getting food stamps.
Just Harvest can help you submit SARs & Recertifications by COMPASS. Call us at 412-431-8690 (option 3).
Reporting Changes
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Change to your address or phone number. If you report an address change, report your new shelter expenses–as DHS can zero out what is from your previous address.
Any changes to your rent or shelter expenses.
Any changes to your household income in the amount of $125 or more
Any changes to who is in your household
Any change to your other expenses such as:
childcare or;
medical expenses (applies only to those 60+ and those who receive federal or state income for a disability.)
If you are a Pennsylvanian with Employment or Engagement Requirements (PEER, formerly “ABAWD”) and your work or activity hours drop below 80 per month.
So that you can continue to get your benefits on time, it is important to update your contact information (phone number or address change) with DHS. This will protect you from missing important information like a recertification or SAR.
If you do not report changes to your case, and you receive benefits that you may not be entitled to, DHS can hold you responsible for paying them back. DHS may charge you with fraud if they believe you knowingly withheld information about your income to continue getting benefits.
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You should report changes by the 10th day of the month after the change occurs (ex: You get your first pay from a new job on the 28th of June, you should report the change by July 10th).
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When reporting changes, you will often need to provide documents for proof changes to income, rent or mortgage, and utility responsibility. Report your change in any of the following ways:
Using the MyCOMPASS PA mobile app or COMPASS website.
If using the COMPASS website on your phone or computer, you can use the new "Verify My Income" tool to import your paystubs from ADP, Payday, Uber, Doordash and other pay systems. Watch this video to learn more.
Calling the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. Always request a ticket number when calling this number.
Calling or visiting your County Assistance Office.
Semi-Annual Review
For most households, every 6 months you must also complete a Semi-Annual Report (SAR). This packet will be mailed to you by DHS.
To successfully complete a SAR, submit the packet, proof of income and any changes before the date listed on the form. The fastest way to complete a SAR is on COMPASS or using the MyCOMPASS PA mobile app. No interview is required for a SAR.
If the SAR is not received by the due date, a Late/Incomplete Notice and a second SAR packet will be mailed out.
If your SAR is not processed by date on the Late/Incomplete Notice, they will suspend your benefits. Completing the SAR will get your benefits turned back on.
If you do not receive a SAR form, call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.
Recertification
Most SNAP recipients need to have their benefits recertified every year (see timelines below).
Keep an eye out for a pink envelope! DHS will mail you a recertification packet in a pink envelope and it should arrive at least one week before your interview date.
Check the date of your phone interview appointment.
Submit your packet before the date of your phone appointment. The caseworker is not required to call if they do not have your paperwork by then! Submitting your paperwork on COMPASS gets it to your caseworker faster than mail, fax, or dropping it off at the office.
Keep your phone interview.
If you haven't already, submit proof of your income and any other changes. You can upload required documents using the COMPASS website, My COMPASS PA mobile app, or submit them by mail, e-mail, or fax to your county assistance office
To successfully complete a renewal, before the due date listed on the form you must submit the renewal form, submit proof of your income + any changes to your case, and complete your interview.
If you missed your interview, call 1-877-395-8930 to submit a ticket for a worker to call you. You can also submit a ticket using the MyCOMPASS PA mobile app.
Recertification & Reporting Timelines by Household Type
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Household Description: Everyone in your household is either over the age of 59 or receives a disability benefit and no one is working. This is sometimes referred to as an ESAP (Elderly Simplified Application Process) household.
Recertification Timeline: Once every 3 years, and your packet will be shorter if it is for SNAP benefits only. If you receive medical assistance, you may still get renewal packets from the Pa. Dept. of Human Services (DHS) for your medical assistance.
Semi Annual Reporting Packets: No.
Change Reporting Requirements: You are required to report all changes listed above (except for medical expenses) by the 10th day of the month, after the change happens.
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Household Description: All adults in the household are elderly (ages 60 or older) or disabled. This household can include non-disabled children, or have income from working.
Recertification Timeline: You should only need to recertify your SNAP benefits once every 2 years. If you receive medical assistance, you may still get renewal packets from the Pa. Dept. of Human Services (DHS) for your medical assistance.
Semi Annual Reporting Packets: Yes
Change Reporting Requirements: You are required to report major changes to your income, and report if any adults who are PEERs drop below 80 hours per month. Do soby the 10th day of the month, after the change happens.
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Household Description: There is no reported income, or all reported income is not counted.
Recertification Timeline: Once every 6 months.
Semi Annual Reporting Packets: Yes
Change Reporting Requirements: You are required to report major changes to your income, and report if any adults who are PEERs drop below 80 hours per month. Do so by the 10th day of the month, after the change happens.
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Household Description: Everyone in the household is not exempt and is not meeting the work reporting requirements for SNAP.
Recertification Timeline: 3 months
Semi Annual Reporting Packets: Yes
Change Reporting Requirements: You are required to report major changes to your income, and report if any adults who are PEERs drop below 80 hours per month. Do so by the 10th day of the month, after the change happens.
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Every other household type, including households with working adults who are not elderly or disabled, households where one adult is time-limited but other household members are not, and households where no one is time-limited.
Recertification Timeline: 12 months
Semi Annual Reporting Packets: Yes
Change Reporting Requirements: You are required to report major changes to your income, and report if any adults who are PEERs drop below 80 hours per month. Do so by the 10th day of the month, after the change happens.