Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) announced increases to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) income limits and maximum benefits starting on October 1 following an annual adjustment to account for food costs and inflation.

The changes will benefit all SNAP recipients and there will be no decrease in benefits because of the updates, the DHS said.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) made the changes as part of an annual reevaluation of SNAP’s income eligibility standards, the maximum benefit amount, and the minimum benefit amount. The adjustment is a routine, annual process.

The average increase for most SNAP recipients will be $18. 

“SNAP is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program,” state DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said. “SNAP helps more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians afford food for themselves and their families, and PA DHS will always help Pennsylvanians facing food insecurity keep food on their tables.”

The new SNAP federal poverty income guideline income limits and maximum benefit amounts a household can receive effective October 1 through September 30, 2027 are:

• Household of 1: $2,660 (maximum monthly income), $306 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 2: $3,608 (maximum monthly income), $562 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 3: $4,554 (maximum monthly income), $808 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 4: $5,500 (maximum monthly income), $1,023 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 5: $6,448 (maximum monthly income), $1,217 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 6: $7,394 (maximum monthly income), $1,463 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 7: $8,340 (maximum monthly income), $1,616 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 8: $9,288 (maximum monthly income), $1,841 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 9: $10,236 (maximum monthly income), $2,066 (maximum benefit amount)
• Household of 10: $11,184 (maximum monthly income), $2,291 (maximum benefit amount)
• Each additional member (through household of 17): + $948 (maximum monthly income), + $225 (maximum benefit amount)

Factors that could contribute to a household’s higher SNAP allowance and income limits in Pennsylvania include household size and monthly income. More information on these benefit levels is available on the DHS’ website.

Changes to SNAP Utility Allowances

As of February 9, due to updated federal requirements, SNAP applicants and recipients must provide proof of their shelter costs and utility responsibility for their current residence. Applicants and recipients must provide proof of these costs at application and renewal if they are not already on file with the DHS. 

SNAP households will need to submit new documentation if they move to a different residence or if the costs or their responsibility to pay changes.

Certain SNAP recipients are now subject to SNAP work requirements and time limits. Pennsylvanians need to comply with work requirements to continue to receive SNAP unless they meet an exemption. The expanded work requirements apply if someone:

• Is between 18-64 years old
• Does not have a dependent child under 14 years old
• Is considered physically and mentally able to work

Additionally, being a veteran or a current or former foster youth, ages 18-24 will no longer be an exemption from work requirements.

For more information on documentation and work requirements, view the state’s SNAP update announcement.