News

January 16, 2019

DHS Will Issue February SNAP Benefits Early

On January 8, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified states that February benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be fully funded.

In order to receive funding however, February benefits must be issued by January 20, 2019. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has determined that they will be able to issue February SNAP benefits by January 20 in order to meet the federally imposed deadline. Below is what you need to know about SNAP benefits in January and February.

 

Receiving February Benefits

All SNAP recipients who did not have a renewal due in January, or whose renewal for January was completed by January 14, will receive their February benefits on their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards on January 18, 2019.

For those (with January renewals due) who completed their renewal after January 14, February benefits will be available on their EBT card one day after their renewal is processed.

What This Means for SNAP Recipients

These benefits will be the only benefit payment SNAP recipients will receive for the month of February. Recipients will not receive a payment on their regularly scheduled February payment date. This payment is not a bonus or increase in a recipient’s monthly payment. Rather, this payment is their benefit for the month of February.

Recipients will need to make this early payment last through an undefined period of time if the government shutdown persists. DHS is awaiting further guidance from the USDA regarding the availability of benefits for March. Because of this, recipients experiencing food insecurity may have greater challenges during this period. This will likely result in a higher number of individuals seeking aid from charitable food organizations around the commonwealth.

Applications and Renewals

DHS will continue to accept SNAP applications and process renewal applications. Recipients should continue reporting any changes and should submit the semi-annual reviews or renewals that they receive. DHS will continue to issue benefits to applicants found eligible in February until they are told to stop issuing by USDA.

Questions and Concerns

All County Assistance Offices remain open and staff are available to assist applicants and recipients during this time.

For any questions about benefits, please contact the statewide customer service center at 1.877.395.8930. For residents of Philidelphia, contact 1.215.560.7226.

Resources

For any individual seeking additional food assistance, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has compiled a list of community resources and organizations.

News

January 3, 2019

Toddler Life: Free Class Series

This seven-class series explores how to enjoy life with a toddler, keep them safe and healthy, and teach them what they are ready to learn.

Parents and expectant parents are invited to learn about and discuss topics that can help their toddlers succeed. By attending, all parents earn points toward baby clothes, toys, equipment, and can receive 50 diapers per month. For expectant parents, there are opportunities to earn a new pack ‘n play, car seat, or high chair by completing seven classes.

This series runs on Tuesdays from January 22 to March 5, 2019.

A light dinner will be provided.

Topics

The following topics will be discussed:

  • Positive Discipline
  • Developmental Stages
  • Sibling Adjustment
  • Toilet Training
  • Stress-Reduction

Registration

Register for these free classes by phone (412.945.7670) or online through the Facebook event page.

Share this flyer with your networks.

News

December 20, 2018

Let’s Chat About Early Language and Literacy

The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) are hosting chat sessions during the winter months to discuss early language and literacy development topics.

Join these 30-minute online chat sessions, offered at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., to discover resources to share with families and implement in your classroom or center. These sessions will take place on the second and fourth Friday of every month from January through March 2019.

Chat Sessions

  • Disconnecting to Connect | January 11, 2019
  • Building Vocabulary | January 25, 2019
  • Storybook Reading | February 8, 2019
  • Print in the Environment | February 22, 2019
  • Playing with Sounds | March 8, 2019
  • Supporting Dual Language Learners | March 22, 2019

More Information

Visit their event website to learn more about the topics, credits, and registration.

PQAS credit hours and Infant/Toddler hours available.