News

February 11, 2025

Just Harvest Helps with SNAP, Tax Prep, and Other Services

Just Harvest helps those struggling with food security in Allegheny County as well as other free services. The organization aims to reduce hunger by boosting income and access to healthy food.

Services

Just Harvest offers a variety of services, including:

  • SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a public benefit that can supplement a food budget. Just Harvest helps eligible families to apply for these benefits.
  • Benefits case advocacy: Just Harvest helps those having trouble applying for or receiving food stamps, LIHEAP, or cash assistance (TANF) through the state’s Department of Human Services.
  • Tax help: Just Harvest provides free IRS-certified tax preparation assistance to low-income families in Allegheny County.
  • Fresh access: Just Harvest operates a kiosk at 20 area farmers markets and farm stands in the Pittsburgh area from May to November. Customers can shop with food stamps using their ACCESS/EBT card to purchase fresh produce, baked goods, meat, and dairy products.
  • Fresh Corners: This healthy corner store initiative partners with local store owners in parts of Allegheny County that lack supermarkets. It provides affordable access to fresh, nutritious foods.

More information on the services that Just Harvest provides can be found on this flier.

For information on 2025 SNAP discounts, view this flier. And for general 2025 SNAP information, check out this flier.

News

January 14, 2025

Connect Cards Aim to Make Allegheny Go Enrollment Easier

Enrolling in Allegheny Go, the mass transit discount program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users, will soon become easier.

Learn More

On February 1, the process for enrollment in the 50% discount program will become smoother through the use of new Connect Cards. The card is a reusable plastic smart card that makes paying fares faster, easier, and more secure than paying with cash.

The cards are being reintroduced to combat barriers that Allegheny Go participants face when enrolling through the required Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s (PRT) Ready2Ride smart phone app. A number of groups – including Just Harvest, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Equitable and Just Greater Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council – advocated for the return of the cards.

About Allegheny Go

Those receiving SNAP benefits can get 50% off transit fares for buses, light rail, and other PRT services through Allegheny Go.

To qualify, one must:

  • Reside in Allegheny County
  • Be between the ages of 12 and 64
  • Have been receiving SNAP benefits for at least three months; this can also include family members receiving the benefits
  • Have a mobile device and are able to access the Ready2Ride app

To sign up for Allegheny Go, users must download the app, apply for it, and then buy fares. More information on the program is available on the Allegheny Go website.

News

August 13, 2024

Department of Human Services Warns of EBT Card Scams

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services is warning that scammers are skimming electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to steal benefits from state residents.

Learn More

DHS is warning EBT card users not to use third party apps to check balances. Those who believe their EBT card has been compromised should reach out to their local County Assistance Office to report suspected fraud and replace their card. A list of County Assistance Offices can be found online.

EBT balance and transfer inquiries and card replacements can be requested from DHS’ EBT contractor,Conduent, at 888-328-7366.

Those who have Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen can have them replaced by filling out a benefit theft claim within 60 days of the incident. Claim forms can be found on DHS’ website.

ATM and Point-of-Sale Terminal Skimming

DHS has provided tips involving ATMs or Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals when using EBT cards:

  • Inspect POS terminals, ATMs, and other card readers before using. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged or scratched. Don’t use a card reader if you notice anything unusual.
  • Pull at the edges of the keypad before entering your PIN. If it comes loose or reveals another keypad underneath, do not use as it might be a skimming device.
  • Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN to prevent cameras from recording your entry.
  • Use ATMs in well-lit, indoor locations, which are less vulnerable targets.

Be alert for skimming devices in tourist areas, which are popular targets. 

News

July 16, 2024

Applications Available for Federal Summer Child Nutrition Program

Applications are now open for a new federal child nutrition program known as SUN Bucks that aims to keep children fed during the summer months when they are not in school. Eligible children can receive an EBT card through the program, also known as Summer EBT, that can be used to purchase groceries.

Learn More

For the program’s first year, paper applications are available for children who are not automatically eligible. Benefits will be issued to all eligible children by October.

The program provides households with a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy food while school is out. Benefits can be used at local participating retailers to purchase groceries.

Many children will receive these benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. The benefits will be added to an existing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) EBT card or a newly-issued Summer EBT card.

Eligibility

Children who applied and were approved for free or reduced-price school meals or who receive SNAP or TANF are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks.

Most children who receive Medicaid are also eligible because their income level is under the level for the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program. Children who get Medicaid through the Children with Special Needs category (PH 95) and those who are in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will have to apply for SUN Bucks.

Children are automatically eligible and do not need to apply for the program if:

  • Their household received SNAP or TANF between July 1, 2023 and Aug. 31, 2024 and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program; or if they are not enrolled in a school that participates in the programs but were between the ages of six and 18 during the timeline
  • The child received Medicaid with qualifying income for the lunch or breakfast program between July 1, 2023 and Aug. 31, 2024 and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the school lunch or breakfast programs; or if the child is not enrolled in a school that participates in the programs but is between the ages of six and 18 during the timeline
  • The child is in Head Start, is homeless, in foster care, or is a runaway and the child is enrolled in a school that participates in the school lunch or breakfast programs
  • The child applied for and was determined eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the school or breakfast program

How to Apply

Most eligible households will get SUN Bucks automatically if they are receiving other benefits. Other households can use the Eligibility Navigator to determine if their child is eligible.

Those who are not automatically enrolled can fill out an application in English or Spanish.

Applications received on or before August 31 will be considered for SUN Bucks benefits. Those received after that date will be considered for benefits during the 2025 application period next summer.

For more information, visit the SUN Bucks website.

News

June 12, 2024

New Look and Website Coming for COMPASS

COMPASS, an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs, will debut a new look and website URL in mid-June.

Learn More

Beginning June 16, changes to the website will allow users to navigate it on a desktop computer or mobile device much easier than before. The new URL will be: www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/Compass.Web/Public/CMPHome.

Pennsylvania residents use COMPASS to apply for a variety of health and human service programs. It also helps residents to manage benefits information.

Through COMPASS, state residents can apply for Child Care Works (CCW), healthcare coverage, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), free or reduced-price school meals, and other services.

Clients who have applications that they need to finish must complete them by June 14 or they will need to start the application process from the beginning once the new site debuts.

While some existing navigational objects will be missing from the new provider search design, users will now be able to complete applications on their mobile devices.

News

May 21, 2024

Allegheny GO to Offer Discounted Fare Rates for SNAP Recipients

Starting in June, Allegheny County residents who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be eligible for discounted Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) fares.

Learn More

Allegheny GO will offer a 50% discounted fare for working-age Allegheny County residents who benefit from SNAP and their children. More than 130,000 county residents will be eligible to participate. Enrollment is scheduled to begin on June 3.

To be eligible in the program, participants must:

  • Currently reside in Allegheny County
  • Be between the ages of 12 and 64
  • Have been receiving SNAP benefits for three months

Individuals who currently receive a fare discount through other programs are not eligible to participate. All members of a SNAP household between the ages of 12 and 17 are eligible for the discount. All children ages five and younger always ride PRT for free.

The county conducted a discounted fares pilot to determine the future design of the program. It has since published the results of the program.

Due to its success, the county decided to make the program a permanent offering. Anyone who was part of the pilot will be contacted on how to join the program.

How to Sign Up

Applicants should download Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Ready2Ride app from the Apple App Store or Google Play before applying for the program on the Allegheny GO website.

Initially, Allegheny GO will be available to applicants with smartphones. It will be available on PRT’s next-generation smartcard when it launches next year.

Riders with questions about downloading Ready2Ride or the application process should call 412-442-2000. Families can also visit PRT’s website to learn more about existing discount programs for children.

News

May 8, 2024

COTRAIC Open House

COTRAIC is hosting open hours at four locations on May 17 for its Head Start and PreK preschool programs for the 2024-25 school year.

Learn More

Attendees will be able to meet COTRAIC staff, tour classrooms, learn about programs, and engage in family fun activities. COTRAIC Head Start and PreK services are available at no cost to eligible families with children ages three to five.

Eligibility includes children whose families are at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) public assistance services. Other eligible children are those who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness.

The sites for the open house are:

  • Churchview – 3198 Schieck St., Pittsburgh
  • Dorseyville – 120 Charles St., Pittsburgh
  • Hazelwood – 4900 2nd Ave., Pittsburgh
  • Knoxville – 201 Rochelle St., Pittsburgh

More Details

The open houses will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 17. For more information, visit COTRAIC’s website or call 412-488-2750.

News

May 7, 2024

Department of Human Services Debuts Summer Child Nutrition Program

A new, permanent federal child nutrition program known as SUN Bucks aims to keep children fed during the summer months when they are not in school. Through the program, also called Summer EBT, eligible children will receive an EBT card that can be used to purchase groceries.

Learn More

The program will be run by the state’s Department of Human Services, with support from the Department of Education. Children who are eligible and automatically signed up for SUN Bucks include:

  • Children ages 6 to 18 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or medical assistance with qualifying income during the school year or summer 2024. This includes home-schooled and cyber-schooled children.
  • Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and either:
  • Applies for and is approved for free and reduced-price school meals during the school year
  • Receives SNAP, TANF, or medical assistance with qualifying income at any time during the school year or summer
  • Is directly certified for free school meals as a foster child, migrant, or someone experiencing homelessness

Children who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and whose families meet the income guidelines for SUN Bucks but were not automatically enrolled in the program by being in one of the categories listed above may be eligible. However, they would need to apply directly to receive SUN Bucks.

The monthly household gross income limit for SUN Bucks is:

  • $2,248 for a household of one
  • $3,041 for a household of two
  • $3,833 for a household of three
  • $4,625 for a household of four
  • $5,418 for a household of five
  • +$8,732 for each additional family member

More Details

The benefit amount for summer 2024 is $40 per summer month per child. Payments will be made as one payment of $120 by September 30, 2024 at the latest. This timeline will be updated as DHS gets closer to implementing the program.

Qualifying families who already receive SNAP benefits will see the benefit added to their card. For those who do not receive SNAP benefits, an EBT card will be mailed to them. Those interested in the program should make sure that their child’s school has a current mailing address.

Additional information on how to activate the EBT card, how to check the card’s balance, and how the card can be used to buy food is available online.

News

October 23, 2023

SNAP Benefit Amount Increases October 2023

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) income and benefit limits increased on October 1, 2023.

Learn More

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) annually evaluates SNAP’s income eligibility standards, the maximum thrifty food plan, and the minimum benefit amount. These mass grant changes will benefit all SNAP recipients; SNAP benefit levels may increase as a result of these updates, and no one will experience a decrease in benefits.

Income Limits

Here are the SNAP income limits beginning October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024:

Household Size/Maximum Gross Monthly Income

1 /$2,430

2/$3,288

3/$4,144

4/$5,000

5 /$5,858

6/$6,714

7/$7,570

8 /$8,428

9 /$9,286

10 /$10,144

Each additional member /+$858

Maximum SNAP Benefits

There is no change to the minimum benefit this year; the minimum benefit remains $23 through September 30, 2024.

The Maximum Thrifty Food Plan is the maximum amount of SNAP benefits a household can receive.  Below are the changes to the Maximum Thrifty Food Plan through September 30, 2024:

Household Size/Maximum Thrifty Food Plan

1 /$291

2 /$535

3 /$766

4 /$973

5 /$1,155

6 /$1,386

7 /$1,532

8 /$1,751

9 /$1,970

10 /$2,189

Each Additional Member /$219

Apply for SNAP

  • Online: Apply for or renew SNAP benefits online by using COMPASS.

News

August 14, 2023

Social Policy Study Reveals Vital Role of SNAP for Children and Families

A recent report from the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) has provided new insight on the critical role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the health and well-being of children and families.

About the Report

Entitled, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A Vital Resource for Children, Youth, and Families,” the report combined data from existing research with insights from interviews between CSSP staff and SNAP-assisted families to build a complete picture of SNAP’s impact.

Key Findings

Key findings from the report show:

  • In 2021, SNAP reached 41.5 million people in an average month.
  • SNAP plays a critical role fighting hunger and malnutrition, and promoting economic wellbeing.
  • For families, SNAP can help lift some of the weight off parents and caregivers as they struggle to feed growing children.
  • For youth and young adults, SNAP provides some security and stability as they transition to adulthood and pursue their goals.
    • This support is especially critical for young people who age out of foster care and are disproportionately likely to struggle to afford food, as they often lose access to social services and economic supports when they leave foster care.
  • SNAP can be a critical resource for young people, helping them buy food and meet their needs as they set out on their own, further their education, embark on their careers, and form their own families.

CSSP Policy Recommendations

Though SNAP provides an enormous, essential benefit to families and youth, CSSP shared in the report that SNAP can do more to help people meet their needs and pursue their goals, offering a number recommendations. They encourage policymakers to:

  • increase benefit levels,
  • repeal the three-month time limit for adults,
  • restore access to immigrant families, and
  • lift the ban on hot food.

Learn More

To learn more, read the full report or visit the CSSP website.

Source

Information for this post was taken directly from the CSSP SNAP report. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension.

Related Content & Resources