This tool uses the 2023-2024 Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) guidelines. In Pennsylvania, most households are eligible for SNAP if their gross monthly income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG).
Income Limits (200% FPIG) – Valid through Sept 2024
Household Size
Max Gross Monthly Income
Max Monthly Benefit
1
$2,430
$291
2
$3,287
$535
3
$4,143
$766
4
$5,000
$973
5
$5,857
$1,155
Standard Requirements for PA Residents
Residency: Must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
Identity: Must provide proof of identity (Driver's license, ID).
Resources: Most PA households do not have a resource/asset limit unless they contain a disqualified member or have income over 200% FPIG.
Citizen Status: Must be a U.S. Citizen or have a qualifying non-citizen status.
What counts as income?
Pennsylvania counts most forms of income, including wages, Social Security, unemployment compensation, and child support. The "Gross Monthly Income" used in this calculator is your total income before taxes or health insurance premiums are deducted.
Example Calculation
A family of 3 in Philadelphia with a gross income of $2,500 per month would likely pass the Gross Income test because the limit is $4,143. Their specific benefit amount would then be calculated by taking the maximum allotment ($766) and subtracting 30% of their "net income" (gross income minus allowed deductions like housing and utilities).
function calculatePaSnap() {
var hhSize = parseInt(document.getElementById('hhSize').value);
var grossIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossIncome').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('snapResult');
if (isNaN(hhSize) || isNaN(grossIncome) || hhSize < 1) {
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultDiv.className = 'pa-snap-result pa-snap-warning';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Error: Please enter a valid household size and income amount.';
return;
}
// 200% FPL Limits 2023-2024
var incomeLimits = [0, 2430, 3287, 4143, 5000, 5857, 6713, 7570, 8427];
var maxBenefits = [0, 291, 535, 766, 973, 1155, 1386, 1532, 1751];
var limit = 0;
var maxBenefit = 0;
if (hhSize <= 8) {
limit = incomeLimits[hhSize];
maxBenefit = maxBenefits[hhSize];
} else {
limit = 8427 + ((hhSize – 8) * 857);
maxBenefit = 1751 + ((hhSize – 8) * 219);
}
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
if (grossIncome <= limit) {
resultDiv.className = 'pa-snap-result pa-snap-success';
resultDiv.innerHTML = '
Potentially Eligible!
' +
'Your household size of ' + hhSize + ' is below the PA gross monthly income limit of $' + limit.toLocaleString() + '.' +
'Estimated Maximum Benefit: $' + maxBenefit.toLocaleString() + ' per month.' +
'Note: This is an estimate. Final benefit amounts depend on your "Net Income" after deductions for rent, utilities, and childcare.' +
'Apply online at PA COMPASS →';
} else {
resultDiv.className = 'pa-snap-result pa-snap-warning';
resultDiv.innerHTML = '
Income Above Standard Limit
' +
'Your gross income of $' + grossIncome.toLocaleString() + ' exceeds the standard limit of $' + limit.toLocaleString() + ' for a household of ' + hhSize + '.' +
'Exception: If your household includes someone who is 60+ years old or has a disability, different income limits may apply. You should still consider applying via PA COMPASS to verify eligibility.';
}
}