Senior hunger is real in our community. Philadelphia has the largest percentage of senior citizens among this country’s 10 largest cities. Almost 1 in 5 of Philadelphia’s elders live at or near poverty level. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, helps eligible individuals purchase food. Most low-income individuals are eligible for SNAP Benefits. The amount of benefits you receive depends on your household income, size and assets. Households containing elderly members are subject to an asset limit of $9,000. Assets may include bank accounts, cash and cars. Your home, one car, pension and retirement benefits do not count towards the asset limit. A household consisting of an elderly individual has a monthly income limit of $1,862 and $2,522 for a household of two. You may also be able to deduct some of your expenses, such as housing, utility and medical costs, from your total income, which may increase your monthly benefit amount.
To see if you are eligible for SNAP Benefits, you may contact Benephilly at 1-800-236-2194 or Philadelphia Legal Assistance at 215-981-3800. You may also apply at your local welfare office and you may call the County Assistance Office’s Customer Service Center at 215-560-7226 for more information.
Everyone’s monthly Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits will be reduced starting November 1st due to a change in the law. Households of one will see an $11 reduction and households of two will see a reduction of $20 in their monthly benefit amounts. If you or anyone you know experiences a need for emergency food, please visit the link for food pantries at .
Please call the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline at (215) 988-1242 or toll free at 1-877-727-7529 Monday through Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for additional information.