SNAP
General information
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, help individuals and families put food on their plates.
SNAP also has provisions to replace food after disasters (including power outages)
that result in lost food supplies. See bottom of this page for details.
FIN can apply through COMPASS
Changes to SNAP Benefit Qualifications
All required info MUST be given to the County Assistance Office
The Following Situations Qualify FIN for an Exemption (with proof)
- You have a physical or mental health condition that reduces your ability to work
- You are earning at least $217.50 a week before taxes
- You have children under the age of 14
- You are at least 65 years old or under age 18
- You are getting a disability benefit like SSI or SSD
- You are enrolled in school or training at least half time
- You are getting unemployment benefits
- You are caring for someone who is sick or elderly
- You are in drug or mental health treatment
- You are going back to work within 60 days
- You are experiencing homelessness
- You are pregnant
- You are unable to work because of domestic violence
What Counts As Proof?
If health limits work: have your doctor, therapist or counselor sign the
Medical Exemption Form (see link below)
How to Submit Proof
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Return the Screening Form and proof to a local County Assistance Office. (Please note: the CAO is operated at the state level by the PA Department of Human Services.)
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Best option: the myCOMPASS PA app
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If you submit by mail, fax, or in person, include your case number.
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Ensure your address is updated on COMPASS (or call a CAO to update it). This is important in case PA DHS needs more documents from you.
What if FIN Needs More Support Than We Can Provide?
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Call Just Harvest at 412-431-8960 (option 3). You will need to leave a message, and your call will be returned.
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Call the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at 833-822-7627.
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Go to one of the following SNAP in Person Assistance Locations:
State Senator Nick Pisciottano's Office - Whitehall Satellite Office
100 Borough Park Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
+1 412-882-6622
Every Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
South Park Township Public Library
2575 Brownsville Rd, South Park Township, PA 15129
+1 412-833-5585
Resources to support FIN with SNAP
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Google Drive Partner Tool Kit with check lists and information, including flyers in various languages spoken througout our area:
SNAP Food Replacement
after disaster or power outage
SNAP Replacement Food After Disaster
If you receive SNAP benefits and you lost food during a power outage, fire, or other household misfortune, tell your county assistance office right away! Is there a limit? The law allows you to receive replacement SNAP benefits for the amount of food you lost — up to one month’s benefits.
To get replacement SNAP benefits, you must:
- 1. Ask within 10 days of when the disaster occurred.
2. Contact your local county assistance offices (see below) or the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. - 3. Complete the replacement affidavit form saying how much food you lost. Link for the form is below. Also, forms are available at your local CAO or at www.dhs.pa.gov/SNAP --- see link below
4. Upload the completed affidavit form to COMPASS or the myCOMPASS PA mobile app.
Allegheny County Assistance offices:
Allegheny County Assistance Office Headquarters
Piatt Place
301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 470
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Phone: 412-565-2146
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP)
5947 Penn Avenue, 4th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. - Phone: 412-562-0330
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Southern District
332 Fifth Avenue, Suite 230
Pittsburgh, PA 15222OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m
- Phone: (412) 565-2232