HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania senior citizens and adults with disabilities may now apply for food stamps and supplemental security income simultaneously, Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman said today.
Launched in January, Pennsylvania’s Combined Application Project has already enabled approximately 34,000 seniors and adults with disabilities to be enrolled automatically for benefits. The project is a joint effort involving the Department of Public Welfare, the Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services division.
“With this new benefit program we are continuing our commitment to breaking down the barriers to self-sufficiency and helping people afford items that can significantly improve their quality of life,” said Richman.
Through a special five-year demonstration project, SSI recipients who live alone or who purchase and prepare meals separately from other household members will be eligible for the new program. Eligible Pennsylvanians will receive a green ACCESS card in the mail, which may be used at supermarkets and other retail food stores. Benefits will be administered based on the individual’s shelter costs and types of income.
Individuals receiving SSI income only and whose shelter costs are below $196 per month will receive $31 in benefits monthly. Those whose shelter costs are above $196 per month will receive $103 per month. Those receiving SSI and another source of income whose shelter costs are below $196 per month will receive $22 per month while those whose shelter costs are above $196 per month will receive $94 monthly.
The Department of Public Welfare administers the food stamps program through county assistance offices. Food stamp benefits are available to individuals and families who are receiving cash assistance and to residents who have sufficient income to meet most of their basic living costs but need help to supplement their food and/or medical expenses.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s food stamp benefit program, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.
