SNAP Helps you pay for or afford your groceries.

Food is a fundamental human right. SNAP helps people afford the food they need.

If grocery costs are making it harder for you to make ends meet, you might be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps). SNAP provides monthly funds that can be used to buy groceries and other eligible foods.

Everyone deserves access to enough food to live. SNAP is one public resource that helps make that possible.

The system for accessing SNAP can be complicated. You deserve clear information about the resources available to you.

Learn more about applying

Philabundance’s SNAP Outreach team is available to help you access information, understand your options, and make informed choices that work for your unique circumstances.

Contact Us

Phone hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dedicated SNAP phone number: (267) 727-0004

Email: SNAP@philabundance.org.

 

Schedule an appointment with the SNAP Outreach team.
Team 8.26 (1)
Left to right: SNAP Coordinator Christian Hayden, SNAP Director Karen Specht, and SNAP Coordinator Vanity Pabon

What You'll Need to Apply

You don’t need to have every document before you apply. If you’re not sure what you need, don’t let that stop you from applying. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will let you know if additional information or documents are needed.
Having the following information and documents available can help make the process easier.
Information about everyone in your household
  • Names and dates of birth
  • Social Security numbers, if applicable
  • Citizenship or immigration information, if applicable
  • Information about who lives with and purchases food with you
Income
You may need documents showing money coming into your household, such as:
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Employer statements
  • Social Security or SSI/SSDI statements
  • Unemployment benefit statements
  • Pension or retirement statements
  • Child support records
  • Self-employment or other income records
Housing costs
If you pay for housing, you may need documentation such as:
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Rent receipt
  • Mortgage statement or receipt
  • HUD or housing assistance statement
  • Other documentation that shows your current housing costs

As of February 9, 2026, Pennsylvania requires verification of reported shelter costs for SNAP applications.
Utilities
If you pay utilities, you may need:
  • Your current utility bill
  • Correspondence from your utility company
  •  A cancelled check showing a utility payment
  • A statement or receipt from your landlord showing your utility costs
You can still apply if you don’t have these documents. Not providing shelter or utility verification will not cause your SNAP application to be rejected, but your benefits may be calculated without those deductions.
Medical expenses
If someone in your household is age 60 or older or has a disability, you may be able to receive a deduction for certain medical expense. Documents can include:
  • Medical bills
  • Prescription costs
  • Health insurance or Medicare premiums
  • Medical equipment or supplies
  • Transportation costs related to medical care
Child support or dependent care
If applicable, you might want to have information about:
  • Court-ordered child support you pay
  • Childcare or dependent-care expenses
  • Payments made to another person for care
Don’t have all of your documents? That’s okay. Don’t let missing paperwork stop you from applying.
You can apply for SNAP online, by mail, or in-person. Pennsylvania DHS will review your application and tell you if additional information is needed.

Need help?
Our team can help you understand what information you may need and support you through the application process.
Schedule an appointment with the SNAP Outreach team.