Food Stamp Program
Update
 The
Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is moving forward with several
food stamp-related initiatives.
Transitional Benefits. By next March, families
leaving TANF will automatically receive three months of food stamps
in the same monthly amount as before the family left TANF. This
change has two purposes: (1) provide a bridge over the first difficult
months that a family's budget no longer includes any cash assistance;
and (2) help low-wage families understand that food stamps are
for working people too.
Families that experience a decline in income upon
leaving TANF will receive an increase in the monthly food stamp
allotment if the decline is reported to DPW.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents.
In October DPW requested a second waiver from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture that would permit Pennsylvania to expand its ability
to provide food stamp benefits to needy persons in this category.
The request, if granted by USDA, would apply to the counties of
Clarion, Columbia, Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer and
Venango, and the City of Scranton. Approval from the USDA is expected
by January.
Outreach and Education. In early January,
DPW will identify the 25-30 organizations that will receive grants
to do local Food Stamp Program education and outreach. Approximately
$1million will be awarded. The education and outreach services
will be made available in all parts of Pennsylvania.
Along with the awarding of outreach and education
funds, DPW is expected to introduce a simplified, food-stamps
only application and the opportunity to apply for food stamps
online. Hunger Action has requested DPW to make telephone eligibility
interviews routine for the elderly and the disabled, and to make
extended-hour appointments more readily available to working people.
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