PA Limits on Food Stamps Relaxed

State Secretary of Public Welfare Gary Alexander said the state will increase the initially proposed $2,000 limit on the value of assets to $5,500 for “able-bodied” households. The initially proposed $3,250 limit for recipients age 60 and older and those with disabilities would increase to $9,000. The limits go into effect May 1. The department sent a letter to the federal government in late December outlining its plan to reinstate asset tests for the food stamp program, known as SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.  SNAP benefits are designed to subsidize food purchases at grocery stores and supermarkets for the poor. The federally funded benefit serves about 1.8 million in Pennsylvania with varying benefits. The maximum for a family of four is $668 a month.  Read more.