The Pennsylvania SNAP income limits for 2026 determine who qualifies for food stamps. Households must meet both gross and net income standards unless exempt. Benefits vary by family size and allowable deductions.
Key Takeaways
- A 1-person household must earn ≤ $1,696 gross or $1,305 net.
- A 4-person household must earn ≤ $3,483 gross or $2,680 net.
- Maximum benefit: $994 for a family of four.
- Deductions like shelter, medical, and dependent care help reduce income.
- Asset limits stay at $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).
Page Contents
- 1 Gross Monthly Income Limits (130% of Poverty Level)
- 2 Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of Poverty Level)
- 3 Maximum SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania (2026)
- 4 Deductions and Allowances (2026 Updates)
- 5 SNAP Asset Limits (2026)
- 6 How to Apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania
- 7 Pennsylvania SNAP FAQs (2026)
- 7.1 1. What is the gross income limit for one person in PA in 2026?
- 7.2 2. How much can a family of four earn and still get SNAP?
- 7.3 3. What is the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four in PA in 2026?
- 7.4 4. Did the SNAP minimum benefit change for 2026?
- 7.5 5. What deductions help households qualify?
- 7.6 6. Do assets count for SNAP in Pennsylvania?
Gross Monthly Income Limits (130% of Poverty Level)
Pennsylvania follows federal gross income standards for FY 2026.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,696 |
| 2 people | $2,292 |
| 3 people | $2,888 |
| 4 people | $3,483 |
| 5 people | $4,079 |
| 6 people | $4,675 |
| 7 people | $5,271 |
| 8 people | $5,867 |
| Each additional person | +$596 |
Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of Poverty Level)
Net income is what remains after deductions. These are the FY 2026 net income limits:
| Household Size | Maximum Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,305 |
| 2 people | $1,763 |
| 3 people | $2,221 |
| 4 people | $2,680 |
| 5 people | $3,138 |
| 6 people | $3,596 |
| 7 people | $4,055 |
| 8 people | $4,513 |
| Each additional person | +$459 |
Maximum SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania (2026)
The federal maximum allotments for the 48 states and D.C. apply to Pennsylvania:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| 6 people | $1,421 |
| 7 people | $1,571 |
| 8 people | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | +$218 |
👉 Minimum benefit: $24 for 1–2 person households.
Deductions and Allowances (2026 Updates)
Households can use deductions to lower countable income:
- Standard deduction: $209 (1–3 people), $223 (4), $261 (5), $299 (6+)
- Excess shelter deduction cap: $744
- Homeless shelter deduction: up to $198.99
- Medical expenses: Allowed for elderly/disabled if over $35 monthly
- Dependent care & utilities: Based on actual expenses
SNAP Asset Limits (2026)
- Regular households: $3,000
- With elderly (60+) or disabled member: $4,500
Pennsylvania also uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), so many households are not subject to an asset test.
How to Apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania
You can apply three ways:
- Online: COMPASS Portal
- By Phone: 1-866-550-4355
- In Person: Local County Assistance Office (CAO)
Pennsylvania SNAP FAQs (2026)
1. What is the gross income limit for one person in PA in 2026?
It is $1,696 per month before taxes. Net income must be $1,305 or less.
2. How much can a family of four earn and still get SNAP?
The gross limit is $3,483/month, and the net limit is $2,680/month. This is before deductions are applied.
3. What is the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four in PA in 2026?
The maximum allotment is $994/month. The exact benefit depends on income and expenses.
4. Did the SNAP minimum benefit change for 2026?
Yes, it increased to $24/month for 1–2 person households. This ensures small households always receive some support.
5. What deductions help households qualify?
Standard deductions, shelter costs, dependent care, and medical expenses for elderly/disabled members. These reduce net income.
6. Do assets count for SNAP in Pennsylvania?
Most households are not tested due to BBCE. Where applied, the limit is $3,000, or $4,500 if elderly/disabled.
