Income Requirements

• Since the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance (TANF) programs are meant for low-income families, your household cannot make more than a set monthly maximum and still qualify. The SNAP program actually requires that your household makes less than two maximum limits, gross and net. Gross income is the total amount of wages earned by everyone in your household, and the limit is 130 percent of the federal poverty level. Net income is what remains after allowable deductions are made and is 100 percent of the poverty level. The maximum income limit for TANF is calculated by county. The limit for TANF is generally 185 percent of the standard of need for that area, which is the lowest amount that can provide for the basic needs of a family of your size in your location.
  
  

Assets

• Both TANF and SNAP require that families and households not exceed an asset limit if they want to receive benefits. As of January 2011, the asset limit for most families for SNAP is $2,000. This goes up to $3,000 if at least one member of the household is 60 years or older or is disabled. However, the asset maximum for TANF in Pennsylvania is much lower at $1,000. Countable assets for both programs include cash, the amount of money in any bank accounts, property you own that is not being used as your main residence, child support payments, Social Security benefits and unemployment compensation.
  
  

Work Requirements

• If you are approved for either TANF or SNAP, you will have to meet certain work requirements. SNAP and TANF require that you be working or registered to work and cannot voluntarily quit your job or reduce your hours. TANF participants also receive help from a caseworker, who helps them evaluate their skills, education, child care needs and transportation. Some residents who receive TANF may receive funds for child care and education while they prepare for or find work. If you cannot find a job while on TANF, you may be asked to volunteer or participate in other unpaid work until you are employed.
  
  

Applying

• You can apply for both TANF and SNAP with the same application in Pennsylvania. If you have access to the Internet, you can apply online at the COMPASS website, which has options for English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian and Thai. You can also download the application in English or Spanish from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare site, or pick one up in person at your county assistance office. To submit a paper application, return it by mail, fax or in-person to the same office.