Keeping up with the latest information about your benefits can be challenging. The following are some of the most recent changes in public benefits programs in Pennsylvania (as of February 2022):
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – The number of households receiving TANF, including adults and children ("Household Budgets") have increased 2.9% in December 2021 from November 2021, but household budgets have decreased by 1.8% from December 2020.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Household budgets have increased .3% in December 2021 from November 2021, and have increased 3.3% from December 2020.
Medical Assistance (MA) – Household budgets (adults & children) have increased .6% in December 2021 from November 2021, and have increased 8.3% from December 2020.
The current Federal Public Health Emergency declaration has been extended into April 2022. All SNAP-eligible households are still receiving the maximum grant for the household size regardless of income/shelter expenses. It is not known at this time how much longer any additional supplemental SNAP benefits will continue which have been providing the maximum SNAP grant for households during the Public Health Emergency.
The moratorium on most MA case closures continues during the Public Health Emergency declaration. The federal government has allowed states to terminate MA benefits in limited circumstances, along with allowing states to reduce service hours to some MA waiver recipients at redetermination.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is up and running and will remain open until May 6, 2022. This program year, LIHEAP cash grants have been increased to a minimum of $500.00 and a maximum of $1,500.00. Crisis benefits have also been increased, with a minimum grant of $25.00 and a maximum grant of $1,200.00.
More Information:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/TANF.aspx
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/SNAP.aspx
Medical Assistance (MA)
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
