Benefits Eligibility Guide

Pennsylvania Government Benefits

Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in Pennsylvania. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.

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Pennsylvania Benefits Programs

Here are the major programs available to Pennsylvania residents.

Medical Assistance (MA) (Medicaid)

Medicaid expansion state

Adults: up to 138% FPL

Children: up to 319% FPL

Pregnant: up to 220% FPL

SNAP (Food Assistance)

Gross income limit: 200% FPL

Net income limit: 100% FPL

Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)

LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)

Income limit: 150% FPL

Helps with heating and cooling costs

Child Care Works (CCW) (Childcare)

Income limit: 200% FPL

Subsidized childcare for working families

TANF Cash Assistance (Cash Assistance)

Lifetime limit: 60 months

Cash assistance for families with children

WIC (Nutrition)

Income limit: 185% FPL

For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5

Pennie (ACA)

Marketplace Type: State-Based Exchange

Phone: 1-844-844-8040

Medicare / SHIP Counseling

PA MEDI (formerly APPRISE)

Phone: 1-800-783-7067

SSI / SSDI

State provides supplemental SSI payment

State Supplement: $22.1/month

Phone:

Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.

Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.

Check Your Eligibility in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania Benefits Guides

In-depth articles about specific programs in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania ACA Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Subsidies, and How to Enroll Through Pennie

Find out if you qualify for ACA health insurance in Pennsylvania for 2026. Learn about Pennie marketplace income limits, premium subsidies, Medicaid thresholds, and step-by-step enrollment instructions.

March 26, 2026

How to Apply for Section 8 in Pennsylvania: Housing Choice Voucher Guide 2026

Learn how to apply for Section 8 in Pennsylvania, including income limits, waiting list status, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions for the Housing Choice Voucher program.

March 14, 2026

How to Apply for SNAP in Pennsylvania: A Complete Guide for 2026

Learn how to apply for SNAP (food stamps) in Pennsylvania, including income limits, required documents, the COMPASS application process, and tips to get approved faster.

March 11, 2026

How to Apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania

Step-by-step guide to applying for Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance) in 2026. Learn about income limits, required documents, COMPASS online application, and tips to avoid delays.

March 4, 2026

Pennsylvania Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, How to Apply, and What You Need to Know

Complete guide to Pennsylvania Medicaid eligibility in 2026. Learn about income limits by household size, how to apply through COMPASS, covered benefits, and who qualifies for Medical Assistance in PA.

February 22, 2026

Pennsylvania ACA Benefits and Coverage Guide 2026

Learn about Pennsylvania ACA benefits and coverage for 2026. Discover what Pennie Marketplace plans cover, who qualifies for subsidies, and how to enroll.

February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What government benefits am I eligible for in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania residents may qualify for programs including Medical Assistance (MA) (Medicaid), SNAP (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.

How do I apply for Medical Assistance (MA) in Pennsylvania?

You can apply for Medical Assistance (MA) online at https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov or by calling 1-866-550-4355. Pennsylvania has expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

How do I apply for SNAP (food stamps) in Pennsylvania?

Apply for SNAP online at https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov or call 1-877-395-8930. Pennsylvania uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, so the gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 100% FPL.