Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Pennsylvania

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Pennsylvania Department of Health

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and January (poverty guidelines). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.

Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911
• Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211
• Out of food: Apply for SNAP at COMPASS Pennsylvania – emergency benefits in 7 days
• Power being shut off: Apply for LIHEAP immediately at COMPASS or call 1-877-395-8930
• Eviction notice: Call Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network at 1-877-953-4250 right now
• Lost your job: File unemployment at UC Benefits or call 1-888-313-7284
• Need health coverage: Apply at COMPASS or call 1-800-692-7462
• Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call Pennsylvania WIC at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467)
• Domestic violence: Call Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-932-4632 (24/7)

If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at COMPASS Pennsylvania. If your household income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

Reality check: The maximum benefit in 2025 for a family of three is $768 according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, but most working families get much less.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call Pennsylvania WIC at 1-800-942-9467. Under the new rules, fruits and vegetable vouchers in 2024 will provide $26 per month for kids ages 1 through 4; $47 per month for pregnant and postpartum women; and $52 for breastfeeding women according to PBS News.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your utility company and ask for a “hardship extension” – many give you 10-30 days
• Apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) immediately at COMPASS or call 1-877-395-8930
• Bring your shutoff notice when applying – crisis assistance can be processed faster

Keep Your Housing

• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs
• If you received an eviction notice, call Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network at 1-877-953-4250 for emergency legal help
• Ask about “emergency assistance” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) at COMPASS. For example, a family of three in PA with little or no income may receive up to $403 in cash benefits each month according to Just Harvest and Pennsylvania single mother resources.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at UC Benefits or 1-888-313-7284. The maximum weekly benefit amount for PA UC in 2025 is $784 per week according to Claimyr, though most people get much less based on their previous earnings.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. TANF takes 2-6 weeks. Unemployment takes 2-3 weeks for first payment. Plan for these delays and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid all use overlapping income rules through COMPASS
• Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent
• Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup
• Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems
• Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid – Since January 1, 2015, all legally present adults under age 65 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – parents or not – are eligible for Medicaid with household incomes up to 138% of poverty according to healthinsurance.org
• Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are 18+ months long in most areas
• Income limits are higher than many states – In 2022, Pennsylvania raised the income limit for SNAP to 200% of the federal poverty level. That made more than 420,000 Pennsylvanians newly eligible for assistance according to One United Lancaster

Don’t expect quick fixes: Even with higher income limits than many states, Pennsylvania programs take time. TANF pays only $403/month maximum for a family of three, and housing assistance has extremely long waiting lists.

Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, October 2024)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. Pennsylvania follows federal SNAP rules with expanded income eligibility.

How much you can get: Maximum benefits range from $291/month for one person to $975/month for a family of four as of October 2024 (FY 2025 amounts). Source: The maximum allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C., will be $975 – USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Income limits (USDA FNS, effective October 2024 through September 2025):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income (200% FPL)	Max SNAP Benefit
1 person	$2,608	$291
2 people	$3,525	$535
3 people	$4,442	$766
4 people	$5,358	$975

Note: Pennsylvania raised the income limit for SNAP to 200% of the federal poverty level in 2022, making it more generous than federal requirements.

How to apply:

Go to COMPASS Pennsylvania
Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)

Timeline: Expedited SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify. Standard SNAP takes up to 30 days.

Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults
• Social Security cards for everyone
• Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working)
• Rent receipt or lease
• Recent utility bills

Reality check: Most families don’t get the maximum amount. If you work part-time, expect roughly $300-500/month for a family of three.

TANF (Cash Assistance) (Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 2025)

What it is: Monthly cash assistance for families with children under 18. You must participate in work activities unless exempt.

How much you can get: Pennsylvania has different benefit levels based on geographic location. The benefit levels listed here are for Group 2, which includes Philadelphia County, the county with the most TANF participants. For example, a family of three in PA with little or no income may receive up to $403 in cash benefits each month according to single mother resources.

TANF Payment Schedule (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 2025)

Family Size	Maximum Monthly Cash
1 person	$205
2 people	$316
3 people	$403
4 people	~$490

Source: Pennsylvania has one cash assistance program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). To be eligible for cash assistance, your income must be below the cash grant size: $205 a month for a single person, $316 a month for two people, $403 a month for a family of three – Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Income limits: Your net monthly income must be less than the maximum benefit amount. Pennsylvania also has a limit on savings of $250 for an individual or $1,000 for more than one person.

How to apply:

Apply at COMPASS Pennsylvania (same application as SNAP)
Attend required interview
Complete Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (work plan)

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 2-4 weeks, first payment the following month if approved.

Reality check: You can receive cash assistance for 60 months (5 years) total over the course of your lifetime according to Pennsylvania DHS. These amounts haven’t increased significantly in decades.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages and cash value benefits for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5.

How much you can get: Based on recently enacted appropriations legislation (PL 118-15), the FY 2024 CVV/B amounts are $26 for child participants, $47 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for fully and partially breastfeeding participants according to USDA Food and Nutrition Service for fiscal year 2024.

Income limits: Up to 185% of federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s about $4,109/month as of 2025.

WIC Income Limits (2025):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income
1 person	$2,270
2 people	$3,070
3 people	$3,870
4 people	$4,670

How to apply: Call 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.

Health Coverage Options

Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid) (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, 2025)

Adults (19-64): Since January 1, 2015, all legally present adults under age 65 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – parents or not – are eligible for Medicaid with household incomes up to 138% of poverty. For one person, that’s about $1,800/month; for a family of three, about $3,065/month.

Pregnant Women: The Medicaid income limit for those who are pregnant is 220% of the federal poverty level. Covers prenatal care, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum coverage.

Children: Children are still eligible for Medicaid or CHIP if their household income doesn’t exceed 319% of the poverty level. This is very generous – about $14,200/month for a family of four.

How to apply: Apply at COMPASS Pennsylvania or call 1-800-692-7462.

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)

If a child isn’t eligible for Medicaid, they still may be able to receive coverage under CHIP which has a higher income limit… The Medicaid income limit for children is 319% of the federal poverty level. Has small monthly premiums and copays.

Reality check: Pennsylvania is one of the better states for health coverage. Most single mothers and all children qualify for free or low-cost coverage.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.

Income limits: Must be “very low income” – typically 50% of area median income. In Philadelphia County, that’s about $35,000/year for a family of three as of 2025.

How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $2,000/month, you’d pay about $600 and the program covers the rest.

Reality check: Over the last three years, there have been 55 waiting lists open in Pennsylvania according to Affordable Housing Online, but most close quickly. Waiting list for all programs is 1 – 2 years according to PA 211 for many housing authorities.

How to apply:

Find your local Public Housing Authority using HUD’s directory
Apply when waiting lists open (they announce this on their websites)
Apply to multiple PHAs to improve your chances

Major Pennsylvania Housing Authorities: • Philadelphia: Philadelphia Housing Authority – 215-684-4000
• Pittsburgh: Housing Authority of City of Pittsburgh – 412-456-5000
• Allentown: Allentown Housing Authority – 610-437-7519
• Scranton: Scranton Housing Authority – 570-344-8451
• Erie: Erie Metropolitan Housing Authority – 814-452-4481

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement
• Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
• Deposit and utility connection assistance
• Homeless prevention programs

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits

How much you can get: The maximum weekly benefit amount for PA UC in 2025 is $784 per week according to recent reports, though Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is around 50% of your average weekly wage during your base period according to HelpAdvisor.

How long: You must have at least 18 credit weeks to qualify for benefits, and your MBA may not exceed 26 times your WBR – typically up to 26 weeks maximum.

How to apply:

File online at UC Benefits
Call 1-888-313-7284 if you can’t apply online
You must be actively seeking work and file weekly claims

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing. There’s a one-week waiting period.

Tax note: These benefits are not taxable by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and local governments but are subject to federal income tax.

Job Training and Support

If you’re on TANF, you must participate in work activities. Pennsylvania offers: • TANF employment and training programs • Career Link centers for job search assistance • Skills training programs • Help with resumes and interviews

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $2,200/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $300-400/month (not maximum due to income)
• WIC: $78/month in produce benefits (if kids under 5)
• Medical Assistance for children: Yes
• Medical Assistance for mom: Yes (Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid)
• TANF: No (income too high)
• Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits

Reality: She’d get significant food and health coverage help, which many states don’t offer.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living with Family

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $291/month for one person
• WIC: $47/month in produce benefits
• Medical Assistance pregnancy coverage: Yes
• TANF: Maybe, depends on family income and living situation
• Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, Medical Assistance in 2-3 weeks.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $2,800/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: About $400-500/week for up to 26 weeks
• SNAP: About $400-500/month initially
• Medical Assistance for child: Yes
• Medical Assistance for mom: Yes (expanded Medicaid)
• Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – it’s based on when you file, not when you lost the job.

Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility
• If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor
• Contact ACLU of Pennsylvania (215-592-1513) for legal support if needed

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medical Assistance
• SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible
• Ask about “child-only” TANF if your child gets SSI
• Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA and local housing authorities
• Contact Philadelphia VA at 215-823-5800 or Pittsburgh VA at 412-688-6000 for veteran-specific programs
• May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period
• Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately
• Emergency services (like emergency Medical Assistance) may be available regardless of status
• Contact local refugee resettlement agencies for guidance

Tribal Members

• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources
• Contact your tribal office in addition to applying to state programs
• Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 211 to find services in your area, including mobile services
• Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly
• Transportation may be provided for required appointments
• Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody
• “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians
• Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights

Pennsylvania Resources by Region

Philadelphia Area

• Department of Human Services: Apply at COMPASS
• Philadelphia Housing Authority: 215-684-4000
• Community Legal Services: 215-685-6200
• Philadelphia WIC: Find local clinic at 1-800-942-9467

Pittsburgh Area

• Allegheny County DHS: Apply at COMPASS
• Housing Authority of City of Pittsburgh: 412-456-5000
• Neighborhood Legal Services: 412-255-6700
• Allegheny County Health Department WIC: 412-687-2243

Allentown/Bethlehem Area

• Lehigh County DHS: Apply at COMPASS
• Allentown Housing Authority: 610-437-7519
• Legal Aid of Southeastern PA: 610-782-5500

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area

• Lackawanna County DHS: Apply at COMPASS
• Scranton Housing Authority: 570-344-8451
• Northeastern Legal Services: 570-342-1101

Erie Area

• Erie County DHS: Apply at COMPASS
• Erie Metropolitan Housing Authority: 814-452-4481
• Northwestern Legal Services: 814-452-6949

Program Comparison Table

Program	Max Monthly Benefit	Income Limit (Family of 3)	How Long to Get Help
SNAP	$766	$4,442/month	7-30 days
TANF	$403	$403/month	2-6 weeks
WIC	$78 food + benefits	$3,870/month	Same week
Unemployment	$3,400/month ($784/week)	Based on past wages	2-3 weeks
Section 8	Varies by rent	~$35,000/year	1-5+ years waiting

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/TANF Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: DHS often calls from blocked numbers for interviews
• Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it
• Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify
• Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live
• Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you
• Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails
• Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported in 10 days
• Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation

What to Do If You’re Denied

Request written reason for denial
File appeal within 30 days if you disagree
Ask for “continued assistance” during appeal when allowed
Get help from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: 1-877-953-4250

When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact local food banks through Feeding Pennsylvania
• Ask churches about emergency food assistance
• Look into Salvation Army and local soup kitchens

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing
• Ask family/friends about temporary housing
• Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis)
• Look into transitional housing programs through 211

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for budget billing plan
• Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions
• Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income
• Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions
• Check with temp agencies for same-week work

Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.

Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, TANF, Medical Assistance online
• Call WIC for appointment
• File unemployment if applicable
• Contact 211 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/TANF interview
• WIC appointment and first benefits
• First unemployment payment (if approved)
• Medical Assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin
• TANF decision and first payment
• Full Medical Assistance coverage
• Begin required work activities

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs
• Housing assistance applications may start moving
• Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, Pennsylvania has generous income limits. SNAP allows up to 200% of poverty level. Medical Assistance covers adults up to 138% of poverty. Working actually helps you qualify for programs like child care assistance.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. TANF has strict limits. Medical Assistance has higher limits than most states. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently. Medical Assistance looks at your individual income.

“What if I have a car payment or debt?”

Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.

“How long can I get help?”

SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months)
TANF: 5-year lifetime limit
WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum
Unemployment: Up to 26 weeks maximum
Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within 30 days. Get help from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (1-877-953-4250). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status. For SNAP and TANF, only qualified immigrants and U.S. citizens can apply, but emergency Medical Assistance covers childbirth and emergency medical care.

Language assistance: Pennsylvania DHS provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call the main COMPASS helpline (1-800-692-7462) and ask for language assistance.

Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 211 Pennsylvania: Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211
• COMPASS Helpline: 1-800-692-7462
• Pennsylvania WIC: 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467)
• Unemployment: 1-888-313-7284
• Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: 1-877-953-4250

Crisis Support

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-932-4632
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Pennsylvania Mental Health Support: 1-855-284-2494

Online Applications

• SNAP/TANF/Medical Assistance: COMPASS Pennsylvania
• Unemployment: UC Benefits
• Housing Authorities: HUD.gov PHA Directory

Document Help

• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Social Security Cards: SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213
• Pennsylvania ID/Driver’s License: PennDOT

Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Benefit Amounts

Pennsylvania offers better benefits than many states, especially for health coverage and food assistance. However, cash assistance (TANF) remains very low and hasn’t increased significantly in decades.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are 1-2+ years long. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. Pennsylvania takes these requirements seriously and will cut benefits if you don’t comply. Understand what’s expected before you apply.

About Income Reporting

Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits. Programs share information with each other. What looks like unreported income to one program can get you in trouble with all of them.

About Fraud Consequences

All programs monitor for fraud aggressively. Report income changes immediately. Never lie on applications. The penalties include permanent disqualification and having to pay money back.

Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network at 1-877-953-4250.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

Resumen en Español – Ayuda de Emergencia para Madres Solteras en Pennsylvania

Ayuda Inmediata (Llame Hoy)

• Emergencia: Llame 911
• Necesita refugio: Llame 211 o envíe su código postal al 898211
• Sin comida: Solicite SNAP en COMPASS Pennsylvania – beneficios en 7 días
• Van a cortar la luz: Solicite LIHEAP en COMPASS o llame 1-877-395-8930
• Perdió su trabajo: Solicite desempleo en UC Benefits o 1-888-313-7284
• Embarazada o niños menores de 5 años: Llame WIC al 1-800-942-9467
• Violencia doméstica: Llame 1-800-932-4632 (24 horas)

Programas Principales

SNAP (Cupones de Comida): Hasta $975/mes para familia de 4. Solicite en COMPASS.
TANF (Ayuda en Efectivo): Hasta $403/mes para familia de 3. Muy bajos ingresos requeridos.
WIC (Mujeres, Bebés, Niños): $78/mes en frutas y vegetales para familias elegibles.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid): Cobertura médica gratuita para familias de bajos ingresos.
Section 8: Ayuda con la renta (listas de espera de 1-2 años).

Límites de Ingresos (Familia de 3 – 2025)

• SNAP: Hasta $4,442/mes (200% del nivel de pobreza)
• Medical Assistance Adultos: Hasta $3,065/mes (138% del nivel de pobreza)
• Medical Assistance Niños: Hasta $14,200/mes (319% del nivel de pobreza)
• TANF: Menos de $403/mes
• WIC: Hasta $3,870/mes

Números Importantes

• COMPASS (Solicitudes): 1-800-692-7462 (servicios de traducción disponibles)
• WIC: 1-800-942-9467
• Desempleo: 1-888-313-7284
• Ayuda Legal: 1-877-953-4250
• 211 Ayuda de Emergencia: Marque 211

Realidades Importantes

• Pennsylvania es mejor que muchos estados – Expandió Medicaid y tiene límites de ingresos más altos para SNAP
• Los niños ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden calificar aunque los padres sean indocumentados
• Todos los programas requieren documentos – mantenga copias de todo
• Reporte cambios inmediatamente – dentro de 10 días para evitar problemas

Cómo Aplicar

Vaya a COMPASS: www.compass.state.pa.us
Complete la solicitud en línea (disponible en español)
Suba fotos de sus documentos con su teléfono
Responda cuando le llamen para la entrevista
Llame 211 si necesita ayuda para completar las solicitudes

Nota: Todos estos programas requieren documentos. Los intérpretes están disponibles sin costo. No se desanime si es negado – puede apelar la decisión.

About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026

Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve Pennsylvania families better.

Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• Pennsylvania Department of Human Services – dhs.pa.gov
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov
• Pennsylvania Department of Health – health.pa.gov
• Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry – dli.pa.gov
• Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network – palegalaid.net
• HHS Poverty Guidelines – aspe.hhs.gov
• Pennsylvania WIC Program – pawic.com
• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities – cbpp.org

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