Pa. to Tighten Eligibility for Food Stamps

Pennsylvania plans to consider assets as well as income when determining eligibility for food stamps, writes the Pittsburgh Inquirer.

As of May 1, Pennsylvanians under the age of 60 will not qualify for food stamps if they have savings and other assets exceeding $2,000. The maximum is $3,250 for those over 60. Homes, retirement benefits, and first vehicles will not count toward the limit.

Anne Bale, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Welfare, said the new rules will ensure that “people with resources are not taking advantage” of the federally funded food-stamp program and are part of a departmentwide initiative to reduce waste and fraud.

Currently Pennsylvania residents are eligible for food stamps if they earn less than 160 percent of the federal poverty level. The state has one of the country’s lowest food-stamp fraud rates.

Antipoverty advocates decried the change, saying it would penalize low-income and elderly people for trying to save money. “The issue here is that they’re telling people, ‘You ought to be saving for the future, but don’t expect to be holding on to those savings if you want to get help,’ ” said Adam MacGregor of Pittsburgh charity Just Harvest.