PA UC benefits slashed my SNAP from $290 to $23 - student exemption possible?

Yes, unfortunately UC benefits count as income for SNAP. The good news is that as a student, you might qualify for an exemption, but you have to meet certain requirements. Are you in a work-study program or working at least 20 hours a week alongside your studies? Those can help you maintain SNAP eligibility despite having UC income. You should definitely contact your county assistance office and ask specifically about student exemptions for SNAP while receiving unemployment.

they ALWAYS do this!!! the system is designed to keep u broke. as soon as u get help from one place they cut u off somewhere else. happened to my cousin too when she got unemployment and then lost her medical assistance. its all connected in their computers.

I went through this exact situation last year. You need to immediately request a reconsideration by submitting form PA 261 explaining your student status and financial hardship. There's actually a COVID-era change that was made permanent that gives students additional pathways to SNAP eligibility if you have an Expected Family Contribution of $0 on your FAFSA or are eligible for work-study (even if you're not participating). Also, make sure to document ALL of your expenses - rent, utilities, tuition payments, books, etc. The more expenses you can document, the better your case for maintaining higher SNAP benefits despite the UC income. Don't just accept the reduction - appeal it!

this happned to me to. went from $275 to like $15 when i got on UC. its becuz unemployment counts as income but food stamps doesnt look at your bills just what u make. system is broke.

A bit off-topic, but if you're struggling to reach anyone at PA DHS about your SNAP case, I had similar issues and finally got through using Claimyr. I know it's mainly for UC claims, but it worked for me to get through to DHS too. I watched their video demo (https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2) and it was surprisingly easy. The agent I spoke with helped me update my case with my student status info and I got my benefits adjusted. Just sharing what worked for me when I couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks!

Wait I have question. Does unemployment payments count against SNAP AND medical assistance? I just got approved for UC last week but haven't updated my CAO yet about this extra income. Now I'm scared they'll cut my medical too...

As someone who works adjacent to these benefits systems, I want to clarify a few things: 1. Unemployment compensation is indeed countable income for SNAP purposes 2. Students have special eligibility rules for SNAP - being enrolled at least half-time in higher education usually makes you ineligible UNLESS you meet certain exemptions 3. The most common student exemptions are: - Working 20+ hours weekly - Participating in work-study - Having a child under 6 - Being a single parent with a child under 12 - Having an EFC of $0 on FAFSA - Being approved for work-study (even if not participating) Given you mentioned having $0 EFC, you should definitely request a reconsideration. The county office might have missed applying the student exemption rules correctly when they saw your UC income. Make sure to specifically mention your student status AND your $0 EFC when you contact them.

i heard theres a food bank at penn state for students maybe check that out while ur waiting for snap to fix ur benefits

Update us when you hear back about your reconsideration request! It'll help other students in the same situation to know how it went.

I'm a social worker who helps clients navigate benefits appeals, and I wanted to add that you should also consider requesting an expedited review if you're experiencing food insecurity. PA has provisions for expediting SNAP reconsiderations when there's immediate hardship. When you call or visit your county office, specifically ask about expedited processing due to financial hardship - they can sometimes process these cases in 7-10 days instead of the full 30. Also, keep copies of everything you submit and get confirmation numbers. Document every phone call with dates and who you spoke with. This creates a paper trail that can be helpful if you need to escalate further. Good luck with your reconsideration!