Can I Get Food Stamps While on Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania?

September 29, 2023 | Workers’ Compensation

Can I Get Food Stamps While on Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania?

Being injured on the job can cause a severe financial crisis for families. Even though workers’ compensation offers some relief, the workers’ comp benefits do not cover all lost wages for an injured employee. Therefore, injured workers may need to explore government benefits to help them until they can return to work.

There are many types of government programs and benefits that an injured worker could receive while on workers’ compensation. Food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) are just one form of government aid you could receive while collecting workers’ comp in Pennsylvania. 

Unfortunately, neither your employer nor its insurance provider will likely provide you with this information. You might want to consult with a Carbondale workers’ compensation lawyer to verify that you are receiving all workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to by law and whether you can apply for various government benefits while on workers’ comp in Pennsylvania.

Applying for Food Stamps While Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits in Pennsylvania

The SNAP program is a federally funded food assistance program. States administer the federal funds and determine who is eligible for assistance. Pennsylvania uses the resources and income of the household to decide whether someone qualifies for food stamps. 

You must report all income you receive when you apply for food stamps, including earned, unearned, and third-party income. 

Earned income includes the money you receive from working, including self-employment, wages, rental income, business income, and employer-provided sick benefits. Unearned income is money you receive from workers’ compensation, unemployment, Social Security, and other assistance programs.

Third-party income is money someone gives you or deposits into your account to help with expenses and bills. For example, your parents give you money each week to help pay expenses while you are recovering from your work-related injuries. Another example is domestic support payments, including child support and alimony.

Some resources and forms of income might not be included for SNAP eligibility benefits. If you are unsure, you can talk with an attorney about your situation. 

Does Workers’ Comp Always Count as Income for Food Stamps in Pennsylvania?

There could be instances when your workers’ comp benefits might not be counted as income for SNAP benefits. For example, the government counts periodic payments of workers’ comp disability payments as income. However, it typically does not consider lump sum payments as income. 

Also, if you meet SNAP’s definition of disabled, you might not count your workers’ comp payments as income. You might not need to meet the resources and income requirements to receive food stamps. 

These issues can be difficult to understand. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you correctly report your income and resources when applying for Pennsylvania food stamps while on workers’ comp.

What Are the Income Limits for SNAP Benefits in Pennsylvania?

The income limits for Pennsylvania food stamps are updated each year. The current figures apply as of October 1, 2023. The income limits are based on the household size. 

For example, the income limit for a two-person household is $1,644 net monthly income. In addition to the income levels, household members must have less than the maximum value of resources. Resources include vehicles, homes, cash, and bank accounts.

Some households are not required to meet income requirements because they are categorically eligible for SNAP benefits. Also, households might have blanket eligibility if the household members are disabled or over 60 years old.

How Much Can I Expect To Receive in Wage Loss Benefits for a Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Claim?

You do not know the amount of your weekly benefits until you begin receiving your workers’ comp checks. A Carbondale workers’ comp lawyer can estimate your benefits if you have accurate records of your past earnings.

If you are totally disabled and cannot return to work at all, you can receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. The disability benefits equal about two-thirds of your average weekly wages before your injury. 

However, TTD benefits are capped. The state updates the caps periodically. If your TTD benefits exceed the cap, your weekly benefits are reduced to the maximum allowed amount.

In addition to wage loss benefits, you may be entitled to benefits for permanent disability or impairment. If your work injury resulted in disfigurement or loss of a body part or sense, you might receive specific loss benefits.If you are unsure whether you are receiving the correct benefits, you may want to reach out to a workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your claim.

If you’ve been injured in a workers’ compensation, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963