The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is issuing a vital notice to recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits regarding an upcoming, temporary disruption in Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) services.
Scheduled service interruptions are slated to take place on both October 12 and October 14, occurring between the hours of 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. These planned outages, facilitated by the DHS’s EBT partner, Conduent, are aimed at enhancing and upgrading their systems to provide a better experience for food stamps recipients.
Will I Have My SNAP Benefits Interrupted?
During these brief interruptions, all EBT services will be affected, but this is just temporary, and won’t mean a total and permanent suspension of your food stamps allotments. This episodic outages include point-of-sale EBT transaction processing, SNAP online shopping transactions, and various other online services. Unfortunately, EBT users will be unable to complete transactions during these specified times.
If your EBT card stops working due to scheduled system outages, you don’t need to worry. The Department of Human Services is aware of these temporary disruptions, and they are being done to improve the system. During the specified times (Oct. 12 and Oct. 14 between 3-9 a.m.), you’ll need to wait until the system upgrades are completed. If you have planned to use your EBT card for essential purchases during the outage hours, consider making those transactions before or after the specified time frame.
If you have urgent concerns or questions, you can contact your state’s EBT customer service hotline. They can provide information specific to your situation and offer guidance. Keep an eye on updates from the Department of Human Services or your state’s EBT program. They will notify you of any changes or developments regarding the outage and when services are expected to be fully restored.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Pennsylvania?
You can apply for SNAP benefits through either the online or in-person methods, depending on your preference and eligibility status. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, don’t hesitate to submit an application. To apply online, utilize COMPASS to initiate or renew your SNAP benefits. Alternatively, you can visit your local county assistance office in person, where you can obtain, complete, and return an application. Trained county assistance office staff are available to offer support and guidance with the application process.
The following individuals are eligible to apply: the household’s primary decision-maker, their spouse, any responsible household member, or a designated authorized representative, who can be a trusted individual, such as a friend, relative, or neighbor, responsible for shopping and using SNAP benefits. There’s also a simplified SNAP application available for households where all members are aged 60 or older, or have a disability, prepare meals together, and do not earn income from work. If you’re 60 or older, you can find additional resources on our SNAP for Older Adults page.