Food, Transportation and Other Essentials

Start with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

• This tool can help you figure out which food resources are best for you, whether its weekly free groceries or monthly free boxes for seniors.
• See dates of upcoming drive-up and walk-in food distributions here.

SNAP Payments Paused in Pennsylvania

Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP payments (food stamps) are delayed. People will start missing monthly benefits on November 3, 2025.

• No new benefits will be added to EBT cards until funding resumes.
• Current balances remain active.
• Back benefits will be issued when payments restart.
• SNAP recipients are still required to complete paperwork so they receive benefits when payments resume.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, visit https://southwest.pa211.org/ or call 2-1-1.

Even while SNAP is paused, other basic needs programs are still available.

• Utility Assistance: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance program) is delayed. However, utility company customer assistance programs are still available.
  • Duquesne Light: Apply online​ or call 1-888-393-7600.
  • Peoples Gas: Apply online ​or call 1-888-282-6816​.
  • Dollar Energy Fund: Apply online​ or find an agency.
• WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children): Call 412-350-5801 to schedule an appointment for enrollment. There is a 2-3 week lead time to get an appointment and benefits.
• Head Start: Learn how to apply​. Find a Head Start Center. Call 11-866-763-6481.
• Allegheny Go: Apply online​ or call 412-244-3558.

Help spread the word.

• Download social media graphics.
• Print food assistance flyers from United Way’s 211. (English, Spanish)

Apply for SNAP today through the PA Department of Human Services.

• Apply online
• Fill out and submit a paper application in person at a county assistance office.
  • Application for cash assistance, SNAP, and Medical Assistance benefits (English)
  • Solicitud para recibir beneficios (Espanol)

If you qualify for SNAP, you also qualify to receive 50% off transit fares with PRT. Apply here.

Avoid Losing SNAP Benefits

As of September 1, 2025, most adults on SNAP are now required to either work at least 20 hours/week or qualify for an exemption. People who do not appropriately document that they meet these conditions can only receive 3 months of benefits over a 3-year period – meaning, benefits will run out in December 2025. Additional details about who needs to take action, and when, can be found on the PA DHS website.

Who should take action:

For those who Need to Take Action, please complete the following steps, or visit a community organization for additional help.

1. Complete the PA DHS Screening Form Checklist.
   • If you need to take action, this form would have been mailed to you by PA DHS.
   • You can also find it online here
2. Gather proof based on your situation:
   • If health limits work: have your doctor, therapist or counselor sign the Medical Exemption Form
   • If you have another exemption: mark it on the screening form (no other form needed)
   • If you are working: include recent paystubs
   • If none of the above: talk to your SNAP caseworker about volunteer/training opportunities
3. Return the Screening Form and proof to a local County Assistance Office. (Please note: the CAO is operated at the state level by the PA Department of Human Services.)
   • Best option: the myCOMPASS PA app
   • If you submit by mail, fax, or in person, include your case number.
   • Ensure your address is updated on COMPASS (or call a CAO to update it). This is important in case PA DHS needs more documents from you.

Need help?

• Visit one of the community partner location linked below.
• Call Just Harvest at 412-431-8960 (option 3). You will need to leave a message, and your call will be returned.
• Call the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at 833-822-7627.

If you are a partner hoping to spread the word, you can find an Action Toolkit here. Download Allegheny County Public Partner locations.

Start with Hello Baby

• Get food or formula
• Find free or reduced cost diapers, car seats and more

If you are pregnant or have a young child, you may quality for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. Fill out this short form or call 412-350-5801. Learn more about getting started with WIC.

Start with the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)

If you live in Allegheny County and are receiving Medicaid, you may be eligible for free public transportation (bus, subway, incline) ahead of time tickets, or reimbursement for your use of public transportation/private vehicle, or free door-to-door service when medically necessary via a shared ride.

MATP is required by law to provide the least costly, most appropriate transportation service available.

• Call 1-888-547-MATP (6287) Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or
• Fill out the application (MATP application for adults) (MATP application for anyone younger than 18) sign it and email to: MATP@alleghenycounty.us. You can also drop it off at the Human Services Building at One Smithfield Street on the 1st floor.