Edit Form PA 600 FS online free, or download the PDF
Pennsylvania SNAP Application (Food Stamps): Pennsylvania Application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Step 1: the official PDF opens in a new tab. Save it with the download button, then come back to this page.
or drag the file onto this page
- ✓ Official current version
- ✓ Free download, no account
- ✓ No card, no trial
- ✓ Never uploaded
Form PA 600 FS in short
PA 600 FS is the Pennsylvania paper application for SNAP (food stamps) only. It is the English application linked from the DHS SNAP page. You sign it, then bring, fax or mail it to your county assistance office.
| Issued by | Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | PA 600 FS (SG) 9/19 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | Anyone in Pennsylvania who needs help paying for food. The DHS SNAP page says the head of the household, the spouse, any other responsible household member or a designated authorized representative can apply. You do not need to know if you are eligible to apply. |
| Who receives it | Your local county assistance office (CAO), part of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. |
| Where to send it | Bring, fax or mail the form to your county assistance office. DHS also accepts SNAP applications online through COMPASS (www.compass.state.pa.us) and in person at the county assistance office. |
| Deadline | No deadline to apply. The form says DHS will tell you within 30 days if you are eligible, and benefits start from the date DHS receives your application. Quick SNAP may give benefits within five calendar days if you qualify. |
| Fee | None |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF |
What changed
The SNAP page links edition PA 600 FS (SG) 9/19, checked 25 October 2026. A separate multi program form, PA 600 (8/23), covers cash, health care and SNAP together.
How to fill out Form PA 600 FS, line by line
| Page 1 | Your name, address and phone DHS says it can start your application as soon as you write your name and address, sign and return the form. |
| Page 1 | Quick SNAP questions Three yes or no questions about low cash and income, migrant or seasonal farm work, and housing costs. A yes may mean expedited benefits within five calendar days. |
| Page 1 | Everyone in your home List everyone in your home. Fill in sex, student status, birth date, relationship, Social Security number and citizenship only for people requesting SNAP. |
| Page 1 | Signature, language and interpreter Sign and date page 1 and say which language you prefer and whether you need an interpreter. |
| Page 2 | Income and criminal history questions List income received or expected this month. Attach proof of income for the last 30 days, such as pay stubs or award letters. Then answer the fleeing felon, welfare fraud and out of state disqualification questions. |
| Page 3 | Household and medical expenses Rent or mortgage, utilities, child support paid, care costs, and medical costs for members who are 60 or older or disabled. |
| Page 4 | Voter registration and race information Both are optional. Your choice on voter registration does not change your benefits. |
| Page 5 | Rights and responsibilities, signature and authorized representative Read the statements, then sign and date. Fill in the authorized representative section only if you want someone to act for you. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Signing only once. The form says to sign and date it on page 1 and page 5.
- Filling in Social Security numbers or citizenship for people who are not requesting SNAP. Those columns are only for people requesting benefits.
- Not attaching proof of income for the last 30 days, such as pay stubs or award letters.
- Leaving out household expenses. The form says if you do not report expenses and give proof when required, DHS will assume you do not want a deduction.
- Skipping the Quick SNAP questions on page 1. They decide if you can get benefits within five days.
- Sending the form to a DHS headquarters address. The form says to bring, fax or mail it to your county assistance office.
Questions about Form PA 600 FS
Where do I send the Pennsylvania SNAP paper application?
Bring, fax or mail it to your local county assistance office. You can find your office from the DHS county assistance office page.
How long does it take to get a decision?
The form says DHS will tell you within 30 days if you are eligible. If you qualify for expedited SNAP, you can get benefits within five calendar days.
Is there an interview?
The PA 600 FS does not describe it, but federal SNAP rules at 7 CFR 273.2(e) require an interview before you are first certified. Your county assistance office will contact you. Ask the office if you need a phone or in person interview.
Can I apply online?
Yes. DHS accepts SNAP applications online through COMPASS. You can track your application at trackmybenefits.pa.gov.
Can someone else apply for me?
Yes. The DHS SNAP page says a designated authorized representative, such as a friend, relative, neighbor or community organization, can apply. Fill in the authorized representative section on page 5.
Who do I call with questions?
The form lists the DHS customer service center at 1-877-395-8930, or 1-215-560-7226 in Philadelphia. The DHS helpline is 1-800-692-7462.
Related forms
Tools for this form
Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap
- https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/services/assistance/documents/benefits-applications/PA%20600%20FS%20SG%20%E2%80%94%20SNAP.pdf
- https://www.pa.gov/privacy-policy
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/section-273.2