Pa. offers new online tools to help those applying for SNAP benefits

They’re designed to reduce errors and delays and make sure state residents get the benefits they need.

Residents of Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland and Fayette counties who rely on SNAP or other public assistance programs may soon notice changes aimed at streamlining the application process.

According to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, SNAP serves a significant number of residents across the region. About 153,823 people in Allegheny County currently receive SNAP benefits, along with roughly 27,621 people in Washington County, 45,465 in Westmoreland County and 29,428 in Fayette County.

The Shapiro administration has rolled out new online tools through the state Department of Human Services that allow applicants to track their benefits applications in real time, reset COMPASS passwords without calling a caseworker and submit clearer documentation upfront. State officials say the updates are designed to cut down on delays, reduce errors and help ensure eligible Pennsylvanians receive the benefits they qualify for.

For local residents, the updates are intended to reduce the need for follow-up calls or in-person visits while applications or renewals are under review.

A new benefits status tracker lets applicants check where their case stands without logging into COMPASS, while an upgraded document system flags blurry or unreadable uploads before they are submitted.

Applicants can check the status of SNAP, Medical Assistance, LIHEAP and other benefit applications through the state’s Track My Benefits tool at trackmybenefits. pa.gov. Applications, renewals and document uploads are also handled through the COMPASS system at compass. dhs.pa.gov, which can be accessed online or through the myCOMPASS PA mobile app.

County assistance offices across Southwestern Pennsylvania, including offices serving Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland and Fayette counties, have been testing some of the tools for the past two months. During that pilot period, DHS reported a drop in illegible paperwork and hundreds of staff hours saved, allowing workers to spend more time processing cases rather than tracking down missing information.

State officials say the technology updates are also intended to help county offices manage new federal requirements tied to last year’s budget bill, which added reporting and verification mandates without additional funding. Supervisors now receive daily reports flagging common application issues such as missing signatures or wage calculation errors before cases are finalized.

Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said the changes are intended to help both staff and applicants navigate what can be a complicated system, particularly for families facing financial stress.

The tools are being rolled out statewide and will apply to both new applications and renewals, including those submitted by residents of Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland and Fayette counties.

According to Pennsylvania Department of Human Services listings, residents in the coverage area can apply for SNAP, Medical Assistance, cash assistance and other DHS-administered benefits in person at the following county assistance offices:

• Allegheny County Assistance Office – Southeast District, 220 Sixth St., McKeesport.

• Washington County Assistance Office, East Wing, 90 W. Chestnut St., Suite 300, Washington; and Washington County Assistance Office – Valley District, 595 Galiffa Drive, Donora.

• Westmoreland County Assistance Office, 587 Sells Lane, Greensburg.

• Fayette County Assistance Office, 41 W. Church St., Uniontown.

Residents can also call the DHS helpline at 1-800-6927462 for assistance.