ABC27 WHTM Pa. submits final plan for food stamp asset testing

Pa. submits final plan for food stamp asset testing

The state Department of Public Welfare has submitted a final plan to bring back asset testing for Pennsylvanians receiving food stamps.

The plan submitted to the federal government sets asset limits at $5,500 for regular households and $9,000 for households with a person who disabled or age 60 and older, according to a department news release.

Officials said the levels are above federal thresholds and adjusted for inflation, making them significantly higher than when Pennsylvania last had an asset test.

Before Gov. Ed Rendell did away with asset testing in 2008, the limits were $2,000 for a household and $3,250 for a household with an elderly or disabled individual.

The administration of Gov. Tom Corbett has said the number of Pennsylvanians' receiving food stamps has increased from 1.2 million to 1.8 million since asset testing ended.

Eligibility currently is based on household income, but under asset testing the state will have the right to consider such property as money in a savings account or a second car in determining eligibility.

Assets that are exempt include a person's home, primary vehicle, educational savings accounts and pension plans.