Pa. to put clamp on food stamp recipients
Critics say too many hurt by assets test
Pennsylvania plans to make the amount of food stamps that people receive contingent on the assets they possess -- an unexpected move that bucks national trends and places the commonwealth among a minority of states.
Specifically, the Department of Public Welfare said that as of May 1, people under age 60 with more than $2,000 in savings and other assets will no longer be eligible for food stamps. For people over 60, the limit is $3,250.
People's houses and retirement benefits would be exempt from being counted as assets. If they own a car, that vehicle also would be exempt, but any additional vehicle worth more than $4,650 will be considered a countable asset.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12010/1202520-454-0.stm?cmpid=MOSTEMAILEDBOX#ixzz1j5LtiBWr