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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Department of Human Services (DHS)

    Our vision is that all Pennsylvanians live safe, healthy, and independent lives, free of discrimination and inequity.

    Apply for Benefits via COMPASS (opens in a new tab)
    Other ways to apply
    Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh helping to serve food at Manna Food Pantry.

    Important Notice About Medicaid and SNAP Benefits

    In July 2025, Republicans in Congress passed a bill that will change programs run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). President Trump signed that bill into law. 

    The law makes changes to Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Medicaid has not changed at this time. For some SNAP recipients, these changes will begin September 1, 2025 and November 1, 2025. Learn more about SNAP work requirements, how they affect SNAP benefits, and how to report that you are meeting these requirements. 

    Your benefits have not changed at this time and will not change without notice from DHS. You will have the opportunity to update your case information.

    Be on the lookout for more information from DHS. Keep your address and other contact information up-to-date with DHS and the US Postal Service. We will help you prepare for these changes as they come.

    Budget Impasse Questions and Answers

    Up-to-date guidance on how the impasse impacts Pennsylvania services.

    Learn more

    Overview

    Our mission is to assist Pennsylvanians in leading safe, healthy, and productive lives through equitable, trauma-informed, and outcome-focused services while being an accountable steward of commonwealth resources.

    Report Abuse or Neglect
    Child Abuse Clearances
    Report Assistance Fraud
    Apply for Medicaid Benefits
    Program Resources & Information
    Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance)
    DHS Executive Leadership
    Apply for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance)
    PA Department of Human Services

    Data and Reports

    Access data, reports, and information about programs like Medicaid, SNAP, support for people with disabilities and other DHS programs and services.

    DHS Data and Reports

    Featured Services and Programs

    Information for Providers

    Explore resources, updates, and guidance to support your work and enhance your services.

    Explore provider resources
    lock unlock card

    EBT Card Lock Feature

    Protect your SNAP benefits with the new Card Lock feature.

    Learn how to lock your card
    A medical professional holding a tray of fresh vegetables. Text on image reads: Clinical Dietitian 1st shift Selinsgrove PA

    Clinical Dietitian

    Can you assess nutritional needs, develop personalized care plans, and collaborate closely with physicians and care teams?

    Apply before Sept. 2 (opens in a new tab)

    DHS Offices

    Our offices offer essential services and benefits catering to the diverse needs of Pennsylvanians and are dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive.

    OCDEL

    Office of Child Development & Early Learning

    OCYF

    ​Office of Children Youth & Families

    ODP

    ​Office of Developmental Programs

    OIM

    Office of Income Maintenance

    OLTL

    ​Office of Long Term Living

    OMAP

    Office of Medical Assistance Programs

    OMHSAS

    ​Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

    OA

    ​Office of Administration

    Known Scams

    View our list of known potential threats, scams, and frauds aimed at benefit recipients.

    DHS Known Scams List

    Section 1115 Post-Award Forum

    Post-Award Forum for the Section 1115 Demonstration: Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Care Youth (FFCY) from a Different State and Substance Use Disorders (SUD)

    Post-Award Forum

    Keystones of Health 1115

    DHS seeks to use PA's Medicaid program to offer targeted supports and services to help people live healthier lives.

    1115 Demonstration Waiver

    Learn more about...

    News

    View All DHS News
    New Safety Feature

    EBT Card Lock Feature

    Protect your SNAP benefits with the new Card Lock feature. Easily lock your card when not in use, and unlock it when you're ready to make a purchase. You can even set it to auto re-lock after 30, 60, or 90 minutes.

    Learn what locking options are available for EBT cards