Grad Student Resources
University of Pittsburgh Graduate Student Employees:
Do you know you may be eligible for free food through SNAP, the Pitt Pantry, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, WIC or Hunger Services at the Urban League?
Do you know you may be also eligible for rental assistance or free or low monthly health care premiums for your children?
See below to learn how these resources may be available to YOU!
While the cost of living in Pittsburgh has been climbing, graduate student wages have remained stagnant. Based on the current Grad Employee Stipend rates, you may be eligible for some local services as well as government assistance programs.
2017 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL)
Household Size |
100% |
133% |
150% |
200% |
1 |
$12,060 |
$16,040 |
$18,090 |
$24,120 |
2 |
$16,240 |
$21,599 |
$24,360 |
$32,480 |
3 |
$20,420 |
$27,159 |
$30,630 |
$40,840 |
4 |
$24,600 |
$32,718 |
$36,900 |
$49,200 |
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – 150 - 200% of FPL The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the new name for the Food Stamp program. Eligibility is determined by income, but applicants may receive deductions from their gross income for things like housing costs, child or dependent care payments, and medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled people. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply. For SNAP’s purposes, a household is defined as “a group of people who usually purchase and prepare meals together.” People in the household are not required to be related. If you are in an emergency situation, make sure you tell the DHS office. You may qualify for “expedited benefits,” which means that you can receive your SNAP/food stamp benefits within five days. http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/supplementalnutritionassistanceprogram/index.htm
Pitt Pantry – 150% of FPL A volunteer-run food pantry that collects and distributes food to members of the Pitt Community. All members of the Pitt community are welcome to visit the pantry. Shoppers are asked to self certify their income so no tax documents are needed. https://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/pittserves/sustain/pantry/ Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – 150% of FPL A non-profit organization that collects and distributes food through a 350+ member network in 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/ Women Infants and Children (WIC) – 185% FPL The Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has improved the nutrition and health of families in Pennsylvania since 1974 by providing nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals, and healthy foods. WIC serves the following Pennsylvania residents:
Hunger Services at the Urban League – 150% of FPL Individuals and families can call the Emergency Food Assistance hotline and get a referral to one of over 300 pantries in the network. In emergency cases, food is provided from an onsite pantry along with food vouchers. Call the hotline at 412-325-0749 or 412-681-1121. Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8), is the nation’s largest rental assistance program. It helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled rent decent, safe and sanitary housing units in the private market. Income eligibility ranges from $25,450 for a single person to $36,300 for a family of 4. For more information and to view the full range of available programs please check out the url below. http://www.hacp.org/housing-options/housing-vouchers/hcv-faq#other Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – starting at 208% of FPL Under Pitt’s health insurance plan for grad employees, insuring children can be cost-prohibitive. CHIP covers all kids and teens - and for many families, it’s free. Even families with higher incomes can take advantage of quality insurance with low monthly premiums and co-pays for most services. http://www.chipcoverspakids.com 
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