My daughter passed away and she was receiving food stamps for her and her baby m trying to report it to cancel t but I can’t get through on the phone please I need help so I can get benefits for her baby in Pennsylvania
July 18, 2024
A) I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s passing. Here’s how you can report her death and get help for her baby in Pennsylvania:
Reporting Your Daughter’s Death:
- Online: Pennsylvania allows reporting deaths for public assistance recipients online through COMPASS (https://www.compass.state.pa.us/). You’ll need your daughter’s Social Security number to access the system.
- Mail: You can mail a written notification to your local County Assistance Office (CAO) with a copy of the death certificate. Find the office address through https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/contact.html.
- Phone: If you can’t get through by phone, keep trying or try a different number for your local CAO.
Obtaining Benefits for Your Grandchild:
- Emergency Assistance: Since your grandchild potentially needs immediate help, consider contacting a local Community Action Partnership (CAP) agency. They offer emergency assistance programs that may be able to provide temporary food and other necessities. You can find your local CAP agency through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development website (https://dced.pa.gov/).
- Long-Term Benefits: Your grandchild may be eligible for benefits like SNAP (food stamps) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). You can apply for these benefits at the CAO when you report your daughter’s death. Be prepared to provide documentation like birth certificates, proof of income, and proof of residence for yourself and your grandchild.
Additional Resources:
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services – Benefits: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/contact.html
- National Center on Poverty Law: https://law.unc.edu/academics/centers-and-programs/n-c-poverty-research-fund/
Important Notes:
- It’s important to report your daughter’s death promptly to avoid any issues with her benefits.
- You may be eligible to receive some benefits on behalf of your grandchild. Discuss this with the CAO during the application process.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help from the CAO or a local social service agency.