PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvanians seeking food stamps will soon have to pass an asset test that state officials say is a way to weed out fraud but welfare advocates claim does more harm than good.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the asset test slated to take effect May 1 would bar anyone under 60 from receiving food stamps if they have more than $2,000 in savings or similar assets. The limit would be $3,250 for anyone over 60.

Houses and retirement benefits would be exempt but second cars with a value over $4,650 would count.

The Department of Public Welfare tells the Inquirer (http://bit.ly/w95BQQ ) the new policy will prevent someone from taking benefits if they have their own resources.

Critics say the new test hurts seniors and the newly unemployed while making it harder for the working poor to save enough to escape poverty.