As part of a short-term emergency response to food insecurity during the ongoing pandemic, supplemental food stamp benefits were provided to many households. These additional benefits, issued on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, aimed to offer temporary relief to families struggling to meet their nutritional needs. While the emergency allotments had been in place for some time, they were set to expire in June 2023. However, in an effort to continue supporting households facing food insecurity, the federal government announced that these supplemental benefits would be extended through July 2023. This extension provides ongoing assistance to those who rely on these benefits to purchase groceries and ensure food security for their families.
USDA Approves Emergency Supplemental Allotments
Households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, benefits in July 2023 will continue receiving emergency supplemental allotments authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the duration of the declared public health emergency.
The emergency supplemental allotments are expected to be issued by July 10, 2023, or shortly thereafter, depending on the state’s issuance schedule.
ESA Eligibility
- All SNAP recipients are eligible for the emergency supplemental allotments.
- Households already receiving the maximum SNAP benefit amount will also receive the emergency supplemental allotment.
- The emergency supplemental allotments are not prorated based on the date a household was authorized for benefits in a month.
Emergency Supplemental Allotment Impact
The emergency supplemental allotments increase SNAP benefits to the maximum SNAP benefit amount for the household size. As of July 1, 2023, the maximum SNAP benefit amounts are as follows:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,193 |
| 6 | $1,479 |
| 7 | $1,712 |
| 8 | $1,964 |
| Each additional person | $252 |
Additional Resources
- Contact your state’s SNAP office for more information.
- Visit the USDA’s website for more information on the emergency supplemental allotments.
Temporary Increase in Food Stamp Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families to purchase food. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government has temporarily increased SNAP benefits for all recipients.
How Much Are SNAP Benefits Increased?
The maximum monthly SNAP benefit amount for a household of one person is $250. For a household of four people, the maximum benefit amount is $835. The benefit amount increases for larger households, and there are also variations by state.
Increased SNAP Benefits Will Continue Through November
The temporary increase in SNAP benefits was initially authorized through June 2021. However, the increase has been extended through November 2021. The extension was included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law in March 2021.
Who Is Eligible for SNAP Benefits?
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. The SNAP income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. For a household of four people, the SNAP income limit is $2,833 per month.
- To apply for SNAP benefits, you can contact your state’s SNAP office or apply online at the USDA website.
- The application process typically takes about 30 days.
- Once you are approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
- You can use your EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers.
SNAP Benefit Amounts by Household Size
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $250 |
| 2 People | $430 |
| 3 People | $616 |
| 4 People | $835 |
| 5 People | $1,029 |
| 6 People | $1,217 |
| 7 People | $1,399 |
| 8 People | $1,581 |
Pandemic-EBT Extension
The Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) program, which provides extra food assistance to families with school-aged children, is being extended through the summer of 2023. This extension will help families continue to purchase nutritious food during the summer months, when children are typically not in school and may have less access to free or reduced-price meals.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for P-EBT, families must:
- Have a child who is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- The child must have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the 2022-2023 school year
- The family must meet income eligibility guidelines
Benefits
The amount of P-EBT benefits a family receives is based on the number of eligible children in the household and the family’s income. The maximum benefit amount is $391 per child per month.
How to Apply
Families do not need to apply for P-EBT. Eligible families will be automatically enrolled in the program and will receive their benefits on an EBT card. The EBT card can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Summer 2023 P-EBT Schedule
| State | Distribution Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | July 15, 2023 |
| Alaska | July 25, 2023 |
| Arizona | July 20, 2023 |
| Arkansas | July 27, 2023 |
| California | July 18, 2023 |
Eligibility Requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility for SNAP benefits is determined based on income, asset limits, and household size. To qualify, households must meet both gross and net income requirements, as well as resource limits. Resource limits include cash on hand, bank accounts, and certain investments.
- Gross Income: Gross income is the total income earned by all household members before any deductions, such as taxes, Social Security, or child support. SNAP eligibility is based on a household’s gross income being below a certain level.
- Net Income: Net income is the amount of money left after deducting certain allowable expenses from gross income. Allowable expenses include child care costs, medical expenses, and utility bills. To be eligible for SNAP, a household’s net income must also be below a certain level.
- Asset Limits: Households must also meet asset limits to be eligible for SNAP benefits. Assets include cash on hand, bank accounts, and certain investments. The asset limit for SNAP eligibility is $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for households with more than one person.
- Household Size: The size of the household also affects SNAP eligibility. Larger households have higher income and asset limits than smaller households.
In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, there are several specific groups of individuals who may be eligible for SNAP benefits, regardless of their income or assets. These groups include:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Children under the age of 18
- People with disabilities
- Seniors aged 60 and older
To apply for SNAP benefits, individuals and families can contact their local SNAP office or apply online through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website. Once an application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the SNAP office and a determination of eligibility will be made.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit | Net Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,658 | $1,082 |
| 2 people | $2,243 | $1,485 |
| 3 people | $2,828 | $1,887 |
| 4 people | $3,413 | $2,290 |
| 5 people | $4,000 | $2,781 |
| 6 people | $4,586 | $3,040 |
| 7 people | $5,172 | $3,298 |
| 8 people | $5,758 | $3,557 |
Hey there, readers! Thanks for taking the time to learn about the latest buzz surrounding the July food stamp increase. I know it can be confusing to keep up with all the changes, but I hope this article helped shed some light on the situation. Stay tuned to our site for more updates and insights into all things government assistance and financial well-being. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out. Until next time, keep your head up and your pantry stocked!