The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is providing extra benefits to recipients in June. This is due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused economic hardship for many families. The extra benefits will vary by state, but typically range from $95 to $250 per person. To receive the extra benefits, SNAP recipients do not need to take any action. The benefits will be automatically loaded onto their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Emergency Allotments (EAs): Boosting Food Stamp Benefits
Emergency Allotments (EAs) were a temporary boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These additional benefits were provided to all SNAP households to help them cope with the economic hardships caused by the pandemic.
How EAs Worked:
- SNAP households received an additional monthly benefit equal to the maximum allowable benefit for their household size.
- Households that were already receiving the maximum benefit did not receive an additional increase.
- EAs were provided in addition to the regular SNAP benefit and did not affect a household’s eligibility or benefit amount.
Impact of EAs:
EAs played a crucial role in providing food assistance to millions of Americans during the pandemic. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP participation increased by 13% from February to April 2020, reaching a record high of 42.3 million people. EAs helped to ensure that these households had enough money to buy food, even as food prices rose and many people lost their jobs or experienced reduced incomes.
Expiration of EAs:
EAs were initially authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March 2020 and were extended several times. However, the last extension expired on October 31, 2023. As a result, SNAP households are now receiving their regular benefit amounts, which are typically lower than the amount they received with EAs.
Looking Ahead:
The expiration of EAs has raised concerns about the impact on food insecurity in the United States. Advocates are calling on Congress to extend EAs or find other ways to ensure that SNAP benefits are adequate to meet the needs of low-income households.
| Month | SNAP Participation (millions) | Average Monthly SNAP Benefit per Person |
|---|---|---|
| February 2020 | 37.2 | $232 |
| April 2020 | 42.3 | $274 |
| October 2023 | 40.8 | $260 |
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT): Supporting Families with Children
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families experienced financial hardships due to school closures and disruptions to employment. In response, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT), a program aimed at providing additional food assistance to families with children who were unable to receive free or reduced-price meals at school. The P-EBT program has been operational since the 2019-2020 school year and has provided much-needed support to families.
P-EBT Eligibility
- Children who were enrolled in a school that participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) and who met the income eligibility criteria for those programs.
- Children who were enrolled in a school that offered virtual or hybrid learning and who met the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced-price meals.
- Children who were attending a Head Start or Early Head Start program.
P-EBT Benefits
The P-EBT program provided eligible children with EBT cards that could be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of benefits provided varied depending on the state and the number of days that schools were closed or offered remote learning. Typically, the benefits were provided in monthly installments and the average benefit per child was around $100 per month.
P-EBT Distribution in June 2023
For the 2022-2023 school year, the USDA has announced that P-EBT benefits will be distributed in June 2023 to eligible children in participating states. The benefits will cover the summer months when school is typically not in session and children may not have access to free or reduced-price meals.
States Participating in P-EBT in June 2023
| State | Distribution Date | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | June 15, 2023 | $365 per eligible child |
| Texas | June 1, 2023 | $250 per eligible child |
| New York | June 30, 2023 | $194 per eligible child |
| Illinois | June 20, 2023 | $221 per eligible child |
| Florida | June 12, 2023 | $175 per eligible child |
How to Apply for P-EBT
In most states, families do not need to apply for P-EBT. Eligible children will automatically receive the benefits through the EBT card that they use for their regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. If a family does not have an EBT card, they may need to contact their state’s Department of Human Services or the agency responsible for administering the P-EBT program in their state.
Thrifty Food Plan Adjustment: Increasing Food Stamp Allowances
In response to rising food costs, the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which determines the amount of food stamp benefits households receive, has been adjusted. Here’s an overview of the changes:
- TFP Adjustment: The TFP has been updated to reflect current food prices more accurately. This means that households receiving food stamps will get an average increase in their benefits.
- Benefit Increase: The average increase in food stamp benefits varies depending on household size and composition. For instance, a household of four can expect an average increase of $27 per month, while a household of eight can expect an average increase of $82 per month.
- Effective Date: The TFP adjustment and the subsequent increase in food stamp benefits became effective on June 1, 2023.
The following table provides a summary of the average monthly food stamp benefit increase for different household sizes:
| Household Size | Average Monthly Increase |
| 1 | $23 |
| 2 | $40 |
| 3 | $53 |
| 4 | $65 |
| 5 | $78 |
| 6 | $90 |
| 7 | $103 |
| 8 | $115 |
Households receiving food stamps should note that the actual increase in their benefits may differ from the average increase shown in the table. The exact amount of the increase depends on various factors, including the household’s income, expenses, and number of eligible members.
Will People Receive Extra Food Stamps in June?
In June 2023, there will be no additional food stamp allotments. The extra emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which were being provided due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been discontinued. However, some states may still offer additional cash assistance to low-income families. Please check with your local Department of Social Services to learn more.
Additional Funds for Cash Assistance Programs
Some states are providing additional cash assistance to low-income families in June. These payments are not related to SNAP benefits. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state. Here are some examples:
- California: Families who receive CalWORKs may be eligible for a one-time payment of $500 per child.
- New York: Families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may be eligible for a one-time payment of $500.
- Illinois: Families who receive cash assistance may be eligible for a one-time payment of $500.
To find out if you are eligible for additional cash assistance, please contact your local Department of Social Services.
Additional Resources
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Benefits.gov
| State | Program | Eligibility | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | CalWORKs | Families with children who meet income and resource limits | One-time payment of $500 per child |
| New York | TANF | Families with children who meet income and resource limits | One-time payment of $500 |
| Illinois | Cash assistance | Families with children who meet income and resource limits | One-time payment of $500 |
Well, there you have it, folks! Hope you got the info you were lookin’ for. If you’re still hungry for knowledge, feel free to stick around. We’ve got a whole smorgasbord of other articles just waiting to tickle your brain. And if you’re craving more on this topic, be sure to check back – we’ll keep you in the loop with any updates or changes. So, hang on tight, keep your curiosity piqued, and thanks for being a part of our foodie family. See you on the other side!