Due to the ongoing pandemic, many areas have seen an increase in the number of families requiring food assistance. In response, certain states and counties have taken steps to provide additional support to those in need. This may include issuing extra food stamps or increasing the value of existing benefits. It’s important to check with local authorities or visit official government websites to find out if these additional benefits are available in your area. Eligibility criteria and application processes can vary depending on location, income, and household size. If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, it’s worth exploring whether you qualify for these additional benefits.
Extended SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized states to issue emergency allotments of SNAP benefits, also known as additional SNAP benefits, to qualifying households.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for emergency SNAP benefits, households must meet certain criteria, including:
- Being eligible for regular SNAP benefits
- Having experienced a decrease in income or an increase in expenses due to the pandemic
Benefit Amounts
The amount of emergency SNAP benefits that a household receives varies depending on factors such as household size and income. However, all eligible households will receive at least $95 in additional benefits per month.
Duration
Emergency SNAP benefits were initially authorized through September 2021. However, the USDA has extended the program through September 2023. States have the option to end the program earlier if they choose.
How to Apply
To apply for emergency SNAP benefits, households should contact their local SNAP office. The application process may vary from state to state, but generally includes providing documentation of income, expenses, and household size.
| State | Emergency SNAP Benefits | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| California | $250 per month for all eligible households | (877) 847-3663 |
| Texas | $100 per month for all eligible households | (877) 541-7905 |
| New York | $200 per month for all eligible households | (888) 328-6399 |
Emergency Allotments
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government provided emergency allotments (EAs) to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, beginning in April 2020. These EAs temporarily increased the amount of SNAP benefits that households received each month. The maximum EA amount was $95 per person, per month.
- The EAs were intended to help SNAP households cope with the increased food costs and other financial hardships caused by the pandemic.
- The EAs were initially authorized through September 2021, but they were later extended several times.
- The EAs ended in February 2023, as the Biden administration determined that the COVID-19 pandemic no longer justified the provision of emergency benefits.
As of March 2023, there are no plans to provide additional EAs. However, SNAP benefits may be increased in the future if Congress passes legislation to do so.
Here is a table summarizing the history of EAs during the COVID-19 pandemic:
| Date | EA Amount |
|---|---|
| April 2020 – September 2021 | $95 per person, per month |
| October 2021 – April 2022 | $15 per person, per month |
| May 2022 – February 2023 | $95 per person, per month |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to buy food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on the household’s income and size.
SNAP Emergency Allotments
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided additional SNAP benefits, known as emergency allotments, to all SNAP households. These emergency allotments were intended to help households cope with increased food costs and other financial hardships caused by the pandemic. The emergency allotments were initially provided in April 2020 and were extended several times. The final emergency allotments were provided in March 2022.
SNAP Benefits Increased in 2023
In January 2023, the maximum SNAP benefit amount increased by 12.5%. This increase was the largest single increase in SNAP benefits in the program’s history. The increase was intended to help SNAP households keep up with the rising cost of food.
Current SNAP Benefit Amounts
The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of one person is $281 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of two people is $516 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of three people is $740 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four people is $939 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of five people is $1,131 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of six people is $1,310 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of seven people is $1,487 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of eight people is $1,664 per month.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 people | $516 |
| 3 people | $740 |
| 4 people | $939 |
| 5 people | $1,131 |
| 6 people | $1,310 |
| 7 people | $1,487 |
| 8 people | $1,664 |
Pandemic-EBT
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is a federal initiative that provides temporary food assistance to eligible families with children who have been affected by school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program provides benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Eligibility
- Children who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are automatically eligible for P-EBT.
- Children who attend schools that are participating in the P-EBT program may also be eligible, even if they are not enrolled in the NSLP or SBP.
- To check eligibility, families can contact their state education agency or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Benefits
P-EBT benefits are calculated based on the number of days that a child’s school is closed for in-person learning.
The benefit amount is determined by the state, but it is typically around $30 to $40 per child, per month.
How to Apply
Families who are eligible for P-EBT can apply for benefits through their state’s education agency or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
The application process is typically simple and can be completed online or by mail.
How to Use Benefits
P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers that accept EBT cards.
- To use P-EBT benefits, families can simply swipe their EBT card at the checkout counter.
- The EBT card will be loaded with the family’s benefit amount each month.
Other Resources
In addition to P-EBT, there are other resources available to families who are struggling to afford food during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- Local food banks and pantries
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| USDA Food and Nutrition Service | 1-800-221-5689 |
| National School Lunch Program | 1-800-352-1240 |
| School Breakfast Program | 1-800-352-1240 |
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