Due to the pandemic, many people are experiencing financial difficulties. To provide additional support, some states are issuing extra food stamps in July. This means that qualifying individuals and families may receive a higher amount of benefits than usual. The exact amount of the increase varies from state to state, so it’s important to check with your local SNAP office for more information. This additional assistance can help struggling families put food on the table and alleviate some of the financial burden caused by the pandemic.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided additional funds to states to issue emergency allotments to SNAP recipients. These allotments were intended to help families purchase food during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
Emergency Allotments Ending in Most States
In June 2023, the federal government stopped providing these additional funds. As a result, most states have stopped issuing emergency allotments. This means that SNAP recipients in these states will receive a lower benefit amount starting in July 2023.
States Where Emergency Allotments Are Continuing
There are a few states that are continuing to issue emergency allotments in July 2023. These states include:
- California
- Illinois
- Maine
- Oregon
Emergency Allotments for Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is receiving emergency allotments for a longer period of time than the rest of the country. This is because Puerto Rico was hit hard by Hurricane Fiona in September 2022. Emergency allotments in Puerto Rico will continue through September 2023.
SNAP Benefit Amounts
The amount of SNAP benefits that a household receives is based on its income and household size. The following table shows the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for households of different sizes in July 2023.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $458 |
| 3 people | $658 |
| 4 people | $835 |
| 5 people | $1,012 |
| 6 people | $1,189 |
| 7 people | $1,366 |
| 8 people | $1,543 |
What is the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)?
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a temporary federal program that provides food assistance to eligible children who receive free or reduced-price meals at school or attend schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision. The program began in the 2020-2021 school year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been extended through the 2022-2023 school year. Children who are eligible for P-EBT receive benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Who is Eligible for P-EBT?
- Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school
- Children who attend schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision
- Children who are enrolled in an eligible child care program
- Children who are homeless, migrant, or displaced
How Much Are the P-EBT Benefits?
The amount of P-EBT benefits that a child receives is based on the number of days that the child was eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school during the month. The benefit amount varies from state to state.
When Will P-EBT Benefits Be Distributed?
P-EBT benefits are typically distributed once per month. The distribution dates vary from state to state.
How Can I Apply for P-EBT?
To apply for P-EBT, you will need to contact your state’s education agency or child care agency. The application process varies from state to state.
What Can I Buy with P-EBT Benefits?
P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
States Providing Extra P-EBT Benefits in July
| State | Extra P-EBT Benefits |
|---|---|
| California | $365 per child |
| Illinois | $375 per child |
| Kentucky | $125 per child |
| Maine | $110 per child |
| New Mexico | $150 per child |
| Oregon | $250 per child |
| Wisconsin | $154 per child |
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides healthy food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman, or an infant or child up to age 5.
- Meet income guidelines. Income guidelines are based on the federal poverty level. For example, in 2023, a family of four with a gross monthly income of $3,125 or less is eligible for WIC.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
Benefits of WIC
WIC provides a variety of benefits to eligible participants, including:
- Healthy food: WIC participants receive vouchers that can be used to purchase healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, and eggs.
- Nutrition education: WIC participants receive nutrition education from trained counselors. This education helps participants learn how to make healthy food choices and how to feed their children healthy foods.
- Breastfeeding support: WIC provides breastfeeding support to pregnant and postpartum women. This support includes breastfeeding classes, counseling, and support groups.
How to Apply for WIC
To apply for WIC, you can contact your local WIC office. You can find your local WIC office by visiting the WIC website or by calling the WIC hotline at 1-800-WIC-1000.
Get Help from WIC
WIC is a valuable resource for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you should apply for WIC today.
| State | WIC Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 1-800-228-1776 |
| Alaska | 1-800-478-7060 |
| Arizona | 1-877-841-4213 |
| Arkansas | 1-800-632-4636 |
| California | 1-800-843-3663 |
Hey folks! That’s all we have for now on the topic of extra food stamps in July. Keep in mind that these details are subject to change, and we’ll be sure to update you if we learn anything new. Thanks for sticking with us and reading this article. We hope this information was helpful. If you have any questions or want to stay up-to-date on the latest news, be sure to visit our website again soon. We’ve got lots more interesting stuff coming your way, so don’t miss out! Until next time, take care and keep on being awesome!