Starting in October, SNAP beneficiaries in several states will receive additional benefits due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exact amount of the extra benefits will vary depending on the state, but the average increase is expected to be around $36 per month per person. The purpose of the extra benefits is to help families struggling to afford food during the pandemic. The additional benefits will be provided through the end of the public health emergency or until the funds run out.
Emergency Allotments Due to Pandemic
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact on households, the federal government has provided additional food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT)
- P-EBT is a temporary program providing food assistance to children who would have received free or reduced-price school meals if not for school closures during the pandemic.
- Eligibility is based on participation in the National School Lunch Program, regardless of whether the child is attending school remotely, in-person, or a hybrid of the two.
- Benefits are issued on an EBT card, the same way regular SNAP benefits are distributed.
Temporary Waivers and Flexibilities
- Income limits and asset limits have been temporarily raised to help more people qualify for SNAP benefits.
- Gross income eligibility limits have been increased by 150% of the poverty level.
- Asset limits have been increased to $2,750 for individuals and $4,250 for households.
- Flexibility has been granted to states to allow for online and phone applications, as well as simplified verification procedures.
As of October 2022, these emergency allotments and flexibilities are scheduled to end. However, the situation could change based on the pandemic’s status and the government’s response.
| Program | Eligibility | Benefits | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Income and asset limits | Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card | Monthly |
| P-EBT | Participation in National School Lunch Program | EBT card | As determined by state |
P-EBT Food Benefits
P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a government program that provides extra food benefits to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the P-EBT program has been expanded to provide additional benefits to more families.
P-EBT Eligibility
- To be eligible for P-EBT benefits, children must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals
- Attend school in a district that has been approved for P-EBT benefits
P-EBT Benefits
- The amount of P-EBT benefits that a family receives depends on the number of children in the family and the state in which they live.
- In most states, families receive a monthly benefit of around \$300 per child.
- P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
How to Apply for P-EBT Benefits
- To apply for P-EBT benefits, families should contact their local school district or state education agency.
- Families may also be able to apply for P-EBT benefits online.
- The application process for P-EBT benefits varies from state to state.
| State | P-EBT Benefits | Application Process |
|---|---|---|
| California | Up to \$365 per child per month | Apply online or through your local school district |
| Texas | Up to \$285 per child per month | Apply online or through your local school district |
| New York | Up to \$377 per child per month | Apply online or through your local school district |
Maximum SNAP Benefits Per Person
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. The amount of SNAP benefits a person or family receives is based on their income and household size. The maximum SNAP benefit per person in October 2023 is $281. The maximum gross income limit for a single person to qualify for SNAP is $1,340 per month. The maximum net income limit for a single person to qualify for SNAP is $1,006 per month.
SNAP Benefits By Household Size
- 1 person: $281
- 2 people: $516
- 3 people: $745
- 4 people: $969
- For states that are continuing emergency SNAP benefits:
- Households will continue to receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size.
- Emergency allotments will be issued on the same day as the household’s regular SNAP benefits.
- For states that are returning to normal benefit levels:
- Households will receive their regular SNAP benefit amount, which will be lower than the amount they received during the emergency allotment period.
- Regular SNAP benefits will be issued on the household’s regular issuance day.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $745 |
| 4 | $969 |
Monthly SNAP Food Benefit Issuance Schedule
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and families. The amount of benefits a household receives is based on its income, household size, and certain deductions. SNAP benefits are issued monthly on a specific schedule. (See the table below for details.) Due to COVID-19 emergencies, additional benefits have been authorized.
Avoid using the phrase ‘Are They Giving Extra Food Stamps in October’ as a subtopic’s title.
Yes, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has authorized emergency allotments for SNAP benefits since April 2020. These extra benefits are available to all SNAP households, regardless of income or other factors. The amount of the extra benefit varies from state to state, but it is typically equal to the maximum benefit amount for a household of the same size. In October 2023, 32 states and territories will continue to provide emergency SNAP benefits, while 18 states and territories will return to normal benefit levels.
| Month | Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| January | 10th of the month |
| February | 10th of the month |
| March | 10th of the month |
| April | 10th of the month |
| May | 10th of the month |
| June | 10th of the month |
| July | 10th of the month |
| August | 10th of the month |
| September | 10th of the month |
| October | 10th of the month |
| November | 10th of the month |
| December | 10th of the month |