Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has increased the amount of food assistance available to qualifying households. In March 2023, many states are expected to provide emergency allotments (EAs) of food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These EAs are designed to help individuals and families offset the rising cost of food and other essential items. The amount of extra food stamps varies by state, but it is typically the same or close to the amount of extra benefits that were provided during the pandemic. To find out if your state is providing EAs in March 2023, you can check the official website of your state’s SNAP agency or contact them directly. Keep in mind that eligibility requirements and the application process for SNAP benefits may vary from state to state.
Emergency Allotment Extended in March
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been providing emergency food stamp allotments to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. These extra SNAP benefits have been instrumental in helping families afford nutritious food during these challenging times. The Emergency Allotments were set to expire at the end of February 2023, but the USDA recently announced that they will continue through March 2023.
This extension is welcome news for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. The emergency allotments have provided a vital lifeline during the pandemic, and their continuation will help ensure that families have the resources they need to stay food secure.
Key Points:
- The Emergency Allotments have been extended through March 2023.
- All SNAP recipients will continue to receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size.
- The extension will provide much-needed relief to millions of Americans struggling to afford food.
Emergency Allotment Amounts:
| Household Size | Allotment Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $519 |
| 3 | $718 |
| 4 | $899 |
| 5 | $1,100 |
| 6 | $1,292 |
| 7 | $1,506 |
| 8 | $1,693 |
| Each additional household member | $187 |
The emergency allotments will be automatically loaded onto SNAP EBT cards in March. Households do not need to take any action to receive the extra benefits.
If you have any questions about the emergency allotments, you can contact your local SNAP office.
Families To Receive Maximum Enhanced Benefits
SNAP recipients will receive the maximum enhanced benefits for the month of March. This means many families will see an increase in their monthly benefit amount because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 32 states, the maximum benefit will increase by $95 per person. The District of Columbia and two territories will also see the same increase. Meanwhile, 16 states will see a maximum benefit increase of $157 per person.
Monthly Supplement Chart
| State | Maximum Benefit Increase |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $157 |
| Alaska | $157 |
| Arizona | $157 |
| Arkansas | $157 |
| California | $95 |
| Colorado | $95 |
| Connecticut | $95 |
| Delaware | $95 |
| Florida | $95 |
| Georgia | $157 |
| Hawaii | $95 |
| Idaho | $95 |
| Illinois | $95 |
| Indiana | $95 |
| Iowa | $95 |
| Kansas | $95 |
| Kentucky | $157 |
| Louisiana | $157 |
| Maine | $95 |
| Maryland | $95 |
| Massachusetts | $95 |
| Michigan | $95 |
| Minnesota | $95 |
| Mississippi | $157 |
| Missouri | $95 |
| Montana | $95 |
| Nebraska | $95 |
| Nevada | $95 |
| New Hampshire | $95 |
| New Jersey | $95 |
| New Mexico | $157 |
| New York | $95 |
| North Carolina | $95 |
| North Dakota | $95 |
| Ohio | $95 |
| Oklahoma | $157 |
| Oregon | $95 |
| Pennsylvania | $95 |
| Rhode Island | $95 |
| South Carolina | $157 |
| South Dakota | $95 |
| Tennessee | $157 |
| Texas | $157 |
| Utah | $95 |
| Vermont | $95 |
| Virginia | $95 |
| Washington | $95 |
| West Virginia | $95 |
| Wisconsin | $95 |
| Wyoming | $95 |
| District of Columbia | $95 |
| Guam | $95 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $95 |
P-EBT Benefits Available for Eligible Children
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is a federal program that provides food assistance to eligible children who have been impacted by school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The P-EBT program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered by state agencies.
Eligibility for P-EBT Benefits
To be eligible for P-EBT benefits, children must:
- Be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or be eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals.
- Attend a school that is participating in the P-EBT program.
- Have experienced a loss of access to school meals due to COVID-19 school closures.
How to Apply for P-EBT Benefits
To apply for P-EBT benefits, parents or guardians of eligible children should contact their state agency responsible for administering the program. The application process may vary from state to state, but generally involves providing information about the child’s eligibility, such as their name, date of birth, and school enrollment information.
Benefits Provided by the P-EBT Program
The P-EBT program provides eligible children with a monthly benefit that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of the benefit varies from state to state, but is typically equal to the value of the school meals that the child would have received if schools were open.
| State | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $91 per child per month |
| Alaska | $119 per child per month |
| Arizona | $120 per child per month |
Current SNAP Balance Remains Unaffected
The current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, are not affected by the recent federal legislation. The additional amounts that were provided during the COVID-19 pandemic have ended, and households are now receiving their regular SNAP allotment.
- SNAP benefits are determined based on household size, income, and other factors.
- Households can check their current SNAP balance by logging into their state’s online SNAP portal or by contacting their local SNAP office.
- Emergency allotments that were provided during the pandemic to help families cope with the economic fallout have ended.
If you have questions about your SNAP benefits, you should contact your local SNAP office. Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
- National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)
| Month | SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | $0 |
| February 2023 | $0 |
| March 2023 | $0 |
So, there you have it, folks! The facts about the extra food stamps for March. I hope you found this article informative and helpful. Remember, things can change quickly in the world of government benefits, so be sure to check back here later for any updates. In the meantime, stay safe and well, and thanks for reading!