The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a temporary increase in food stamp benefits for July. This is a continuation of the emergency allotments that have been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional benefits will provide much-needed relief to families who are struggling to make ends meet, especially during these uncertain economic times. The boost in food stamp benefits will help ensure that all Americans have access to nutritious food.
Food Stamp Maximum Allotments
Food Stamp Maximum Allotments: The maximum amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits a household can receive each month is determined by the household’s size and income. The maximum allotments for SNAP benefits are adjusted each year to reflect changes in the cost of living.
For July 2023, the maximum SNAP allotments are as follows:
- 1 person: $281
- 2 people: $459
- 3 people: $658
- 4 people: $835
- 5 people: $1,001
- 6 people: $1,169
- 7 people: $1,336
- 8 people: $1,504
For each additional person, add $168.
These maximum allotments are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the SNAP website.
Income Eligibility
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, a household must have a gross income that is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level is determined by the size of the household and is adjusted each year to reflect changes in the cost of living.
For July 2023, the federal poverty level for a household of four is $2,870 per month. A household of four with a gross income of $3,731 per month would be eligible for SNAP benefits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides food assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to buy food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and some convenience stores. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on household size, income, and expenses.
SNAP Benefits in July
- In July 2023, some states will provide extra SNAP benefits to eligible households.
- The extra benefits are a one-time payment and will vary in amount depending on the state.
- Households that receive the maximum SNAP benefit in their state will receive the full amount of the extra payment.
- Households that receive less than the maximum SNAP benefit will receive a prorated amount of the extra payment.
States Providing Extra SNAP Benefits in July
| State | Extra SNAP Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $95 per person |
| Arkansas | $83 per person |
| California | $100 per person |
| Colorado | $75 per person |
| Connecticut | $85 per person |
To find out if your state is providing extra SNAP benefits in July, contact your local SNAP office.
Eligibility for Extra SNAP Benefits
- To be eligible for extra SNAP benefits, you must be a current SNAP recipient.
- You do not need to take any additional action to receive the extra benefits.
- The extra benefits will be automatically added to your SNAP EBT card.
If you have any questions about extra SNAP benefits, contact your local SNAP office.
Emergency Allotments (EA)
Emergency Allotments: In response to the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided emergency allotments (EAs) to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. These additional benefits were intended to help families struggling to afford food during this unprecedented time.
- EA Background: EAs were first authorized in March 2020 as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and were extended several times through subsequent legislation.
- EA Eligibility: All SNAP households, regardless of their income or household size, were eligible to receive EAs.
- EA Funding: The EAs were funded through federal appropriations and were not subject to state matching funds.
Types of Emergency Allotments:
1. Full EAs:
- Provided the maximum allowable SNAP benefit amount for the household size.
2. Partial EAs:
- Provided a fixed amount of EA that varied depending on household size.
3. State Option EAs:
- Allowed states to provide additional EAs beyond the amounts provided through the federal program.
4. Ending of EAs:
- In December 2022, the federal government announced that the EAs would end in March 2023.
- This decision was made as the COVID-19 pandemic began to subside and economic conditions improved.
Impact of EAs:
The EAs had a significant impact on food security and household budgets during the pandemic:
- Increased SNAP Benefits: The EAs increased the total amount of SNAP benefits available to households, making it easier for them to afford food.
- Reduced Food Insecurity: The EAs helped to reduce food insecurity rates among SNAP households, particularly among children and families with low incomes.
- Economic Stimulus: The EAs also provided an economic stimulus by increasing consumer spending on food, supporting local economies.
Future of SNAP Benefits:
The expiration of the EAs in March 2023 has raised concerns about the potential impact on food security and household budgets. Advocates have urged Congress to consider extending the EAs or providing alternative forms of support to help families afford food.
COVID-19 Pandemic and SNAP
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic hardship, leading to increased food insecurity. In response, the U.S. government has provided additional support to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
Emergency Allotments
Emergency allotments are additional SNAP benefits that have been provided to all SNAP recipients during the pandemic. These allotments have been provided on a monthly basis since April 2020. The amount of the emergency allotment is equal to the maximum SNAP benefit for a household of the same size.
Expiration of Emergency Allotments
The emergency allotments were originally set to expire in September 2021. However, Congress has extended the emergency allotments through September 2023.
Increased SNAP Benefits
In addition to the emergency allotments, SNAP benefits have been increased for all recipients. The average SNAP benefit per person has increased by about 25% since the start of the pandemic.
Who is Eligible for SNAP?
SNAP is available to low-income individuals and families. To be eligible, you must meet certain income and asset limits. You can apply for SNAP at your local Department of Social Services office.
How to Use SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or hot prepared foods.
The following table provides a summary of the current SNAP benefits:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $782 |
| 4 | $1,046 |
| 5 | $1,294 |
| 6 | $1,526 |
| 7 | $1,758 |
| 8 | $1,990 |
| 9 | $2,222 |
| 10 | $2,454 |
Hey folks, thanks for taking the time to read up on the latest buzz about the extra food stamps in July. I know, I know, it’s a hot topic, and we’re all wondering if we’re gonna get that extra boost. Well, keep your eyes peeled and your fingers crossed, because as soon as we know more, you know we’ll be here to spill the tea. In the meantime, keep calm, stay positive, and don’t forget to check back later for the scoop. Food stamp fam, you know we got your back!