Due to the increased need of food assistance during the ongoing pandemic, the federal government has provided additional funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result, many SNAP recipients will receive emergency allotments for the month of May. This means that they will get more money on their EBT cards than they normally would. The exact amount of the extra benefits will vary depending on the household size and income. This extra assistance is intended to help families struggling to afford food during these difficult times. It is part of the ongoing efforts to provide relief to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food Assistance Waivers Still in Effect
There will not be extra food stamps, officially known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, in May 2023. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced states have been approved to carry over additional pandemic-related SNAP emergency allotments into May 2023. However, these are one-time increases that had already been announced and no additional emergency allotments are expected.
Waivers
- States will continue to operate under several SNAP emergency waivers originally approved during the COVID-19 pandemic. These waivers allow states to:
- Issue emergency allotments to all SNAP recipients each month.
- Waive requirements for certain able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) to work or participate in a work program.
- Allow certain SNAP recipients to claim a standard utility allowance, regardless of actual utility costs.
- Extend certification periods for SNAP recipients.
- Waive certain verification requirements.
These waivers have helped to ensure that millions of Americans have continued to have enough food during the pandemic. However, some of these waivers are set to expire soon. The USDA is working with Congress to extend these waivers, but it is unclear whether they will be extended.
Emergency Allotments
| State | Emergency Allotment |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $95 |
| Alaska | $116 |
| Arizona | $95 |
| Arkansas | $95 |
| California | $125 |
Benefits Ending for P-EBT Purchases
The federal P-EBT program, which provided additional food benefits to families with children during the COVID-19 pandemic, has come to an end. In May, P-EBT benefits will no longer be available for purchase of groceries or other eligible food items.
Here are some key dates to keep in mind:
- May 10, 2022: Last day to submit a P-EBT claim for past purchases
- May 20, 2022: Last day to use any remaining P-EBT benefits
After May 20, 2022, any unused P-EBT benefits will expire and cannot be used. If you have any questions about the P-EBT program or how to use your remaining benefits, please contact your state’s P-EBT office.
In addition to the P-EBT program, several other food assistance programs are available to help families in need. These programs include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
- Charitable food assistance programs
If you are struggling to afford food, please reach out to your local food bank or community organization for assistance. You can also find more information about food assistance programs at the USDA website.
| State | Last Day to Submit a P-EBT Claim | Last Day to Use P-EBT Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | May 10, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| Alaska | May 10, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| Arizona | May 10, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| Arkansas | May 10, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
| California | May 10, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
Alright folks, that’s all the scoop on whether or not we’re getting extra food stamps in May. Thanks for sticking with me through all the details. I know it can be a lot to take in, but hopefully, you’ve got a better idea of what’s going on. If you still have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer them for you! In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to May. And remember, if you find this article helpful, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to food stamps, we all deserve to be empowered with the facts. Until next time, keep your head up and your pantry stocked!