Due to an accounting error in 2020, supplemental Food Stamp benefits provided to recipients in the Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) program were overstated. The Food and Nutrition Service agency has since corrected the error, resulting in lower benefits for some recipients. Affected states will be adjusting their Food Stamp benefits in August, with most recipients receiving a smaller amount than they typically would. Food banks and other organizations are working to assist households facing higher food costs.
P-EBT Food Stamp Extension
The pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program has been extended through the end of the 2022-2023 school year in some states due to ongoing school closures and disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
P-EBT was created as a temporary measure to address the disruptions in school meal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It typically provides families whose children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals with a monthly benefit that can be used to purchase food. The program is intended to help offset the extra expenses that families face when they are unable to access school meals.
The extension of P-EBT will provide much-needed assistance to families who are struggling to make ends meet. However, it is important to note that the amount of P-EBT benefits that a family receives will vary depending on the state in which they live and the number of children they have. Families who are unsure about their eligibility for P-EBT or the amount of benefits they will receive should contact their state’s Department of Education.
States With P-EBT Food Stamp Extension for the 2022-2023 School Year through June 2023
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
Please contact your state’s Department of Education for more information and updates on P-EBT benefits and eligibility in your state.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Increase
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is federally funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). SNAP benefits are distributed through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
SNAP Benefits Increase
In March 2023, the USDA announced a temporary increase to SNAP benefits for all recipients. This increase was part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased benefits are expected to continue through September 2023.
Increased Benefit Calculation
The amount of the SNAP benefit increase varies depending on the household size and income. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four people will increase from $835 to $1,254 per month. The average increase for all SNAP recipients is expected to be about $36 per month.
Here is a table showing the increased SNAP benefit amounts for different household sizes:
| Household Size | Previous Maximum Benefit | Increased Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 | $400 |
| 2 people | $430 | $680 |
| 3 people | $646 | $1,002 |
| 4 people | $835 | $1,254 |
| 5 people | $939 | $1,434 |
| 6 people | $1,042 | $1,614 |
| 7 people | $1,149 | $1,794 |
| 8 people | $1,257 | $1,974 |
Eligibility for Increased Benefits
All current SNAP recipients are eligible for the increased benefits. There is no need to reapply for assistance. The increased benefits will be automatically loaded onto EBT cards.
Impact of Increased Benefits
The increased SNAP benefits are expected to help low-income families afford more food and improve their overall health. The USDA estimates that the increased benefits will reduce food insecurity by 1.2 million households.
Future of SNAP Benefits
The increased SNAP benefits are temporary and are set to expire in September 2023. Congress has not yet decided whether to extend the increased benefits beyond that date. Some advocates are calling on Congress to make the increased benefits permanent.
Hey, folks! That’s all we got for you on food stamps in August. I know it’s a lot to take in, but hopefully, you found the answers you were looking for. If not, don’t fret! We’ll be back with more updates as soon as we have them. In the meantime, thanks for sticking with us. We appreciate you more than you know. And don’t forget to check back soon for the latest news and information. We’ll be here, waiting with open arms (and maybe some snacks). Cheers!