Many people who receive food stamps will get more money in December. The extra money is part of a temporary program that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials have approved a 12.5% increase in benefits. In most states, the extra funds are loaded on the EBT cards by the 23rd of each month. For example, a household that normally gets $250 in food stamps will receive an extra $31 in December. Some states may have different schedules for distributing the extra benefits, so it’s important to check with your state’s Department of Human Services for more information.
Changes to the SNAP Program in December
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal assistance program that provides food benefits to millions of eligible low-income individuals and families. The program is designed to help people purchase nutritious food for themselves and their families. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced certain changes to the SNAP program for December.
Temporary Increase in SNAP Benefits
- An emergency allocation of SNAP benefits, also known as emergency allotments, will be issued to all current SNAP recipients in December.
- This temporary increase aims to provide additional support to families and individuals who continue to face financial difficulties due to the pandemic.
- The emergency allotments will be loaded onto SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards in December.
Continuation of the 15% SNAP Increase
- The 15% across-the-board increase in SNAP benefits, which was implemented during the pandemic, will continue in December.
- This increase applies to all SNAP recipients, regardless of household size or income.
- The 15% increase will remain in effect until further notice from the USDA.
December SNAP Benefit Schedule
| State | Benefit Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | December 10 |
| Alaska | December 3 |
| Arizona | December 12 |
| Arkansas | December 10 |
| California | December 28 – January 12 |
Note: The SNAP benefit issuance schedule may vary from state to state. Check your local SNAP office or the USDA website for specific dates.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
- To apply for SNAP benefits, you can contact your local SNAP office or apply online through the USDA website.
- The application process typically involves providing information about your household income, expenses, and assets.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive an EBT card that can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Conclusion
The changes to the SNAP program in December are intended to provide additional support to families and individuals facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary increase in SNAP benefits and the continuation of the 15% SNAP increase will help ensure that eligible households have access to adequate food resources. If you are in need of food assistance, please contact your local SNAP office or apply online.
EBT Schedule Updates for December 2022
Overview:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase food. The program operates through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to make purchases at authorized retailers. The EBT schedule for December 2022 has been released, and some states may have varying deposit dates. It’s essential to check with your local SNAP office for specific information regarding your benefits.
EBT Schedule for December 2022
Generally, the EBT deposit dates for December 2022 are as follows:
- Maine: December 20th
- Vermont: December 21st
- Connecticut: December 21st
- Rhode Island: December 21st
- Massachusetts: December 22nd
- New York: December 22nd
- New Jersey: December 22nd
- Maryland: December 23rd
- Pennsylvania: December 23rd
- Ohio: December 27th
- Michigan: December 28th
- Indiana: December 29th
- Illinois: December 29th
- Wisconsin: December 30th
- Minnesota: December 30th
Checking Your EBT Balance
To check your EBT balance, you can:
- Log in to your state’s EBT portal
- Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card
- Use an ATM that accepts EBT cards
Using Your EBT Card
You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. Some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Your EBT card works like a debit card.
- You can use it to make purchases at authorized retailers.
- You cannot use it to purchase non-food items, such as alcohol, tobacco, or pet food.
- You cannot use it to withdraw cash.
Contacting Your Local SNAP Office
If you have questions or need assistance with your SNAP benefits, you can contact your local SNAP office. You can find the contact information for your local SNAP office online or by calling the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).
Additional Resources
| State | Deposit Date |
|---|---|
| Maine | December 20th |
| Vermont | December 21st |
| Connecticut | December 21st |
| Rhode Island | December 21st |
| Massachusetts | December 22nd |
| New York | December 22nd |
| New Jersey | December 22nd |
| Maryland | December 23rd |
| Pennsylvania | December 23rd |
| Ohio | December 27th |
| Michigan | December 28th |
| Indiana | December 29th |
| Illinois | December 29th |
| Wisconsin | December 30th |
| Minnesota | December 30th |
December Food Assistance Programs
During the holiday season, many families struggle to make ends meet and put food on the table. Fortunately, there are several programs and resources available to help those in need. Here’s a closer look at what’s available and how to find local assistance.
SNAP Benefits Increase
In response to the ongoing economic challenges, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, has been temporarily providing additional benefits. These increases have been extended through December 2023, providing a much-needed boost to families’ food budgets.
To find out if you are eligible for SNAP benefits or how much you may receive, visit the USDA’s website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply. You can also contact your local SNAP office for more information.
Local Food Banks and Pantries
In addition to government assistance programs, there are many local food banks and pantries that provide food and other essentials to those in need. These organizations often rely on donations and volunteers to operate, so their availability and resources can vary.
How to Find Local Food Banks and Pantries:
- Contact your local United Way or Salvation Army. These organizations often maintain lists of local food assistance programs.
- Search online for “food banks near me” or “pantries near me.” Many websites and apps provide comprehensive listings of local resources.
- Check with your local faith-based organizations. Many churches and temples offer food assistance programs to their communities.
- Contact your local government agencies. Some cities and counties have their own food assistance programs or can provide referrals to local resources.
Additional Resources
In addition to SNAP benefits and local food banks, there are several other resources available to help families in need put food on the table.
- School Meals: Many schools offer free or reduced-price meals to students from low-income families.
- WIC Program: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food and nutrition assistance to eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under age 5.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): This program provides food packages to low-income seniors.
- Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): This program provides emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families through local food banks and pantries.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,583 |
| 2 | $2,146 |
| 3 | $2,709 |
| 4 | $3,272 |
| 5 | $3,835 |
Note: The income eligibility guidelines are subject to change. Please check with your local SNAP office for the most up-to-date information.
Food Assistance in December: What You Need to Know
Many families rely on food stamps, known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, to put food on the table. With the holiday season approaching, many wonder if they will receive additional food stamps in December. Here’s what you need to know:
Increased SNAP Benefits
In response to the ongoing economic difficulties caused by the pandemic, the federal government has authorized emergency allotments for SNAP benefits. These additional benefits are scheduled to end in November 2023. For December 2023, most SNAP households will receive at least $95 in emergency allotments, with variations based on household size and state. Check with your local SNAP office for specific information.
Checking Your SNAP Balance
To check your SNAP balance, you can use the following methods:
- Online: You can access your SNAP account online through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) website of your state.
- Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card.
- In-Person: Visit your local SNAP office.
- Mobile App: Some states have mobile apps that allow you to check your SNAP balance and manage your account.
Additional Resources for Food Assistance
If you need additional food assistance, there are several resources available:
- Food Banks: Local food banks provide food to individuals and families in need. You can find a food bank near you by visiting the website of Feeding America or calling 211.
- Soup Kitchens: Soup kitchens offer free or low-cost meals to individuals and families. You can find a soup kitchen near you by visiting the website of Food Not Bombs or calling 211.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): The CSFP provides monthly food packages to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 6. You can find more information about the CSFP by contacting your local health department.
| Household Size | Emergency Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $95 |
| 2 | $190 |
| 3 | $285 |
| 4 | $380 |
| 5 | $475 |
| 6 | $570 |
| 7 | $665 |
| 8 | $760 |
If you have questions about SNAP benefits or other food assistance programs, contact your local SNAP office or call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).
Hey there, thanks for sticking with me until the end of this article. I know it can be tough to keep up with all the changes to food stamps, but I’m here to help you stay informed. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer them. In the meantime, keep an eye out for more updates on food stamps in the future. Take care, and I’ll catch you next time!