Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is increasing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), more commonly known as food stamps, benefits by 15%. This increase will start in June and last through September 2023. The additional benefits will be provided in two parts, with the first part being a supplemental payment equal to 25% of a household’s regular benefit amount. The second part will be an emergency allotment, which is a one-time payment equal to the difference between a household’s regular benefit amount and the maximum SNAP benefit amount for their household size. This increase will help many families who are struggling to put food on the table during the pandemic.
Increased SNAP Benefits for Summer 2023
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has announced that low-income individuals and families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will temporarily receive an increase of roughly 25% in their benefits for the summer of 2023. This is a continuation of the emergency allotments that were provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased benefits will expire on September 30, 2023.
Factors Influencing the Increase
- Inflation: The increase in SNAP benefits aims to address the current high inflation and rising food costs, ensuring that individuals and families have access to adequate nutrition.
- Pandemic Recovery: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on food security, with many families struggling to afford nutritious meals. The increased benefits will help support their recovery.
Eligibility
All current SNAP recipients are automatically eligible for the increased benefits. There is no need to reapply or provide additional information.
Benefit Amounts
The amount of increased benefits varies by household size and income. The table below provides the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for the summer of 2023, including the emergency allotments:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit (Regular) | Maximum SNAP Benefit with Emergency Allotment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $281 | $351 |
| 2 | $516 | $645 |
| 3 | $740 | $925 |
| 4 | $939 | $1,174 |
| 5 | $1,127 | $1,409 |
| 6 | $1,295 | $1,619 |
| 7 | $1,456 | $1,824 |
| 8 | $1,610 | $2,027 |
Note: These amounts are subject to change based on household circumstances and income.
Importance of the Increase
The increased SNAP benefits will provide much-needed relief to low-income individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. It will help them purchase nutritious food, promote better health outcomes, and support their overall well-being.
Families May See Boost in Food Stamp Benefits
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will increase by 25% for the month of June to help families struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The USDA estimates that the increase will provide an additional $36 per month for a family of four, bringing the average monthly benefit to $576.
Eligibility for Increased Benefits
The increased benefits are available to all SNAP recipients, regardless of income or household size.
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
- Have a Social Security number
- Meet income and asset limits
- Live in a SNAP-eligible state
You can apply for SNAP benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local USDA office.
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 people | $516 |
| 3 people | $740 |
| 4 people | $835 |
| 5 people | $930 |
| 6 people | $1,026 |
| 7 people | $1,122 |
| 8 people | $1,218 |
How to Use SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and beverages
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or pet food.
To use SNAP benefits, you must use an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card works like a debit card. You can use it to purchase food at authorized SNAP retailers.
If you have questions about SNAP benefits, you can contact your local USDA office or visit the USDA website.
Temporary Increase in Food Stamp Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA has been providing a temporary increase in SNAP benefits since April 2020. This increase is set to expire on June 30, 2023.
Current SNAP Benefits
- The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of one person is $281 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of four people is $835 per month.
Temporary Increase in SNAP Benefits
The temporary increase in SNAP benefits provides an additional $95 per month to all SNAP households. This means that a household of one person will receive a maximum of $376 per month in SNAP benefits, and a household of four people will receive a maximum of $930 per month in SNAP benefits.
Emergency Allotments
In addition to the temporary increase in benefits, SNAP households in eligible states may also receive emergency allotments. Emergency allotments are a one-time benefit that is equal to the maximum SNAP benefit amount for the household’s size. To be eligible for emergency allotments, a household must:
- Live in a state that has declared a state of emergency or disaster
- Have been affected by the emergency or disaster
- Meet the SNAP eligibility criteria
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can:
- Apply online at the USDA’s website.
- Contact your local SNAP office.
- Call the USDA’s SNAP hotline at 1-800-221-5689.
SNAP Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain criteria, including:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet the income and asset limits.
Income Limits
The income limits for SNAP eligibility are based on the household’s size and composition. For example, a household of one person can have a gross income of up to $1,285 per month and still be eligible for SNAP benefits. A household of four people can have a gross income of up to $2,829 per month and still be eligible for SNAP benefits.
Asset Limits
The asset limits for SNAP eligibility are also based on the household’s size and composition. For example, a household of one person can have assets of up to $2,250 and still be eligible for SNAP benefits. A household of four people can have assets of up to $4,500 and still be eligible for SNAP benefits.
| Household Size | Current Maximum Benefit | Temporary Increase | New Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $281 | $95 | $376 |
| 2 | $459 | $95 | $554 |
| 3 | $636 | $95 | $731 |
| 4 | $835 | $95 | $930 |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP emergency allotments were provided to help households cope with the economic impact of the pandemic. These emergency allotments are set to expire in June 2023.
SNAP Emergency Allotments
- The SNAP emergency allotments were a temporary increase in SNAP benefits provided to all SNAP households.
- The emergency allotments were equal to the maximum SNAP benefit amount for the household’s size.
- The emergency allotments were provided in addition to the household’s regular SNAP benefits.
Expiration of SNAP Emergency Allotments
The SNAP emergency allotments are set to expire on June 30, 2023. This means that SNAP households will see a decrease in their SNAP benefits starting in July 2023.
Impact of the Expiration of SNAP Emergency Allotments
The expiration of the SNAP emergency allotments is expected to have a significant impact on SNAP households. Many households will see a decrease in their SNAP benefits of over $100 per month. This could make it difficult for these households to afford food and other necessities.
Advocacy Efforts to Extend SNAP Emergency Allotments
There are several advocacy efforts underway to extend the SNAP emergency allotments. Some states have already taken steps to extend the emergency allotments using state funds. However, it is unclear whether the federal government will extend the emergency allotments.
Conclusion
The expiration of the SNAP emergency allotments is a major concern for SNAP households. This could make it difficult for these households to afford food and other necessities. Advocacy efforts are underway to extend the emergency allotments, but it is unclear whether these efforts will be successful.
Well folks, that’s all we have for you today on food stamps updates. Hopefully you found this helpful. If you’re wondering if you qualify for food stamps, check out our other article where we talk about just that. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay up-to-date on all the news about your EBT card. Thanks for reading, y’all! Come back real soon and don’t forget to share this info with your friends and family who you think could use it!