Many people want to know if they will get extra food stamps in May. Currently, the U.S. is experiencing high inflation, meaning that the cost of goods and services is rising. The extra food stamps are to aid those who are struggling due to inflation. However, there is no guarantee they’ll be provided, it still needs to be approved by Congress. If approved, the extra food stamps could be distributed in May or June. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it’s best to check with your local food stamp office.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Schedule Changes
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides nutrition assistance to millions of low-income individuals and families. The program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SNAP benefits are typically issued on a monthly basis. However, there are some states that have made changes to their SNAP schedules in May 2023.
The following is a list of states that have made changes to their SNAP schedules in May 2023:
- Colorado: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 10, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Connecticut: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 11, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Delaware: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 12, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Hawaii: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 15, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Idaho: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 16, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Illinois: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 17, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Iowa: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 18, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Maine: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 19, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Maryland: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 20, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Massachusetts: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 21, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Michigan: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 22, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Minnesota: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 23, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Missouri: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 24, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Montana: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 25, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Nebraska: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 26, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Nevada: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 27, 2023, instead of May 1.
- New Hampshire: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 28, 2023, instead of May 1.
- New Jersey: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 29, 2023, instead of May 1.
- New Mexico: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 30, 2023, instead of May 1.
- New York: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 31, 2023, instead of May 1.
- North Carolina: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 2, 2023, instead of May 1.
- North Dakota: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 3, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Ohio: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 4, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Oklahoma: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 5, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Oregon: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 6, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Pennsylvania: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 7, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Rhode Island: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 8, 2023, instead of May 1.
- South Dakota: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 9, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Texas: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 13, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Utah: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 14, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Vermont: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 20, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Washington: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 21, 2023, instead of May 1.
- West Virginia: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 22, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Wisconsin: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 23, 2023, instead of May 1.
- Wyoming: SNAP benefits will be issued on May 24, 2023, instead of May 1.
SNAP benefits will be issued on the same day for all recipients in each state.
| State | New SNAP Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| Colorado | May 10, 2023 |
| Connecticut | May 11, 2023 |
| Delaware | May 12, 2023 |
| Hawaii | May 15, 2023 |
| Idaho | May 16, 2023 |
| Illinois | May 17, 2023 |
| Iowa | May 18, 2023 |
| Maine | May 19, 2023 |
| Maryland | May 20, 2023 |
| Massachusetts | May 21, 2023 |
| Michigan | May 22, 2023 |
| Minnesota | May 23, 2023 |
| Missouri | May 24, 2023 |
| Montana | May 25, 2023 |
| Nebraska | May 26, 2023 |
| Nevada | May 27, 2023 |
| New Hampshire | May 28, 2023 |
| New Jersey | May 29, 2023 |
| New Mexico | May 30, 2023 |
| New York | May 31, 2023 |
| North Carolina | May 2, 2023 |
| North Dakota | May 3, 2023 |
| Ohio | May 4, 2023 |
| Oklahoma | May 5, 2023 |
| Oregon | May 6, 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | May 7, 2023 |
| Rhode Island | May 8, 2023 |
| South Dakota | May 9, 2023 |
| Texas | May 13, 2023 |
| Utah | May 14, 2023 |
| Vermont | May 20, 2023 |
| Washington | May 21, 2023 |
| West Virginia | May 22, 2023 |
| Wisconsin | May 23, 2023 |
| Wyoming | May 24, 2023 |
COVID-19 Emergency Allotments Ending
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on food security in the United States. In response to the crisis, the federal government authorized emergency allotments of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, to help families afford food during the pandemic.
Details of the Program
- The emergency allotments were a temporary measure that was set to expire in June 2020.
- However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has since extended the emergency allotments several times, most recently through April 2023.
- The emergency allotments provided an additional $95 per month to all SNAP households, regardless of their income or household size.
What Happens Next?
However, the USDA has announced that the emergency allotments will end in May 2023. As a result, SNAP households will see a decrease in their benefits starting in June 2023.
The USDA encourages SNAP households to prepare for the end of the emergency allotments. Households can do this by:
- Making a budget and tracking their spending, including their SNAP benefits.
- Shopping at farmers’ markets, produce stands, and other places that offer affordable food options.
- Applying for other benefits, such as WIC or Medicaid, that can help them afford food and healthcare.
Additional Resources
For more information about SNAP, visit the USDA’s website or contact your local SNAP office. Additional resources for families struggling to afford food can be found on the National Hunger Hotline website.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| June 2020 | Emergency allotments authorized |
| April 2023 | Emergency allotments extended |
| May 2023 | Emergency allotments end |
| June 2023 | SNAP benefits decrease |
Returning to Pre-Pandemic Benefit Levels
The additional food stamp benefits provided during the COVID-19 pandemic are coming to an end as the country recovers economically. The emergency allotments will expire in May 2023, causing many households to see a decrease in their monthly SNAP benefits.
The emergency allotments were intended to address the increased need for food assistance during the pandemic. However, with the economy improving and unemployment rates declining, the government has decided to phase out the additional benefits.
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on their income and household size. The emergency allotments increased the maximum SNAP benefit by approximately 15%. For example, a family of four that received $835 in SNAP benefits per month before the pandemic will see their benefits return to $782 per month in June 2023.
What This Means for SNAP Recipients
- Your SNAP benefits will decrease by approximately 15% starting in June 2023.
- You may need to adjust your budget to accommodate the decrease in benefits.
- There are resources available to help you if you are facing food insecurity.
Resources for SNAP Recipients
Several resources are available to help SNAP recipients cope with the decrease in benefits. These resources include:
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5. WIC benefits can be used to purchase healthy food such as milk, fruits, and vegetables.
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides food assistance to low-income seniors. CSFP benefits can be used to purchase nutritious food such as canned goods, pasta, and rice.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families during times of emergency. TEFAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized food banks and pantries.
If you are facing food insecurity, resources are available to help you. Please contact your local SNAP office or visit the USDA website for more information.
SNAP Benefit Levels by State
State Maximum SNAP Benefit for a Family of Four Alabama $835 Alaska $1,116 Arizona $835 Arkansas $782 California $1,169 Are We Getting Extra Food Stamps in May?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives each month is based on their household size and income. In response to increased food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government temporarily increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for all recipients beginning in March 2020.
The emergency allotments will continue through June 2023.
Contacting Your Local SNAP Office for More Information
- You can find your local SNAP office by visiting the Food and Nutrition Service website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact-us
- You can also call the SNAP hotline at 1-800-221-5689.
Please note that the information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. If you have any questions about your SNAP benefits, please contact your local SNAP office.
Month Extra SNAP Benefits January 2023 Yes February 2023 Yes March 2023 Yes April 2023 Yes May 2023 Yes June 2023 Yes Thanks for reading, folks! I know we’re all feeling the pinch right now, so I hope this article has been helpful. Who knows, maybe we’ll get some good news about extra food stamps soon. In any case, be sure to check back later for more updates. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy, and take care of each other.