The federal government has extended the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, known as food stamps) emergency allotments through July 2023. This means that households receiving SNAP benefits will continue to get the maximum amount of benefits each month, regardless of their income. The emergency allotments were first put in place in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been extended several times since then. The Biden administration has been working to extend the allotments in order to provide relief to families struggling with rising food costs.
SNAP Emergency Allotments: A Brief History
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provided emergency allotments to help people afford food. These extra benefits were temporary and ended in June 2023. As a result, SNAP recipients will receive their regular benefit amount in July 2023 and beyond.
The following table provides a timeline of SNAP emergency allotments during the pandemic:
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| March 2020 | The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was passed, providing funding for SNAP emergency allotments. |
| April 2020 | SNAP emergency allotments began to be distributed to recipients. |
| June 2020 | The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was passed, extending SNAP emergency allotments through September 2023. |
| September 2023 | SNAP emergency allotments ended. |
What Does This Mean for SNAP Recipients?
- SNAP recipients will receive their regular benefit amount in July 2023 and beyond.
- The extra food stamps that were provided during the pandemic will no longer be available.
- SNAP recipients who need help affording food can contact their local SNAP office or visit the USDA website.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
- To apply for SNAP benefits, you can:
- Visit your local SNAP office.
- Call the SNAP hotline at 1-800-221-5689.
- Apply online at the USDA website.
Eligibility for SNAP Benefits
- To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and asset requirements.
- The SNAP income limits are based on your household size and income.
- The SNAP asset limits are based on your household size and assets.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on SNAP Benefit
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted various aspects of life, including access to food and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In response to the pandemic, the US government increased SNAP benefits to provide additional support to individuals and families facing financial challenges.
Increased SNAP Benefits During the Pandemic
- Emergency Allotments: To address the increased need for food assistance during the pandemic, the government provided emergency allotments, also known as supplemental benefits, to SNAP recipients.
- Maximum Benefit Levels: The maximum SNAP benefit amounts were temporarily increased to provide more comprehensive support to households.
Expiration of Increased Benefits
The increased SNAP benefits were initially authorized through emergency measures and were subject to expiration. In June 2023, the emergency allotments and the maximum benefit levels returned to their pre-pandemic levels, resulting in a decrease in SNAP benefits for recipients.
Current SNAP Benefits
The current SNAP benefits are determined based on household size, income, and other eligibility criteria. Households that qualify for SNAP may receive monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers.
Additional Resources
Individuals and families who may be experiencing food insecurity or financial challenges can explore the following resources:
- Local Food Banks and Pantries: Many communities have food banks and pantries that provide food assistance to those in need.
- Government Assistance Programs: Government programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offer nutritional support to specific population groups.
- Community Organizations: Local organizations and charities may provide food assistance, financial aid, or other support services to individuals in need.
| Month | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| January 2023 – May 2023 | Increased benefits with emergency allotments |
| June 2023 – Present | Regular SNAP benefits without emergency allotments |
Temporary Changes to SNAP Benefits During July
Many families have been receiving extra funds on their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards as part of emergency allotments in response to the economic fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While this additional support has been a lifeline for many households, there have been changes to the program recently.
In this article, we recap the recent changes to SNAP benefits and provide information about whether extra funds will continue to be available in July. We also offer tips on how to make the most of your SNAP benefits and stretch your food budget.
SNAP Benefits Changes in June 2023
- For most states, the emergency SNAP allotments that were in place during the pandemic ended in June 2023. This means that SNAP recipients will return to receiving their regular benefit amount.
- However, some states have opted to extend the emergency allotments through July 2023.
- The states that have extended the emergency allotments include:
| State | Extended Emergency Allotments |
|---|---|
| Arizona | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes |
| Idaho | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes |
If you live in one of these states, you may continue to receive the extra SNAP benefits through July. However, it’s important to check with your local SNAP office to confirm the exact amount of benefits you’ll receive.
Additional Resources
- To find out more about SNAP benefits in your state, you can visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
- You can also call the SNAP hotline at 1-800-221-5689.
Eligibility Criteria for Extended Temporary Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
The Emergency Allotments (EA) of SNAP have been extended through June 2023. This means that most SNAP households will continue to receive the maximum amount of food stamp benefits for their household size.
To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet the income and asset limits.
- Be unemployed or underemployed.
- Be a student or meet other eligibility criteria.
For more information on SNAP eligibility, please visit the SNAP website.
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive depends on your household size and income. The following table shows the maximum amount of SNAP benefits you can receive each month:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,169 |
| 6 | $1,398 |
| 7 | $1,628 |
| 8 | $1,859 |
To apply for SNAP, you can either apply online or in person at your local SNAP office. You can find more information on how to apply for SNAP on the SNAP website.
Well, there you have it, folks! Thanks for sticking with me through this journey of food stamp updates. I know it can be a lot to take in, but I hope I’ve shed some light on the situation. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment below. In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates, and I’ll catch you next time. Keep your eyes peeled; you never know when there might be more food stamp news coming down the pipeline. Until then, take care, and remember, you’re not alone in this.