The duration of extra food stamps, also known as emergency allotments, depends on several factors. The federal government has extended the extra benefits several times since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s uncertain if they will continue beyond September 2023. The decision to extend or terminate the emergency allotments lies with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The USDA considers various factors, including the economic impact of the pandemic, the availability of other forms of assistance, and the overall state of the economy. If the emergency allotments are discontinued, the amount of food stamps individuals receive will revert to the pre-pandemic levels determined by their income and household size.
Varying Expiration Dates
The expiration date for the extra SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, also known as emergency allotments, varies depending on the state. Some states have already stopped issuing the extra benefits, while others will continue to do so through June, July, or even August 2023. The following table provides a state-by-state breakdown of the expiration dates for the extra SNAP benefits:
| State | Expiration Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | March 2023 |
| Alaska | June 2023 |
| Arizona | June 2023 |
| Arkansas | March 2023 |
| California | March 2023 |
| Colorado | August 2023 |
| Connecticut | June 2023 |
| Delaware | June 2023 |
| District of Columbia | June 2023 |
| Florida | February 2023 |
| Georgia | March 2023 |
| Hawaii | June 2023 |
| Idaho | June 2023 |
| Illinois | March 2023 |
| Indiana | March 2023 |
| Iowa | June 2023 |
| Kansas | March 2023 |
| Kentucky | March 2023 |
| Louisiana | March 2023 |
| Maine | June 2023 |
| Maryland | June 2023 |
| Massachusetts | June 2023 |
| Michigan | March 2023 |
| Minnesota | June 2023 |
| Mississippi | March 2023 |
| Missouri | June 2023 |
| Montana | June 2023 |
| Nebraska | June 2023 |
| Nevada | June 2023 |
| New Hampshire | June 2023 |
| New Jersey | June 2023 |
| New Mexico | June 2023 |
| New York | June 2023 |
| North Carolina | June 2023 |
| North Dakota | June 2023 |
| Ohio | June 2023 |
| Oklahoma | March 2023 |
| Oregon | June 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | June 2023 |
| Rhode Island | June 2023 |
| South Carolina | March 2023 |
| South Dakota | June 2023 |
| Tennessee | March 2023 |
| Texas | March 2023 |
| Utah | June 2023 |
| Vermont | June 2023 |
| Virginia | June 2023 |
| Washington | June 2023 |
| West Virginia | March 2023 |
| Wisconsin | June 2023 |
| Wyoming | June 2023 |
To find out the exact date when the extra SNAP benefits will end in your state, you can contact your local SNAP office or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
The Temporary Boost to SNAP Benefits Will End
The federal government provided a temporary increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic to help families afford food. However, this extra assistance will end soon.
Details of the Increased Benefits
- Congress authorized the extra SNAP benefits in March 2020 as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
- The extra benefits were intended to help families cope with the economic fallout from the pandemic, which led to job losses and other financial hardships.
- The extra benefits amounted to an additional $95 per month for a family of four.
When the Extra Benefits Will End
The extra SNAP benefits will end on September 30, 2023. This means that SNAP recipients will see their benefits decrease by $95 per month starting in October 2023.
How to Prepare for the End of the Extra Benefits
Families who have been receiving the extra SNAP benefits should start planning now for how they will make ends meet when the benefits end. Here are a few tips:
- Review your budget: Take a close look at your budget and see where you can cut back on spending.
- Look for ways to increase your income: If possible, try to find ways to increase your income, such as getting a part-time job or starting a side hustle.
- Stock up on food: Start stocking up on non-perishable food items now so that you have a supply on hand when the extra SNAP benefits end.
- Apply for other programs: There are other programs available that can help families afford food, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
Conclusion
The end of the extra SNAP benefits will be a difficult time for many families. However, by planning ahead, families can make ends meet and continue to put food on the table.
Expected Dates for Ending Extra Benefits
The extra food stamp benefits provided during the COVID-19 pandemic are scheduled to end soon as the pandemic-related emergency declarations come to an end in each state. The exact date of the end of extra benefits will vary by state, but it is expected to be around March 2023 for most states. See the table below for more specific dates.
Extra Food Stamp Benefits Ending Dates by State
| State | End Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | February 28, 2023 |
| Arizona | March 15, 2023 |
| Arkansas | March 31, 2023 |
| California | March 10, 2023 |
| Colorado | February 28, 2023 |
| Connecticut | March 31, 2023 |
| Delaware | March 31, 2023 |
| District of Columbia | March 31, 2023 |
| Florida | March 31, 2023 |
| Georgia | March 31, 2023 |
| Hawaii | March 31, 2023 |
| Idaho | March 31, 2023 |
| Illinois | March 10, 2023 |
| Indiana | March 31, 2023 |
| Iowa | March 31, 2023 |
| Kansas | March 31, 2023 |
| Kentucky | March 31, 2023 |
| Louisiana | March 31, 2023 |
| Maine | March 31, 2023 |
| Maryland | March 31, 2023 |
| Massachusetts | March 31, 2023 |
| Michigan | February 28, 2023 |
| Minnesota | March 31, 2023 |
| Mississippi | March 31, 2023 |
| Missouri | March 31, 2023 |
| Montana | March 31, 2023 |
| Nebraska | March 31, 2023 |
| Nevada | March 31, 2023 |
| New Hampshire | March 31, 2023 |
| New Jersey | March 31, 2023 |
| New Mexico | March 31, 2023 |
| New York | March 31, 2023 |
| North Carolina | March 31, 2023 |
| North Dakota | March 31, 2023 |
| Ohio | March 31, 2023 |
| Oklahoma | March 31, 2023 |
| Oregon | March 31, 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | March 31, 2023 |
| Rhode Island | March 31, 2023 |
| South Carolina | March 31, 2023 |
| South Dakota | March 31, 2023 |
| Tennessee | March 31, 2023 |
| Texas | March 31, 2023 |
| Utah | March 31, 2023 |
| Vermont | March 31, 2023 |
| Virginia | March 31, 2023 |
| Washington | March 31, 2023 |
| West Virginia | March 31, 2023 |
| Wisconsin | March 31, 2023 |
| Wyoming | March 31, 2023 |
It is important to note that these dates are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific circumstances in each state. For the most up-to-date information, please check with your local food stamp office or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Permanent Changes to Food Stamp Program
In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government temporarily increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) benefits. These increases began in April 2020 and were initially set to expire in September 2021. However, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 made permanent several key changes to the SNAP program:
- Emergency Allotments: The emergency allotment increase of $36 per month per person was made permanent. This means that all SNAP households will receive this additional amount each month, regardless of their income or household size.
- Thrifty Food Plan: The Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to calculate SNAP benefits, was updated to reflect the cost of nutritious food. This change will result in higher benefit amounts for all SNAP households.
- Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility: The income and asset limits for SNAP eligibility were expanded. This means that more people will be eligible for SNAP benefits.
- Student Eligibility: Students who meet certain criteria will be eligible for SNAP benefits. This includes students who are enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, students who are eligible for work-study, and students who are receiving Pell Grants.
- Online Purchasing: SNAP recipients will be able to use their benefits to purchase food online from authorized retailers. This option was previously only available in a few states, but it will now be available nationwide.
These changes will significantly impact the SNAP program, making it more accessible and providing more benefits to millions of Americans. The changes will go into effect on October 1, 2023.
The following table summarizes the key changes to the SNAP program:
| Change | Summary |
|---|---|
| Emergency Allotments | Permanent increase of $36 per month per person |
| Thrifty Food Plan | Updated to reflect the cost of nutritious food |
| Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility | Expanded income and asset limits |
| Student Eligibility | Students who meet certain criteria will be eligible |
| Online Purchasing | SNAP recipients can use benefits to purchase food online from authorized retailers |
Alright everyone, that’s all the intel I got for you about the emergency food stamps. Hopefully, you can use that extra cash to make some bomb meals or stock up on some snacks. Thanks for stopping by and reading through. I’m always on the lookout for the latest news and info on stuff like this, so don’t forget to swing by again real soon. Until next time, stay informed and keep on being awesome!