Some states have announced increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for August 2023. This means extra food stamps will be provided to eligible recipients. The amount of the increase varies by state and depends on the household’s circumstances, including income and family size. SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income people buy food. The program is administered by states, which set their own eligibility criteria and benefit levels.
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT)
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) is a federal program that provides temporary food benefits to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Why was P-EBT Created?
- Who is Eligible for P-EBT?
- How Much Money Do Families Receive Through P-EBT?
- How Can Families Apply for P-EBT?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused widespread school closures, P-EBT was created to help families who were struggling to afford food due to the loss of school meals.
Children who are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program may be eligible for P-EBT benefits.
Eligibility for P-EBT is also based on household income and SNAP participation.
The amount of P-EBT benefits a family receives depends on the number of children in the household and the state in which they live.
Families do not need to apply for P-EBT. Eligible families will be automatically enrolled in the program and will receive benefits on an EBT card.
For more information about P-EBT, please visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P-EBT a permanent program?
- Will P-EBT benefits continue in the summer?
- What can P-EBT benefits be used for?
No, P-EBT is a temporary program that was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In some states, P-EBT benefits will continue to be available during the summer months. Families should check with their state’s P-EBT program for more information.
P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at approved retailers.
P-EBT Benefits by State
| State | Benefit Amount | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| California | $365 per child | Children who are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and whose household income is at or below 130% of the poverty level |
| New York | $325 per child | Children who are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and whose household income is at or below 135% of the poverty level |
| Texas | $281 per child | Children who are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and whose household income is at or below 130% of the poverty level |
Increased SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and families. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on its income and household size. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has increased SNAP benefits for all recipients. This increase will remain in effect through September 2023 or until the public health emergency is declared over, whichever comes first.
SNAP Benefit Increase
The average SNAP benefit per person has increased by $36 per month, from $250 to $286. This means that a family of four will receive an average of $144 more in SNAP benefits each month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of one person is now $250 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of two people is now $459 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of three people is now $658 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of four people is now $835 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of five people is now $1,012 per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of six people is now $1,202 per month.
Households that are already receiving SNAP benefits will see the increase in their benefits automatically. Households that are not currently receiving SNAP benefits may be eligible to apply. To apply for SNAP benefits, contact your local SNAP office or visit the SNAP website.
Table: SNAP Benefit Amounts
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $1,012 |
| 6 | $1,202 |
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
WIC benefits include:
- Vouchers for healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to other health and social services
WIC Eligibility
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman
- Have an infant or child under age 5
- Meet income guidelines
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
How to Apply for WIC
To apply for WIC, you can contact your local WIC clinic. You can find a WIC clinic near you by visiting the WIC website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-state-agencies
WIC Benefits During COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, WIC has made some changes to its program to help families get the food and support they need. These changes include:
- Increased flexibility in how WIC benefits can be used
- Expanded access to telehealth services
- Home delivery of WIC foods
Frequently Asked Questions about WIC
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is WIC? | WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. |
| Who is eligible for WIC? | To be eligible for WIC, you must be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman, have an infant or child under age 5, meet income guidelines, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. |
| How do I apply for WIC? | You can apply for WIC by contacting your local WIC clinic. You can find a WIC clinic near you by visiting the WIC website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-state-agencies |
| What benefits does WIC provide? | WIC benefits include vouchers for healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services. |
| How has WIC changed during the COVID-19 pandemic? | During the COVID-19 pandemic, WIC has made some changes to its program to help families get the food and support they need. These changes include increased flexibility in how WIC benefits can be used, expanded access to telehealth services, and home delivery of WIC foods. |
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides emergency food assistance to low-income households. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is available to all states, territories, and the District of Columbia. TEFAP provides food to eligible households through a variety of channels, including food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens.
TEFAP is a temporary program that is intended to provide short-term food assistance to households that are experiencing an emergency situation. The program is not intended to be a long-term solution to food insecurity.
Eligibility
To be eligible for TEFAP, a household must meet the following criteria:
- The household must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
- The household must be experiencing an emergency situation, such as a job loss, a natural disaster, or a medical emergency.
- The household must not be receiving food assistance from another federal program, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Benefits
TEFAP provides eligible households with a variety of food items, including:
- Canned goods
- Dry goods
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy products
Monthly Benefit Amounts
TEFAP benefits are not provided in the form of cash. Instead, eligible households receive food items directly from TEFAP distributors.
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $36 |
| 2 people | $64 |
| 3 people | $92 |
| 4 people | $120 |
| 5 people | $148 |
| 6 people | $176 |
| 7 people | $204 |
| 8 people | $232 |
Households with more than 8 people may receive an additional $28 per person per month.
How to Apply
To apply for TEFAP, you must contact your local TEFAP distributor. You can find a list of TEFAP distributors in your area by visiting the USDA’s website.
Additional Information
For more information about TEFAP, you can visit the USDA’s website or contact your local TEFAP distributor.
Well, friends, that’s all she wrote for this food stamp update. The information I’ve shared here is based on the latest official announcements, but things can change, so always keep an eye on your state’s official food assistance website or contact your local office for the most up-to-date info. Remember, it’s your right to access these benefits if you qualify, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Your well-being matters. Thanks for taking the time to read, and I hope you’ll come back soon for more helpful and informative content. Until next time, keep your spirits high and your bellies full!