Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some states are providing extra food stamps to help families in need. The emergency allotments were scheduled to end in June 2023, but have been extended through the end of March 2024. The amount of extra benefits varies by state, but the average increase is about $95 per person, per month. To find out if your state is providing extra food stamps, you can check with your local food stamp office or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website. You can also apply for food stamps online or by calling your local food stamp office.
December Food Stamps Schedule
The December Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits schedule varies by state and county. Check with your local SNAP office or visit the USDA website for more information.
Avoid using the phrase ‘Is There Extra Food Stamps This Month’
There is no such thing as “extra food stamps” in December. The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month is based on your household size, income, and other factors. The December SNAP schedule is the same as any other month.
- Check with Your Local SNAP Office
- Visit the USDA Website
| State | December SNAP Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | December 19-21, 2023 |
| Alaska | December 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2023 |
| Arizona | December 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2023 |
Eligibility for Extra Food Stamps
To be eligible for extra food stamps, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Being a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
- Meeting income and asset limits
- Living in a household with a child under age 18, a pregnant woman, a person age 60 or older, or a person with a disability
Documents Required
When you apply for extra food stamps, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or Social Security card
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns
- Proof of assets, such as bank statements or investment records
- Proof of household size and composition, such as birth certificates or school records
Additional Information
In addition to the eligibility requirements and documents listed above, there are a few other things you should know about extra food stamps:
- Extra food stamps are issued on a monthly basis.
- The amount of extra food stamps you receive will depend on your household size and income.
- You can use extra food stamps to buy food at authorized retailers.
| Month | Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 10 |
| February | February 10 |
| March | March 10 |
| April | April 10 |
| May | May 10 |
| June | June 10 |
| July | July 10 |
| August | August 10 |
| September | September 10 |
| October | October 10 |
| November | November 10 |
| December | December 10 |
Additional Assistance Programs
Besides the regular monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, there are several additional assistance programs available to eligible individuals and families.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF provides temporary cash assistance to families with children who meet certain income and eligibility criteria. The amount of assistance varies by state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI provides monthly cash benefits to individuals with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and resources. The amount of assistance varies by individual circumstances.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): WIC provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under the age of 5 who meet certain income and eligibility criteria. WIC benefits include vouchers for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, and other nutritious foods.
- School Breakfast and Lunch Program: The School Breakfast and Lunch Program provides free or reduced-price meals to children attending public and private schools. The program is available to all children, regardless of family income.
- Summer Food Service Program: The Summer Food Service Program provides free or reduced-price meals to children during the summer months when school is not in session. The program is available in low-income areas and to children who meet certain eligibility criteria.
These are just a few of the additional assistance programs available to those in need. For more information on these and other programs, please visit the Benefits.gov website.
| Program | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | Families with children who meet certain income and eligibility criteria | Temporary cash assistance |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Individuals with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and resources | Monthly cash benefits |
| WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) | Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under the age of 5 who meet certain income and eligibility criteria | Vouchers for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, and other nutritious foods |
| School Breakfast and Lunch Program | Children attending public and private schools | Free or reduced-price meals |
| Summer Food Service Program | Children in low-income areas and children who meet certain eligibility criteria | Free or reduced-price meals during the summer months when school is not in session |
Frequently Asked Questions about Extra Food Stamps
Are there extra food stamps this month?
The amount of food stamps you receive each month is based on your income and household size. There is no additional money added to your account this month.
- How can I check my food stamp balance?
- Online
- By phone
- Through your EBT card
- What can I buy with food stamps?
- Food
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Where can I use food stamps?
- Grocery stores
- Farmers markets
- Some restaurants
- Can I use my food stamps to buy alcohol or tobacco?
- No
- How long do food stamps last?
- One month
- What happens if I lose my EBT card?
- Contact your local food stamp office
| State | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|
| California | (877) 328-9677 | https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ |
| Texas | (877) 541-7905 | https://www.hhs.texas.gov/ |
| New York | (888) 333-4636 | https://www.otda.ny.gov/ |
Hey there, friends! Thanks for stopping by and reading all about the extra food stamps situation. I hope you found the information helpful. I know it can be tough to keep up with all the changes, but I’m here to help. Be sure to check back later for more updates, and in the meantime, take care and keep those tummies full!