The recent legislation named the Consolidated Appropriations Act included a provision to provide additional emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, benefits to eligible households facing food insecurity. The USDA has confirmed that eligible households will receive these extra benefits in March 2023. The exact amount of the additional benefits may vary depending on household size and other factors, but it is expected to provide much-needed assistance to families struggling to afford food. This boost in food assistance aims to help alleviate financial burdens and ensure that families have access to nutritious food during these challenging times.
Increased SNAP Benefits 2023
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In recent years, the program has undergone several changes, including an increase in benefits. In 2023, SNAP benefits have been increased by an average of 12.5%. This means that the average SNAP benefit per person is now $281 per month, up from $250 per month in 2022.
The increase in SNAP benefits is expected to help millions of families struggling to afford food. One in six Americans receives SNAP benefits, and it’s estimated that the increase in benefits will help lift 4.2 million people out of poverty.
Who Qualifies for Increased SNAP Benefits?
- To qualify for increased SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and asset limits.
- The income limit for a household of four is $3,297 per month.
- The asset limit for a household of four is $2,500.
You can apply for SNAP benefits online or at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and identity.
How Much Will I Receive in Increased SNAP Benefits?
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive will depend on your household size and income. The following table shows the maximum SNAP benefits for different household sizes in 2023:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 person | $516 |
| 3 person | $751 |
| 4 person | $1,033 |
| 5 person | $1,315 |
| 6 person | $1,597 |
| 7 person | $1,879 |
| 8 person | $2,161 |
Emergency SNAP Allotments
Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, some states have been authorized to issue emergency supplemental SNAP benefits, also known as Emergency SNAP allotments. These extra benefits provide temporary assistance to households that are struggling to meet their food needs.
The Emergency SNAP allotments are provided in addition to the regular SNAP benefits that eligible households normally receive. The amount of the emergency allotment varies from state to state, but it is typically a fixed amount that is added to each household’s regular SNAP benefit for the month.
The Emergency SNAP allotments are issued automatically to households that are already receiving SNAP benefits. No additional application is required.
Upcoming Emergency SNAP Allotments
The following states have been approved to issue Emergency SNAP allotments in March 2023:
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
The Emergency SNAP allotments will be issued on the regular SNAP issuance date for each state.
Emergency SNAP Allotments FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Emergency SNAP allotments:
- Who is eligible for Emergency SNAP allotments?
- Households that are already receiving SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for Emergency SNAP allotments.
- How much will I receive in Emergency SNAP allotments?
- The amount of the emergency allotment varies from state to state, but it is typically a fixed amount that is added to each household’s regular SNAP benefit for the month.
- When will I receive my Emergency SNAP allotments?
- The Emergency SNAP allotments will be issued on the regular SNAP issuance date for each state.
- Do I need to apply for Emergency SNAP allotments?
- No, Emergency SNAP allotments are issued automatically to households that are already receiving SNAP benefits. No additional application is required.
Table of Emergency SNAP Allotments
The following table summarizes the Emergency SNAP allotments that have been approved for each state:
| State | Emergency SNAP Allotment | Issuance Date |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $234 | March 10, 2023 |
| Delaware | $254 | March 17, 2023 |
| Idaho | $130 | March 10, 2023 |
| Indiana | $221 | March 15, 2023 |
| Iowa | $164 | March 10, 2023 |
| Kansas | $204 | March 10, 2023 |
| Kentucky | $119 | March 10, 2023 |
| Maine | $184 | March 10, 2023 |
| Michigan | $234 | March 10, 2023 |
| Mississippi | $204 | March 10, 2023 |
| Missouri | $253 | March 10, 2023 |
| Montana | $154 | March 10, 2023 |
| Nebraska | $224 | March 10, 2023 |
| Nevada | $223 | March 10, 2023 |
| New Hampshire | $184 | March 10, 2023 |
| New Mexico | $200 | March 10, 2023 |
| North Carolina | $288 | March 10, 2023 |
| North Dakota | $142 | March 10, 2023 |
| Ohio | $260 | March 10, 2023 |
| Oklahoma | $219 | March 10, 2023 |
| Oregon | $190 | March 10, 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | $220 | March 10, 2023 |
| Rhode Island | $194 | March 10, 2023 |
| South Carolina | $186 | March 10, 2023 |
| South Dakota | $130 | March 10, 2023 |
| Tennessee | $268 | March 10, 2023 |
| Utah | $180 | March 10, 2023 |
| Vermont | $184 | March 10, 2023 |
| Washington | $209 | March 10, 2023 |
| West Virginia | $243 | March 10, 2023 |
| Wisconsin | $257 | March 10, 2023 |
| Wyoming | $148 | March 10, 2023 |
P-EBT Supplemental Food Stamps
The P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) program was created to ensure children who normally receive free or reduced-price school meals continue to have access to nutritious food during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools are closed.
Benefits
- The P-EBT program provides a one-time benefit of $391 per eligible child.
- The benefit can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Eligibility
Children are eligible for P-EBT if they meet the following criteria:
- They must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
- They must have attended school in a district that is participating in the P-EBT program.
- They must have missed at least 10 days of school due to COVID-19.
How to Apply
- Parents/guardians can apply for P-EBT by contacting their child’s school or local social services agency.
- Families will need to provide proof of their child’s eligibility, such as a school ID or report card.
Timeline
The P-EBT program is expected to run through the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Additional Resources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: P-EBT State Contacts
| State | P-EBT Contact |
|---|---|
| Alabama | (866) 231-3342 |
| Alaska | (907) 465-8284 |
| Arizona | (602) 542-2010 |
Is There Going to Be Extra Food Stamps This Month?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a federal nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. The amount of food stamps a household receives each month is based on their income, household size, and certain expenses. Additionally, some states may provide extra food stamps to residents during certain times of the year or under specific circumstances.
State-Level Food Stamp Programs
Some states have their own food stamp programs that provide additional benefits to residents. These programs may offer extra food stamps, cash assistance, or other benefits to eligible households.
- California: CalFresh, California’s food stamp program, provides additional benefits to low-income pregnant women, children, and seniors.
- Illinois: Illinois Link, Illinois’ food stamp program, offers extra food stamps to households with children under age 18 and to households with elderly or disabled members.
- Massachusetts: SNAP, Massachusetts’ food stamp program, provides additional benefits to households with children under age 18 and to households with elderly or disabled members.
- New York: The Food Stamp Program, New York’s food stamp program, offers extra food stamps to households with children under age 18 and to households with elderly or disabled members.
- Texas: SNAP, Texas’ food stamp program, offers extra food stamps to households with children under age 18 and to households with elderly or disabled members.
To find out if your state has a food stamp program, you can contact your local Department of Social Services or visit the USDA’s website.
How to Apply for Extra Food Stamps
To apply for extra food stamps, you must meet the eligibility requirements for SNAP. You can apply for SNAP online, by phone, or in person at your local Department of Social Services. You will need to provide proof of your income, household size, and certain expenses.
When Will I Receive My Extra Food Stamps?
If you are approved for extra food stamps, you will receive them on the same day as your regular SNAP benefits. Your extra food stamps will be loaded onto your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which you can use to buy food at authorized retailers.
| State | Program | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| California | CalFresh | Additional benefits for pregnant women, children, and seniors |
| Illinois | Illinois Link | Extra food stamps for households with children under age 18 and households with elderly or disabled members |
| Massachusetts | SNAP | Additional benefits for households with children under age 18 and households with elderly or disabled members |
| New York | The Food Stamp Program | Extra food stamps for households with children under age 18 and households with elderly or disabled members |
| Texas | SNAP | Extra food stamps for households with children under age 18 and households with elderly or disabled members |
Alright, that’s all the info we got on this topic for now. Thanks for reading, folks! We hope this article has been helpful in answering your questions about whether there will be extra food stamps this month. The situation is still developing, so be sure to check back later and we’ll keep you updated with the latest information. In the meantime, if you have any other questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local food stamp office. Take care and see you next time!