Households depending on food stamps could receive extra benefits in the upcoming months. An emergency spending bill to deal with natural disasters and other crises contains a provision allowing states to provide additional food stamp benefits in certain scenarios. States can request permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue emergency allotments to recipients if there is a natural disaster or other emergency.
Additional SNAP Benefits Due to Covid-19 Pandemic
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and families in the United States. In response to the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government authorized additional SNAP benefits for eligible households.
- Increased Benefit Amounts: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, passed in March 2020, increased the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for all households by 15%. This increase was extended several times and made permanent under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
- Emergency Allotments: In addition to the increased benefit amounts, the federal government also authorized emergency SNAP allotments for eligible households. These allotments were initially provided monthly, and later transitioned to a quarterly schedule. The emergency allotments are set to expire in September 2023.
| Household Size | Benefit Amount Before Pandemic | Benefit Amount with Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250 | $287 |
| 2 | $408 | $470 |
| 3 | $550 | $633 |
| 4 | $680 | $779 |
| 5 | $782 | $900 |
| 6 | $934 | $1,070 |
| 7 | $1,080 | $1,240 |
| 8 | $1,227 | $1,413 |
To determine eligibility for SNAP benefits, households must meet certain income and asset limits. The income limit is based on the federal poverty guidelines, and the asset limit is $2,500 for individuals and $4,250 for households with more than one person.
Households that are eligible for SNAP benefits can apply online, by mail, or in person at their local SNAP office. The application process usually takes about 30 days, but it can take longer in some cases.
When Can You Expect Additional Food Stamps?
The Emergency Allotments (EAs) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were a temporary increase in SNAP benefits that were given to beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EAs were discontinued in February 2023, and there are no plans to reinstitute them at this time. However, there are other ways that SNAP benefits can be increased, such as through the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or by applying for additional benefits.
How Did The Emergency Allotments Work?
The EAs provided an additional $95 per person, per month, in SNAP benefits. This was in addition to the regular SNAP benefit amount that the household was already receiving. The EAs were paid out on a monthly basis, along with the regular SNAP benefits.
When Did The Emergency Allotments End?
The EAs ended on February 28, 2023. This was due to the expiration of the federal public health emergency declaration, which had authorized the EAs.
What Happens Now That The Emergency Allotments Have Ended?
Now that the EAs have ended, SNAP benefits will return to their regular amount. This means that households will receive the same amount of SNAP benefits that they were receiving before the EAs were implemented.
Are There Any Other Ways To Increase SNAP Benefits?
Yes, there are a few other ways that SNAP benefits can be increased. These include:
- The Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): SNAP benefits are adjusted each year based on the COLA. The COLA is a measure of how much the cost of living has increased over the past year. The COLA is usually announced in October, and the new SNAP benefit amounts go into effect on January 1 of the following year.
- Applying for Additional Benefits: Households can also apply for additional SNAP benefits if they have certain expenses, such as child care or medical expenses. To apply for additional benefits, households must contact their local SNAP office.
Is There Anything Else That I Should Know About SNAP Benefits?
Here are a few other things that you should know about SNAP benefits:
- SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or other non-food items.
- SNAP benefits are a form of government assistance, and they are not taxable.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $782 |
| 4 | $1,046 |
| 5 | $1,310 |
| 6 | $1,574 |
| 7 | $1,838 |
| 8 | $2,092 |
Eligibility
To be eligible, children must meet all the following conditions:
- Be under age 19.
- Qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
- Be enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program.
- Have attended school virtually or in person during the pandemic.
Benefits
The amount of benefits a child receives depends on the amount of days they were enrolled in school and whether they attended virtually or in person during the pandemic. The maximum benefit amount per child is $120.
Application
You do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits. If your child is eligible, you will automatically receive a P-EBT card in the mail. You can use the P-EBT card to buy food at authorized retailers.
Timeline
The P-EBT program is currently scheduled to end on September 30, 2023. However, the program may be extended if the pandemic continues.
Additional Resources
P-EBT Benefit Amounts by State
| State | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $120 |
| Alaska | $220 |
| Arizona | $120 |
| Arkansas | $120 |
| California | $120 |
Can I Get Additional Food Stamps?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides the following:
- Healthy food
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to other health care services
WIC benefits are not the same as food stamps. Food stamps are a federal program that provides monthly benefits to low-income individuals and families to help them buy food. WIC benefits are not cash benefits, so they cannot be used to buy food at any store. WIC benefits can only be used to buy specific foods that are high in nutrients that pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children need to stay healthy.
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding
- Have a child under the age of 5
- Meet income guidelines
To apply for WIC, you can contact your local WIC office. You can also apply online at the USDA website.
Income Guidelines
To be eligible for WIC, your household income must be at or below the following guidelines:
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $20,317 |
| 2 | $27,338 |
| 3 | $34,359 |
| 4 | $41,380 |
| Each additional person | $7,021 |
If your household income is above the guidelines, you may still be eligible for WIC if you have a medical condition that makes you at nutritional risk.
Thanks for hanging in there with me, folks! I know this article about extra food stamps was a bit of a doozy, what with all the dates and eligibility requirements flying around. But I hope it was helpful nonetheless. If you’re still feeling a little lost, don’t fret! Be sure to check back later – I’ll be updating this article as new information becomes available. In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy, and don’t forget to treat yourself to something special every now and then. Take care, and I’ll see you next time!