When Are We Getting Extra Food Stamps? People who are enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits known as food stamps might qualify for extra benefits in 2023. Congress extended the emergency allotments that were provided during the pandemic. Every state will give out extra SNAP benefits in February, followed by six more months of emergency allotments if Congress doesn’t intervene. The additional funds are intended to help people who are still struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 problem. The precise day that your additional benefits will be distributed will vary based on your state and the method of payment you have selected.
Extension of Pandemic-Related Food Stamp Benefits
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government extended several pandemic-related food stamps benefits. These benefits were originally set to expire in September 2021, but they were extended several times. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, further extended these benefits through September 2023.
Temporary Increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, were temporarily increased during the pandemic. This increase will continue through September 2023. The average monthly SNAP benefit per person is now $281, up from $194 before the pandemic. This means that a family of four will receive an average of $1,124 in SNAP benefits each month, up from $776 before the pandemic.
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) Benefits
P-EBT benefits are available to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. These benefits are intended to help families replace the meals that their children would have received at school if not for the pandemic. P-EBT benefits are typically issued on an EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Emergency Allotments
Emergency allotments are one-time payments that are issued to SNAP households. These payments are intended to help families with the costs of food during the pandemic. The amount of the emergency allotment depends on the size of the household.
How to Apply for Pandemic-Related Food Stamp Benefits
To apply for pandemic-related food stamp benefits, you can:
- Apply online at your state’s SNAP website.
- Call your state’s SNAP office.
- Visit your local SNAP office.
For more information on pandemic-related food stamp benefits, please visit the website of your state’s SNAP office.
Table of Pandemic-Related Food Stamp Benefits
| Benefit | Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP benefit increase | $87 per person per month | Through September 2023 |
| P-EBT benefits | Varies by state | Through September 2023 |
| Emergency allotments | Varies by household size | Through September 2023 |
Temporary Increase in SNAP Benefits
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized a temporary increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These increased benefits began in January 2021 and will continue through at least June 2023. The extra benefits are intended to help families and individuals cope with the economic hardships caused by the pandemic.
Who is Eligible for Extra SNAP Benefits?
- All SNAP recipients are eligible for extra benefits, regardless of income or household size.
- The amount of extra benefits you receive will depend on your household size and income.
- You do not need to apply for extra benefits. They will be added to your SNAP EBT card automatically.
How Much Extra SNAP Benefits Will I Receive?
The amount of extra SNAP benefits you receive will depend on your household size and income. The following table shows the maximum amount of extra benefits that you can receive each month:
| Household Size | Maximum Extra SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $95 |
| 2 people | $165 |
| 3 people | $230 |
| 4 people | $300 |
| 5 people | $375 |
| 6+ people | $450 |
Note: The actual amount of extra benefits you receive may be less than the maximum amount shown in the table, depending on your household income.
When Will I Receive My Extra SNAP Benefits?
Extra SNAP benefits are added to your SNAP EBT card on the same day that you receive your regular SNAP benefits. If you receive your regular SNAP benefits on the 1st of each month, you will receive your extra benefits on the 1st of each month as well.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Get Extra SNAP Benefits?
No, you do not need to do anything to get extra SNAP benefits. They will be added to your SNAP EBT card automatically.
How Can I Use My Extra SNAP Benefits?
You can use your extra SNAP benefits to buy food at authorized retailers. You can also use your extra SNAP benefits to buy seeds and plants to grow your own food.
For more information about extra SNAP benefits, visit the USDA website or contact your local SNAP office.
Impact of COVID-19 on Food Assistance Programs
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on food assistance programs around the world, including the United States. As a result of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, many people have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced, leading to an increase in the number of people relying on food assistance programs.
In the United States, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, is the largest food assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government has taken a number of steps to increase SNAP benefits and make it easier for people to access the program.
Temporary Increase in SNAP Benefits
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was passed in March 2020, temporarily increased SNAP benefits by 15% for all recipients.
- This increase was extended through September 2021 by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021, which was passed in December 2020.
- The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was passed in March 2021, extended the 15% increase in SNAP benefits through September 2021.
Expansion of SNAP Eligibility
- In addition to increasing SNAP benefits, the U.S. government has also expanded SNAP eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act waived certain eligibility requirements for SNAP, such as the work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents.
- This waiver was extended through September 2021 by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021.
- The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended the waiver of certain SNAP eligibility requirements through September 2021.
Enhanced SNAP Outreach and Application Assistance
- The U.S. government has also taken steps to enhance SNAP outreach and application assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provided funding for states to increase SNAP outreach and application assistance.
- The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 extended this funding through September 2021.
- The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended the funding for SNAP outreach and application assistance through September 2021.
| Action | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Families First Coronavirus Response Act | March 2020 | Increased SNAP benefits by 15% for all recipients |
| Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 | December 2020 | Extended the 15% increase in SNAP benefits through September 2021 |
| American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 | March 2021 | Extended the 15% increase in SNAP benefits through September 2021 |
Emergency Allotments for Food and Nutrition Assistance
The Emergency Allotments for Food and Nutrition Assistance, commonly known as Extra Food Stamps, were additional benefits provided to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic. These benefits were designed to help eligible households cope with increased food expenses and financial hardships caused by the pandemic.
Eligibility
- SNAP recipients who were eligible for benefits in March 2020.
- Households that received a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payment in 2021.
- Those who had decreased income due to COVID-19 and met certain income and asset limits.
Benefit Amounts & Timing
| SNAP Benefit | Effective Date | End Date | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular SNAP | February 2020 | September 2020 | Emergency Allotments ($16-$646) |
| Interim Allotments | October 2020 | June 2021 | $95-$155 per person |
| Regular SNAP | July 2021 | September 2021 | No Emergency Allotments |
| Special Emergency Allotments | October 2021 | March 2022 | $95-$155 per person |
| Regular SNAP | April 2022 | Present | No Emergency Allotments |
Impact and Discontinuation
The Emergency Allotments contributed significantly to food security during the pandemic, reducing food insecurity by approximately 30%. However, these benefits ended in March 2022, leading to concerns about the impact on affected households. Some states provided temporary assistance or increased SNAP benefits to mitigate the loss of Emergency Allotments.
The Emergency Allotments were a vital lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing much-needed support to millions of Americans. While their discontinuation has created challenges, efforts are underway to mitigate the impact on vulnerable households.
Well folks, that’s all we have for you today. We hope you found this information helpful. Remember, the best way to stay up-to-date on the latest developments is to keep checking back with us. We’ll be here, working hard to bring you the most accurate and relevant information as soon as it’s available. In the meantime, take care and we’ll see you next time.