Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been providing extra money to states to help people buy food. This extra money is called Emergency Allotments (EA). Each state decides how to distribute the EA money to people who are eligible for food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In some states, the EA money is added to people’s regular SNAP benefits. In other states, the EA money is given out as a separate payment. The amount of the EA benefit varies from state to state, and it can also change from month to month. To find out when you will get your extra food stamps this month, you should contact your local SNAP office.
Emergency Allotments (EAs)
Emergency Allotments (EAs), originally authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, are temporary supplemental benefits that increase SNAP benefits to the maximum amount for all households. EAs were first issued in April 2020 and initially set to expire in June 2020. However, they have been extended several times since then, most recently through September 2023.
EAs are automatically issued to all SNAP households, including those who receive the maximum benefit amount. The amount of the EA varies depending on the size of the household, but all households receive at least $95 per month. EAs are issued on the same day as regular SNAP benefits.
EAs have been a lifeline for millions of families during the pandemic. They have helped to reduce food insecurity and hunger, and they have also helped to stimulate the economy.
In addition to EAs, some states have also provided additional food assistance to families during the pandemic. For example, California has provided extra CalFresh benefits to families with children, and Texas has provided extra SNAP benefits to families who have lost income due to the pandemic.
- EAs are temporary supplemental benefits that increase SNAP benefits to the maximum amount for all households.
- EAs were first issued in April 2020 and have been extended several times since then.
- EAs are issued on the same day as regular SNAP benefits.
- All SNAP households receive EAs, including those who receive the maximum benefit amount.
- The amount of the EA varies depending on the size of the household, but all households receive at least $95 per month.
| Household Size | EA Amount |
|---|---|
| 1-2 person household | $95 |
| 3-4 person household | $194 |
| 5-6 person household | $293 |
| 7-8 person household | $392 |
| 9 or more person household | $504 |
Extra Food Stamps This Month: An Overview
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the government has been providing additional food assistance to families in need. This extra assistance comes in the form of Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefits, which are electronic benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
The exact timing of P-EBT benefits varies from state to state. In general, however, most states will issue P-EBT benefits once per month. The amount of benefits you receive will depend on the size of your household and your income. If you are eligible for P-EBT benefits, you should receive a notification from your state’s Department of Human Services in the mail or through your state’s EBT card.
Who Is Eligible for P-EBT Benefits?
- Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school.
- Children who attend a school that is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
- Children who are enrolled in a Head Start or Early Head Start program.
- Children who are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How to Apply for P-EBT Benefits
In most states, you do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits. If you are eligible, you should receive a notification in the mail or through your state’s EBT card. However, some states may require you to apply for P-EBT benefits. If you are unsure whether you need to apply, you can contact your state’s Department of Human Services.
How to Use P-EBT Benefits
- P-EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- Authorized retailers include grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets.
- You can use your P-EBT card to pay for food, just like you would a debit card.
- You cannot use P-EBT benefits to purchase tobacco, alcohol, or hot food.
P-EBT Benefit Schedule by State
| State | Issuance Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Last week of each month |
| Alaska | Last week of each month |
| Arizona | Last week of each month |
| Arkansas | Last week of each month |
| California | Last week of each month |
Pandemic EBT and Other Extended SNAP Benefits
Many individuals and families across the United States received additional food assistance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of Emergency Allotments or Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). These extra benefits were provided to help cover the increased cost of food and to ensure that families had enough to eat during the pandemic. However, these extra benefits have now ended or are scheduled to end soon.
1. Emergency Allotments
Emergency Allotments were temporary increases in SNAP benefits that were provided to all SNAP households during the pandemic. These extra benefits ended in March 2023 in most states.
2. Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)
P-EBT was a program that provided food assistance benefits to families with children who were unable to receive free or reduced-price meals at school due to the pandemic. P-EBT benefits have ended in most states. However, some states may still be providing P-EBT benefits for the 2022-2023 school year.
To find out if you are eligible for P-EBT benefits or to apply, visit the website of your state’s department of human services or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Other Changes to SNAP Benefits
SNAP maximum benefits: In 2023, the maximum SNAP benefit amounts increased for all households. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on the size of the household and its income. You can find the updated SNAP maximum benefit amounts on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
SNAP Thrifty Food Plan: The Thrifty Food Plan is the basis for calculating SNAP benefits. In 2023, the Thrifty Food Plan was updated to reflect current food prices. The updated Thrifty Food Plan will result in higher SNAP benefits for many households.
Table of SNAP Thrifty Food Plan Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,126 |
| 6 | $1,306 |
| 7 | $1,489 |
| 8 | $1,671 |
SNAP Schedule Changes
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits, known as Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of SNAP benefits that a household receives each month is based on its income and household size.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a series of emergency allotments, which are extra SNAP benefits, to all SNAP households. These emergency allotments were intended to help households cope with the economic hardship caused by the pandemic. The USDA has since announced that these emergency allotments will end in February 2023.
As a result of the end of the emergency allotments, SNAP households will see a decrease in their benefits starting in March 2023. The amount of the decrease will vary depending on the household’s income and household size. For example, a household of four with an income of $2,000 per month will see their SNAP benefits decrease by $120 per month.
Changes to SNAP Schedule
As part of the changes to the SNAP program, the USDA has also made changes to the SNAP schedule. The following table shows the new SNAP schedule:
| Month | Distribution Date |
|---|---|
| March 2023 | February 28 & March 1 |
| April 2023 | March 21 & March 23 |
| May 2023 | April 18 & April 20 |
| June 2023 | May 16 & May 18 |
| July 2023 | June 13 & June 15 |
| August 2023 | July 12 & July 14 |
| September 2023 | August 9 & August 11 |
| October 2023 | September 12 & September 14 |
| November 2023 | October 10 & October 12 |
| December 2023 | November 9 & November 11 |
Households that receive SNAP benefits on the 1st of the month will now receive their benefits on the last day of the previous month. Households that receive SNAP benefits on the 16th of the month will now receive their benefits on the 15th of the month.
What to Do If You Are Affected by the SNAP Changes
If you are affected by the SNAP changes, there are a few things you can do to help offset the decrease in your benefits.
- Apply for other government assistance programs, such as WIC, Medicaid, or housing assistance.
- Look for ways to save money on food. For example, shop at discount stores, buy generic brands, and cook meals at home instead of eating out.
- Contact your local food bank or pantry to see if you are eligible for assistance.
Well, folks, we’ve reached the end of the road on our journey to uncover the mystery of the extra food stamps this month. I hope you found this article informative and helpful. Remember, knowledge is power, and knowing when to expect those extra stamps can make all the difference in planning your grocery budget. For more updates and tidbits of information like this, be sure to visit our website again soon. Until next time, keep your head up, your pantry stocked, and your taste buds ready for adventure!