The end of the extra food stamps, also known as emergency allotments, given to help people during the pandemic is an uncertain event. The exact date when these extra benefits will cease to exist is not yet known and will likely depend on various factors, including the overall economic situation, the status of the pandemic, and the decisions made by the government and relevant authorities. It is important to stay updated on the latest news and announcements from official sources to get accurate information about when the additional food stamps may end.
End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on food insecurity in the United States. In response, the government increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and waived certain eligibility requirements. However, these extra benefits are set to expire when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
The end of the public health emergency is currently scheduled for July 15, 2023. However, the government has the authority to extend the emergency for up to 90 days at a time.
If the public health emergency ends on July 15, 2023, here are some of the changes that will occur:
- SNAP benefits will return to their pre-pandemic levels.
- SNAP eligibility requirements will be reinstated.
- States will no longer be allowed to issue emergency allotments.
These changes could have a significant impact on food insecurity in the United States. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an estimated 20 million people could lose SNAP benefits if the extra benefits are allowed to expire.
The government is currently considering extending the public health emergency. However, it is not yet clear whether or not the emergency will be extended. If the emergency is extended, the extra SNAP benefits will continue to be available.
| Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| SNAP benefits return to pre-pandemic levels | July 15, 2023 |
| SNAP eligibility requirements reinstated | July 15, 2023 |
| States can no longer issue emergency allotments | July 15, 2023 |
Emergency Allotments for SNAP Benefits
Emergency allotments are temporary increases in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps. They were authorized as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in March 2020 to help households cope with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency allotments have been extended several times since then, and they are currently scheduled to end in September 2023.
Why are emergency allotments ending?
The end of emergency allotments is tied to the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), which is currently scheduled to expire on September 30, 2023. The PHE is a declaration by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that allows the government to take special measures to address a public health emergency. Emergency allotments were authorized under the PHE because the pandemic caused widespread job losses and economic hardship.
What happens after emergency allotments end?
When emergency allotments end, SNAP benefits will return to their pre-pandemic levels. This means that most households will see a decrease in their monthly SNAP benefits. The amount of the decrease will vary depending on the household’s size and income.
How can I prepare for the end of emergency allotments?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for the end of emergency allotments:
- Find out how much your SNAP benefits will decrease.
- Make a budget and plan how you will adjust your spending.
- Look for ways to save money on food, such as buying in bulk or using coupons.
- Apply for other forms of assistance, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
Table: Average Monthly SNAP Benefits per Person Before and After the End of Emergency Allotments
| Household Size | SNAP Benefits Before Emergency Allotments (March 2020) | SNAP Benefits After Emergency Allotments End (October 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $234 | $129 |
| 2 | $430 | $250 |
| 3 | $616 | $372 |
| 4 | $782 | $480 |
| 5 | $933 | $573 |
| 6 | $1,079 | $658 |
| 7 | $1,222 | $741 |
| 8 | $1,358 | $822 |
Increase in Maximum Benefit Levels
As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) experienced the following changes:
- A temporary increase in the maximum benefit levels for all SNAP households.
- Emergency allotments, which provided additional benefits to certain households.
- SNAP access was expanded to include some individuals who were not previously eligible.
In March of 2023, Congress allowed the emergency allotments to expire, thus returning SNAP benefits to pre-pandemic levels for most recipients. Those who newly qualified during the pandemic remain eligible.
Returning to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The expiration of emergency allotments has resulted in the following:
- A decrease in the maximum benefit levels for most SNAP households.
- The termination of emergency allotments, which provided additional benefits to certain households.
Households receiving the maximum benefit will see an average reduction of $95 per month.
To find out if you are affected, check your SNAP account or contact your local SNAP office.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
If you think you may be eligible for SNAP benefits, you can apply online, by mail, or in person at your local SNAP office.
To apply, you will need to provide information about your household, income, and expenses. You may also be asked to provide proof of identity and residency.
Once you have applied, your application will be processed and you will be notified of your eligibility within 30 days.
Additional Resources
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Apply for SNAP Online
- State Directory of SNAP Offices
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit Level (Pre-Pandemic) | Maximum Benefit Level (During Pandemic) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250 | $400 |
| 2 | $400 | $600 |
| 3 | $575 | $835 |
| 4 | $740 | $1,100 |
| 5 | $905 | $1,365 |
| 6 | $1,070 | $1,630 |
| 7 | $1,235 | $1,895 |
| 8 | $1,390 | $2,155 |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Changes
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on its income, expenses, and household size.
In 2020, the federal government increased SNAP benefits by 15% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase was originally set to expire in September 2021, but was extended several times. The latest extension is set to end on September 30, 2023. After this date, SNAP benefits will return to their pre-pandemic levels.
The following are some of the changes that will take place when the extra SNAP benefits end:
SNAP Benefits Will Decrease
- The average SNAP benefit per person will decrease by about $40 per month.
- A family of four will receive about $280 less in SNAP benefits per month.
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four will decrease from $939 to $835 per month.
More People Will Be Ineligible for SNAP
- Some people who are currently eligible for SNAP will no longer be eligible after the extra benefits end.
- This includes people with higher incomes and those who have other sources of income, such as child support or alimony.
SNAP Benefits Will Be Harder to Access
- Some states may make it more difficult to apply for and receive SNAP benefits.
- This could include requiring more documentation or making the application process more complex.
Impact of SNAP Changes
- The end of the extra SNAP benefits will have a significant impact on food-insecure individuals and families.
- Many people will have to cut back on the amount of food they buy or the quality of the food they eat.
- Some people may even have to go hungry.
What Can Be Done?
- Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that help low-income individuals and families.
- Donate to organizations that help feed the hungry.
- Volunteer your time at a local food bank or soup kitchen.
| Household Size | SNAP Benefits Before Extra Benefits | SNAP Benefits After Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 | $210 |
| 2 people | $450 | $375 |
| 3 people | $650 | $550 |
| 4 people | $835 | $700 |
Well folks, there you have it — all the info we’ve got on when you can expect those extra food stamps to end. We know it’s not the most exciting topic, but it’s important stuff, right? After all, bills don’t pay themselves! We hope this article has helped shed some light on the situation. If you’ve got any questions or comments, feel free to drop ’em in the section below. Until next time, thanks for reading, and we’ll catch you on the flip side!