When will we get the extra food stamps? Millions of people in the United States rely on food stamps to put food on the table. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress approved emergency allotments for food stamps, which provided extra money to recipients. Those extra allotments began to end in January 2023, and by March 2023, most people will no longer receive them. If you are receiving food stamps, you should check with your state’s Department of Human Services to see if you will be affected by the end of the emergency allotments. If you are, you may want to start planning how you will make up for the lost money. There are a number of resources available to help people who are struggling to afford food, including food banks and pantries.
Emergency Allotments
Emergency Allotments (EAs) are extra food stamp benefits that were provided to help families during the COVID-19 pandemic. These benefits were authorized by Congress in March 2020 as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. EAs provided an additional $36 per month to each person in a household, regardless of the household’s size or income.
The EAs were scheduled to expire in September 2021, but were extended through the end of the federal public health emergency due to the continuing impact of the pandemic.
However, as of July 2023, the public health emergency has ended, and the EAs have expired. This means that food stamp benefits have returned to their pre-pandemic levels.
Future of Emergency Allotments
The future of EAs is uncertain. Congress could pass legislation to extend the EAs, but there is no guarantee that this will happen.
Some advocates are calling on Congress to make the EAs permanent. They argue that the EAs have helped to reduce food insecurity and that they should be continued to help families struggling to afford food.
Others argue that the EAs are too expensive and that they should be phased out. They argue that the EAs are no longer necessary since the economy has recovered from the pandemic.
How to Apply for Food Stamps
If you are struggling to afford food, you may be eligible for food stamps. To apply for food stamps, you will need to contact your local county social services agency. You can find your local agency by visiting the Food and Nutrition Service website.
You will need to provide the following information when you apply for food stamps:
- Your Social Security number
- Your income information
- Your asset information
- Information about your household members
Once you have applied for food stamps, you will be interviewed by a caseworker. The caseworker will review your application and determine if you are eligible for benefits.
Table of Food Stamp Benefits
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $281 |
| 2 people | $459 |
| 3 people | $658 |
| 4 people | $835 |
| 5 people | $1,012 |
| 6 people | $1,189 |
| 7 people | $1,367 |
| 8 people | $1,544 |
How Food Stamp Benefits Work
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives each month is based on several factors, including the household’s size, income, and expenses. SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Current Food Stamp Benefit Schedule
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income | Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,309 | $250 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $430 |
| 3 | $2,217 | $590 |
| 4 | $2,670 | $740 |
| 5 | $3,124 | $890 |
What Are the Extra Food Stamps?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided additional SNAP benefits, known as emergency allotments, to all SNAP households. These extra benefits were provided in addition to the regular SNAP benefits that households were already receiving. The emergency allotments were originally set to expire on September 30, 2021, but have been extended several times. The current expiration date for the emergency allotments is March 31, 2023.
When Will We Get the Extra Food Stamps?
The extra SNAP benefits are typically distributed to EBT cards on the same day that regular SNAP benefits are distributed. The exact date that the extra benefits are distributed can vary from state to state, but they are typically distributed in the first half of the month. To find out the exact date that the extra SNAP benefits will be distributed in your state, you can contact your local SNAP office.
SNAP Eligibility
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet certain requirements, including income and asset limits. You can apply for SNAP at your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office.
- SNAP eligibility is based on your household size, income, and assets.
- To be eligible for SNAP, your household income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.
- Your household assets must also be below certain limits. For example, you can have up to $2,250 in savings or $4,250 if you are over 60 or disabled.
You can apply for SNAP online, by mail, or in person at your local DHS office. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and assets. You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency.
Once you have applied for SNAP, you will be scheduled for an interview. At the interview, you will be asked about your household’s income, expenses, and assets. You will also be asked about your work status and any disabilities you or your household members have.
After your interview, you will be notified of your eligibility for SNAP. If you are eligible, you will receive a SNAP card that you can use to buy food at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.
Additional Resources
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,340 per month |
| 2 | $1,790 per month |
| 3 | $2,240 per month |
| 4 | $2,690 per month |
| 5 | $3,140 per month |
| 6 | $3,590 per month |
| 7 | $4,040 per month |
| 8 | $4,490 per month |
When Will We Get the Extra Food Stamps?
Unfortunately, there are no extra food stamps. The increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as emergency allotments, due to COVID-19 have ended. The additional benefits were provided during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) to help people access food during the pandemic.
Timing of Supplemental Food Stamp Payments
While there are no extra food stamps, regular SNAP benefits are still available to eligible households. The timing of SNAP payments varies by state. Generally, benefits are issued between the 1st and 20th of each month, depending on the state and the household’s circumstances. To find out the exact date when benefits are issued in your state, you can:
- Contact your local SNAP office.
- Check your state’s SNAP website.
- Call the SNAP hotline at 1-800-221-5689.
You can also use the SNAP schedule lookup tool on the USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/snap-state-contacts
Once you know the date when benefits are issued in your state, you can plan your shopping accordingly. You can also use your SNAP benefits to order groceries online from select retailers.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can:
- Contact your local SNAP office.
- Apply online through your state’s SNAP website.
- Mail a completed application to your local SNAP office.
You can find more information about applying for SNAP benefits on the USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-for-snap
Eligibility for SNAP Benefits
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and resource requirements. The income and resource limits vary by household size and circumstances. You can find more information about SNAP eligibility on the USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,128 |
| 6 | $1,303 |
| 7 | $1,478 |
| 8 | $1,653 |
The maximum monthly benefit amount for households with more than 8 members is $234 per additional person.
Hey folks, thanks for sticking with me through this article. I know this is a topic that’s on a lot of people’s minds right now, and I wanted to make sure you had the most up-to-date information. As always, things are subject to change, so be sure to check back here for any updates. In the meantime, hang in there and stay safe. Thanks again for reading, and I’ll see you next time.