Many people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, wonder if they will get extra funds this month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided additional SNAP benefits since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these emergency allotments were scheduled to end this month. Recently, Congress passed a bill that will extend the extra SNAP benefits for one more month. The bill is awaiting President Biden’s signature. If he signs the bill, eligible SNAP recipients will see the additional benefits in their accounts by the end of the month. The USDA has confirmed that the emergency allotments will end in September.
Emergency Allotments
Emergency allotments, also known as supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, are temporary increases in food stamp benefits used in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These extra benefits provide additional support to families and individuals facing economic hardship due to the pandemic.
How Much Are the Emergency Allotments?
The emergency allotments vary depending on household size and income. In general, households receive a minimum of $95 in extra benefits each month. Households with more members or lower incomes may receive more.
When Will the Emergency Allotments End?
The emergency allotments were originally set to expire in September 2021 but were extended through October 2021. The expiration date for the emergency allotments has been extended to September 30, 2023.
Who Is Eligible for Emergency Allotments?
To be eligible for emergency allotments, you must be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and meet the following criteria:
- You must live in a state or U.S. territory that is participating in the emergency allotment program.
- You must have a household income that meets the SNAP eligibility guidelines.
- You must meet other SNAP eligibility requirements, such as resource limits.
How Do I Apply for Emergency Allotments?
If you are already enrolled in SNAP, you do not need to apply for emergency allotments. The extra benefits will be added to your EBT card automatically.
If you are not enrolled in SNAP, you can apply at your local SNAP office. You can also apply online in some states.
What Can I Buy with Emergency Allotments?
You can use emergency allotments to buy the same food items that you can purchase with regular SNAP benefits. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread.
Can I Use Emergency Allotments to Buy Non-Food Items?
No, you cannot use emergency allotments to buy non-food items, such as cigarettes, alcohol, or pet food.
How Long Will I Receive Emergency Allotments?
You will receive emergency allotments as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and the program is still in effect.
| Household Size | Minimum Emergency Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $95 |
| 2 | $194 |
| 3 | $291 |
| 4 | $388 |
| 5 | $485 |
| 6 | $582 |
| 7 | $679 |
| 8 | $776 |
| 9 | $873 |
| 10 | $970 |
P-EBT Cards
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program provides temporary food assistance to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals but cannot access them due to school closures or hybrid learning schedules. P-EBT benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
State-by-State Assistance
The P-EBT program is administered by each state, so the availability and amount of benefits can vary. Some states are providing P-EBT benefits for the 2022-2023 school year, while others are not. To find out if P-EBT benefits are available in your state and how to apply, visit your state’s Department of Human Services website.
States Offering P-EBT in 2022-2023
| State | Eligibility | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals | Up to $375 per child per month |
| Illinois | Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals | Up to $300 per child per month |
| Massachusetts | Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals | Up to $167 per child per month |
| New York | Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals | Up to $467 per child per month |
| Texas | Children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals | Up to $285 per child per month |
How to Apply for P-EBT
To apply for P-EBT benefits, you will need to contact your state’s Department of Human Services. You will need to provide proof of your child’s eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, such as a letter from your child’s school or a copy of your child’s report card.
How to Use P-EBT Benefits
Once you have been approved for P-EBT benefits, you will receive an EBT card in the mail. You can use this card to purchase food at authorized retailers. When you use your EBT card, the amount of your purchase will be deducted from your balance.
Additional Resources
SNAP Extension Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has provided emergency allotments to SNAP recipients, which are extra benefits that are added to their regular SNAP benefits. These emergency allotments were initially scheduled to end in September 2023, but have been extended through February 2024.
How Much Will I Get?
The amount of emergency allotment you receive each month depends on your household size and income. The maximum amount for a household of one person is $250 per month. For a household of two people, the maximum is $400 per month. For a household of three people, the maximum is $550 per month. And so on.
| Household Size | Maximum Emergency Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $400 |
| 3 people | $550 |
| 4 people | $700 |
| 5 people | $850 |
| 6 people | $1,000 |
| 7 people | $1,150 |
| 8 people | $1,300 |
Note: The emergency allotment amounts listed above are the maximum amounts. The actual amount you receive may be less, depending on your household income and other factors.
How Do I Get the Emergency Allotment?
You do not need to do anything to get the emergency allotment. If you are already a SNAP recipient, you will automatically receive the extra benefits on your EBT card. The emergency allotment will be added to your regular SNAP benefits.
When Will I Get the Emergency Allotment?
You will receive the emergency allotment on the same day that you normally receive your regular SNAP benefits. The date of your SNAP benefits is based on the last number of your Social Security number. You can find the date of your benefits on your SNAP EBT card or by calling your local SNAP office.
How Long Will I Get the Emergency Allotment?
The emergency allotment will continue through February 2024. After that, the emergency allotment will end and you will only receive your regular SNAP benefits.
State-Specific Programs
In addition to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), there are a number of state-specific programs that provide food assistance to low-income individuals and families. These programs vary from state to state, but they typically offer benefits such as monthly cash payments, food vouchers, or access to food banks.
- California: The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides monthly cash payments to low-income individuals and families. The amount of the payment is based on the size of the household.
- Florida: The Florida Food Assistance Program (FFAP) provides food vouchers to low-income individuals and families. The vouchers can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- Illinois: The Illinois Food Assistance Program (IFAP) provides access to food banks for low-income individuals and families. Food banks are non-profit organizations that distribute food to people in need.
To learn more about state-specific food assistance programs, visit the website of your state’s Department of Human Services.
| State | Program Name | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| California | California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) | Monthly cash payments |
| Florida | Florida Food Assistance Program (FFAP) | Food vouchers |
| Illinois | Illinois Food Assistance Program (IFAP) | Access to food banks |
Hey folks, I hope this article shed some light on the whole “extra food stamps” situation. I know it can be tough to keep up with all the changes, so I appreciate you taking the time to read this. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer them. In the meantime, stay tuned to our site for more updates on this and other topics that matter to you. Thanks again for reading, and I’ll catch you next time!