Housing ReliefLuckily, those changes are mostly positive, and we’ll reveal the relevant details so you can know what to expect.
1. What’s happening with SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is getting a historic increase. With it, SNAP’s purchasing power will go up for the first time since 1975.
2. Why is SNAP getting increased?
SNAP benefits are determined by the “Thrifty Food Plan (TFP),” which essentially figures out how much money a family would need to eat healthy each month. Congress urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take a closer look at the TFP since it seemed outdated.
After doing so, they found that SNAP amounts weren’t keeping up with rising food costs and prevented families in need from buying sufficient healthy groceries. That’s why they decided to increase food stamps so families could consume more calories daily from foods like fish and red and orange vegetables.
3. Who will see more money on their EBT cards?
With the SNAP benefits increase, almost all households on the program should see more money each month.
4. When will the increase go into effect?
The SNAP increase went into effect on October 1, 2021.
5. When will this SNAP increase end?
Unlike pandemic-related food stamp increases, this recent change is permanent.
6. How much extra money can you expect to receive every month?
Here’s where things get very tricky. The historic SNAP increase is around 27 percent. That translates to an extra $36 per person for the average SNAP recipient or almost $150 per month for a family of four.
Unfortunately, while the historic SNAP increase is just starting, the pandemic-related “Emergency Allotment” is ending in several states. In response to the pandemic, this allotment added 15 percent to SNAP benefits and was a temporary move to put more food on families’ tables. So, while you get a 27 percent increase from the TFP adjustment, the Emergency Allotment of 15 percent drops off. In other words, the average SNAP recipient may only see an extra $12-16 per month on their EBT card.
Since these changes vary according to your state and can be quite confusing, don’t hesitate to contact your local SNAP office if you feel like you’re being shorted with food stamps. Your office can explain your monthly benefits or fix any accounting errors to ensure you get the amount you’re entitled to.
7. Do you have to apply for the SNAP increase?
If you already receive food stamps, you don’t have to do a thing. Your state will adjust your monthly SNAP benefits automatically.
8. Are there any other changes happening with SNAP?
Another change you may see on your EBT card could be related to P-EBT or Pandemic-EBT. Households with children could see extra funds via this special program to help them replace free or reduced-price school meals.
9. Is it too late to apply for SNAP and get the added benefits?
No. In fact, now’s a great time to apply for SNAP so you can enjoy those added benefits. Contact your local SNAP office to get started.
