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Some states offer an additional $95 emergency SNAP benefit.
Key Point
- Nineteen states are still offering emergency quotas to SNAP recipients in October.
- SNAP benefits will increase across the United States to align with cost of living increases on October 1, 2022.
- If you are not eligible for SNAP benefits, please contact your local food charity for assistance.
SNAP food benefits are a lifeline for some families. On average, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helped 41 million people per month in 2021. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but in general, the program helps keep food on the table for low-income families across the country.
During the worst of the pandemic, many states offered additional emergency allotments of at least $95 per household. In addition to increasing payments, the state has relaxed SNAP requirements and made the application process more flexible. However, all but 19 states have withdrawn their extra SNAP cash as they begin to adjust to the new post-COVID normal.
According to the USDA, the following states have been granted exemptions that allow them to pay their emergency quota in October.
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- Alabama
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- maine
- new jersey
- new mexico
- north carolina
- Oregon
- rhode island
- south carolina
- texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- west virginia
- Wisconsin
If you live in any of the above states, the minimum emergency allotment is $95 per household. The exact amount is the difference between the maximum allotment for a household of your size and the amount you have already received. If the difference is less than the minimum amount, you will receive $95. This can leave more cash in your bank account to cover other expenses.
SNAP benefits increase on October 1st
Grocery costs have increased significantly in the last year. Between June 2021 and June 2022, his average cost of groceries increased by 12.2%, according to data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. This is his biggest price increase since 1979. As a result, after October 1st, SNAP levels will rise to reflect the rising cost of living.
In most of the United States, it will increase from $835 to $939 for a family of four with maximum benefits. Residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive higher payouts. The new amount will apply to the 2023 fiscal year beginning in October. The new cap for single households will increase from $250 this year to $281.
To qualify, your local SNAP office will look at your total monthly income, net income, and assets you own. Suspended in many countries during the pandemic. After a successful application, you will receive an ETB (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card that can be used online in various stores and in some states.
SNAP benefits can be used to pay for fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, bread, cereals and snacks. This money cannot be used to pay for alcohol, tobacco, pet food, and certain other products. Look out for Double Up Food Bucks, Double Dollars, or other programs nationwide where participating farmers markets offer additional benefits to SNAP consumers.
get emergency food help
Being hungry or unable to feed your family can be very stressful. Savings options like bulk buying, meal planning, and grocery cashback apps are only so far. In some states, increased SNAP benefits and ongoing emergency assistance will ease the burden on some households. But not everyone qualifies, especially as parts of the country are easing pandemic exceptions.
If you need urgent help, the following options can help you get some rest.
- Look for local food banks and pantries. There are several networks of food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries that operate nationwide. Search online or call one of the numbers below.
- Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline. A representative at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) can help you find food assistance near you.
- Call United Way at 211. United Way has information about a variety of programs and NGOs that may be helpful in your area.
The last few years have been extraordinary in many ways. You are not the only one struggling financially. There are no easy answers, but if you’re having trouble getting food on the table, don’t be afraid to ask for help.