The State of Massachusetts is releasing extra payments to some SNAP users in April 2023, despite these benefits are being rolled back far and wide the United States. These payments are intended to provide additional financial assistance to those who are facing financial hardships, even though the COVID-19 pandemic is getting to its end.
Who is eligible for the extra SNAP payments? Well, as in most of the US states, SNAP payments are available to households that are currently receiving SNAP benefits. These payments will be automatically added to the EBT cards of eligible households. Households do not need to apply for these extra payments separately.
How Much Are the Extra SNAP Payments to Come To Your EBT Card
The amount of the extra SNAP payment depends on the size of the household. For example, a household of one person will receive $95, a household of two people will receive $190, and so on as the family gets bigger and bigger. The maximum payment is $1,155 for a household of 12 or more people. The extra SNAP payments will be released on April 28, 2023. Eligible households will receive the extra payment automatically on their EBT cards on that date. Remember: you don’t have to do any additional paperwork or procedure, so be aware of scammers sending you emails or making phone calls. Some people are trying to rig you with your SNAP money.
The extra SNAP payments are part of Governor Maura Healey’s supplemental budget of $130 million. These money transfers are being issued to help households that are facing financial hardships, not only due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because of the impact of the high inflation United States have been hit with the last two years. The harsh economic situations have caused significant economic disruptions, and many households are struggling to make ends meet. These extra payments will help provide some relief to those who are most in need.
How Can you Use the Extra SNAP Payments
The extra SNAP payments can be used to purchase food items that are eligible under the SNAP program. These include items such as bread, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and meat. The extra payments cannot be used to purchase non-food items or to withdraw cash.
It is prohibited to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, supplements, hot or prepared foods, clothing, or electronics with your EBT card or SNAP funds. This is because it’s intended not only to provide an economical relief for American families, but also to promote healthier eating habits.