The state of Missouri will be sending its final payment to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Thursday. This payment marks the end of a cycle that began on June 1, 2023, during which eligible individuals and families received direct payments to assist with their nutritional needs.
The SNAP program is a federal assistance program in the United States that aims to provide eligible low-income individuals and families with funds to purchase nutritious food. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and operates in partnership with state agencies. To qualify for SNAP benefits, individuals and families must meet certain eligibility criteria, including income and household size requirements. The recipient’s household income generally needs to be at or below 130% of the poverty line. The poverty line used for calculating SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2023 is $1,920 per month.
SNAP Benefits in Missouri: Will I get the top $4,223 in food stamps?
In Missouri, approximately 657,900 people, which accounts for around 11% of the population, receive food stamps through the SNAP program. These individuals and families rely on the assistance provided by SNAP to help meet their nutritional needs and ensure food security. The average payment per household member per month in Missouri is $177. This amount varies depending on household size, income, and other circumstances considered during the eligibility determination process.
In Missouri, the maximum amount a recipient can receive in SNAP benefits depends on their household size. For a household of one, the maximum amount is $281 per month. However, for larger households, the maximum benefit increases. For example, a household of 20 can receive up to $4,223 per month, with an additional maximum of $211 added for each additional member beyond 20.
How to recertify SNAP benefits in Missouri
Recertification is required periodically to determine your continued eligibility for SNAP benefits. Typically, it takes place once a year (in some US states, and within certain circumstances, it must be done every 6 months). The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) will notify you in advance about the deadline for recertification. Stay aware, because not doing it on time, and properly, might end up taking away this important money boost from your budget.
The SNAP program might ask the next necessary documentation (that might not limit to): identity for all household members applying for SNAP benefits, which can be driver’s licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, or other official identification documents.
Provide documentation that verifies your household’s income. This can include recent pay stubs, wage statements, self-employment records, or other relevant income-related documents. If you have no income, you may need to complete a statement of no income form. Gather documents that demonstrate your household’s expenses, such as rent or mortgage payment receipts, utility bills, medical bills, child care expenses, and any other significant expenses. Reach out to your local Missouri DSS office to initiate the recertification process. You can find the contact information for your local office on the Missouri Department of Social Services official website.
Finally, when you’re requested to attend to an interview, be on time (not late, that might not be seen as a good signal) and with all the documents with you, in case something’s missing. Be prepared to answer questions about your household income, expenses, and any changes that have occurred since your last certification, and be honest and trustworthy in your answers.
Stay in contact with the DSS throughout the recertification process. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation. This will help ensure a smooth recertification and minimize any potential delays.
What is the maximum amount a household can receive in SNAP benefits in Missouri?
the maximum amount a household can receive in SNAP benefits in Missouri depends on various factors, including household size, income, and assets. Here are the key points to consider:
Maximum benefit amount
As of October 1, 2021, the regular SNAP maximum benefit amount a family of four can receive in Missouri is $835 per month [0].
Household size: The number of people living in the household and buying/making food together is a determining factor for SNAP eligibility and benefit calculation.
- Income: Both earned and unearned income are considered when determining SNAP eligibility. The gross monthly income must generally be at or below 130% of the poverty line for the household size. Net income, after deductions, must also be at or below the poverty line.
- Assets: The total assets of a household, excluding certain exempt assets like the primary residence and retirement savings, must fall below specific limits. For households without a member aged 60 or older or with a disability, the asset limit is $2,750 or less. For households with such a member, the limit is $4,250 or less.
- P-SNAP benefits: During the pandemic, the Pandemic Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (P-SNAP) provided a minimum benefit amount of $95 to all SNAP households.
The SNAP benefits payments will change from July 2023 – This is how it will affect you
Starting July 2023, The COVID-SNAP benefits that started being distributed in April 2020, will no longer be available, and payments will return to pre-pandemic amounts. If you receive this kind of SNAP assistance, you better get in touch with your local SNAP office in order to not be left empty-handed when your check doesn’t arrive.
If you’re in this group of impacted recipients, you may have already received a text message, call or email from the authorities, with information about the changes and what to do next. All this is happening due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act approved by the Congress, which made COVID-related SNAP benefits expire as of February.
In other states, such as Massachusetts, the local Congress passed a bill for state-funded SNAP payments, and those residents who are eligible for food stamps can receive the state-funded extra benefits. They can collect up to 40% of the difference between a typical monthly SNAP benefit amount and the maximum SNAP amount for a household size. But, at the same time, the COVID-related food stamps that started being issued in April 2020 will no longer be available and payments will roll back to pre-pandemic settings.