The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been a lifeline for millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, SNAP has provided vital support to families struggling to put food on the table. However, with the pandemic still raging on, many are worried about what will happen to SNAP recipients once the temporary benefits end. Will that money stop coming? Here’s what you must know about it.
The emergency allotments (EAs) have been a godsend for many households, providing much-needed relief during these trying times. Unfortunately, the EAs have been totally removed after February 2023, resulting in a significant benefit cut for every SNAP household in the jurisdictions that still are paying EAs. These are 32 US states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Every household in those states now is receiving at least $95 a month less, and some households will see reductions of $250 a month or more. This news comes as a major blow to those who have been relying on these benefits to make ends meet.
The 35 States and Territories Where the Extra Snap Benefits Will Be Completely Cut
The first group of states where the benefits have already been cut are: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Arizona, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. SNAP beneficiaries there are no longer getting their pandemic extra money.
The rest of the states will stop getting their extra pandemic-related cash aid starting April 2023. But, don’t panic: there are still several SNAP-related aids that you can apply to, in order to avoid having problems to feed your family. America is here to help, and the Nation won’t leave you alone.
SNAP-Related Benefits That Will Continue Or Will Be Eliminated
The 2022 year-end legislation has left some temporary pandemic-related SNAP flexibilities in place for 2023, which have provided much-needed relief to those struggling to arrive to the next paycheck without fighting with the budget. However, note that some of these measures will come to an end when the federal PHE ends on May 11th.
This includes the suspension of the three-month limit applies to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). This includes those with ages between 18 and 49 who are not pregnant or have a disability. It requires ABAWDs to work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a qualifying education or training program for at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period.
The expanded SNAP eligibility for certain college students will also be shutdown. Now, only qualifying students will get their SNAP support, while the exceptionally accepted in the program will no longer get their transfers to EBT cards.