Are We Getting Extra Food Stamps in October 2022?

Depending on what state you live in, you may be getting extra food stamps in October 2022! Here’s what you need to know about the emergency allotments, annual COLA increases, and other extra EBT benefits that could be arriving in your area this month.

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our list of nearly 1,000 EBT discounts!

The COLA increase will give everyone a little extra.

Everyone will be getting extra food stamps in October 2022 thanks to the annual cost of living adjustment! The 2008 Food and Nutrition Act dictates that COLA changes take effect on October 1 each year. This year’s increase is substantial due to the high rate of inflation that we’ve experienced.

According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, “prices for groceries (food to be prepared or eaten at home) rose 12.2 percent for the 12 months ending June 2022. That’s the largest 12-month increase since April 1979.” 

If you feel like your SNAP benefits aren’t going as far as they used to, you’re not alone. The CBPP reported that the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan (which is what the food stamps amounts are based on) was $939.90 per month for a family of four in June 2022, compared to just $835 in the previous June. That’s a difference of more than $100 per month to feed a family of four. 

The good news is that there will be an increase effective October 1st. According to the USDA, the increase will be as follows: 

The minimum benefit for the 48 states and DC will increase to $23. The minimum in all other areas will also increase. 

Along with this, some of the deductions and income calculations will also be adjusted for inflation. The shelter cap value, maximum homeless shelter deduction, minimum standard deduction and resource limits will also be adjusted. This will help more people be eligible for food stamps and it will also help you receive more in benefits, because more of your income can be deducted in the calculation. For more about how food benefits are calculated, please see our other videos. 

Some states are still getting extra food stamps from the EA.

Many states are still issuing extra benefits under the Emergency Allotments authorized during the pandemic. If you’re wondering “are we getting extra food stamps this month?” the answer really depends on what state you live in, since each state is processing these extra benefits differently.

To make matters even more complicated, states have until the 15th of the month to complete their paperwork. We will continue updating this post through the end of the month to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.

Which states are getting extra food stamps in October 2022?

Many states have been approved to issue extra benefits in October 2022 but each state can choose when to disburse their extra benefits. Some do it all on one day, others do it on a staggered schedule. Some send it a month after their approval, even.

The following list includes which states have been approved and which day you’ll be getting extra food stamps in those states. States listed in bold text have been recently added.

• Alabama (Nov 1)
• California (Oct 15)
• Colorado (Oct 6-12)
• Connecticut (Oct 14)
• Delaware (Oct 26)
• Guam (Oct 21)
• Hawaii (Oct 10)
• Illinois (Oct 21-29)
• Kansas (Oct 22-31)
• Louisiana (Oct 8, 15, 22, and 29)
• Maine (Oct 7)
• Maryland (Oct 4-23)
• Massachusetts (Oct 4)
• Michigan (Oct 15-24)
• Minnesota (Oct 11-27)
• New Hampshire (Oct 4 & 21)
• New Jersey (Oct 1-5)
• New Mexico (Oct 1-31)
• New York (Oct 6-20 upstate, or Oct 14-27 for NYC)
• North Carolina (Oct 22-31)
• Ohio (Oct 27)
• Oklahoma (Oct 10-15)
• Oregon (Oct 10)
• Pennsylvania (Oct 18-29)
• Rhode Island (Oct 3)
• South Carolina (Oct 1-19)
• Texas (Oct 4-10)
• Utah (Oct 29)
• Vermont (Oct 14)
• Virgin Islands (Oct 15)
• Virginia (Oct 16)
• Washington (Oct 4-20)
• Washington DC (regular date)
• West Virginia (Oct 4)
• Wisconsin (Oct 15)

Which states are not getting extra food stamps in October 2022?

The following states will NOT receive extra benefits in October 2022 because they have already ended their state emergency health declaration.

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Wyoming

The Virgin Islands and Guam usually file their paperwork later in the month as well.

Why do some states get extra food stamps and not others?

Whether or not your state is getting extra food stamps this month depends on a few things. Basically, states can continue to issue these waivers until either the federal government or the state government ends their public health emergency declaration related to COVID-19.

States that have ended their health declaration before the federal government ends theirs are not eligible to continue issuing the extra benefits. That’s why some states have not issued extra benefits since 2020.

States that continue their health declaration will be able to issue extra food stamps until the federal government ends their public health order. The government has promised that states will have at least 60 days notice before the end of the order in order to prepare for the transition.

When either the state or federal government ends the public health emergency, states will be allowed to issue one final transition month of benefits before going back to the usual, lower amount.

What about P-EBT?

P-EBT, or Pandemic EBT, is an extra food benefit for children who ordinarily receive free or reduced-cost meals at school. If you are expecting P-EBT benefits for your child(ren), then please check our P-EBT Guide and Schedule for more information.

UPDATE!

October is almost over – and many states are already registered to deliver extra food stamps in November. Find out if you’ll get extra benefits in November now!

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.