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How Long will the Increase in Food Stamps Last?

How Long will the Increase in Food Stamps Last?

How long will the increase in food stamps last? That’s the question on everyone’s mind, and fortunately we have an answer!

NOTE: This post is out of date. Please visit our October 2022 update for the latest information on this topic.

What is the increase in food stamps?

There have been several temporary and permanent increases to food stamps in the last few years. Since these programs have often overlapped, it can be very confusing.

In 2021, the government enacted a temporary 15% increase between April and September. As that was ending in October, the government enacted a permanent 27% increase when the Thrifty Food Plan was finally revised. This increase resulted in about $12-$16 more per person per month on average and was billed a “historic boost” to food stamps because it was the largest percentage increase to the program.

However, the biggest and most important increase to the food stamps program has been the result of the Emergency Allotment waivers that the USDA has been granting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a temporary increase that has boosted the amount of SNAP benefits that households receive while there is a federal emergency health declaration order in effect. Although this increase is temporary, some households have received this increase for more than two years.

Since the Emergency Allotments are the only increase that will change over time, that is what we will be discussing for the remainder of this article.

For the purposes of this article, we will be discussing the emergency allotments.

How long will the increase in food stamps last?

How long the increase in food stamps will last depends on what state you live in. In order to receive the increase, there are a few things that need to be in place:

There must be a federal health emergency declaration in effect.

The current policy only allows the increase in food stamps to be issued while there is a federal health emergency declaration in effect due to COVID-19.

The USDA will continue issuing emergency allotment waivers until the public health emergency declaration ends. The declaration lasts about 90 days. It was renewed in mid-July 2022 and the current public health emergency declaration is set to expire in mid-October 2022 unless it is renewed.

As long as the federal health emergency declaration remains in effect, eligible states can continue to issue the extra food stamps benefits. Whenever the health emergency declaration ends, states will have one additional month to issue extra “transition” benefits and then the amount will return to the lower pre-pandemic level.

There must be a state health emergency declaration in effect.

In order to be eligible, a state must have a state health emergency declaration in effect due to COVID-19. Some states ended their declarations very early, and others still have them in place. This is why some states are still issuing extra food stamps while others are not.

To find out if your state is still eligible and issuing extra benefits, you can check this state-by-state list.

The state must submit paperwork to the USDA every month.

Eligible states must submit paperwork to the USDA every month. This paperwork verifies that there is still a state emergency declaration due to COVID-19. The paperwork also includes the date that the increase will be sent and how many people will receive it.

States that end their emergency health orders are allowed to issue extra benefits for one more “transition” month before the increase ends. Usually, it will be noted on the paperwork if that state is entering their transition month.

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

These emergency allotments are determined on a monthly basis and are only available in states with an emergency or disaster declaration.

In order to issue the emergency allotments, states must have an emergency or disaster declaration in effect. Some states have already ended their state-level emergency declaration, which means that people in those states are no longer able to receive the increase in food stamps. States that end their emergency declaration early can receive one additional transition month of increased food stamps before returning to their normal food stamp amounts.

How can I know if I’m getting extra food stamps this month?

Basically, the increase in food stamps will last until either one month after the federal public health emergency declaration ends or one month after your state’s public health emergency declaration ends, whichever comes first. To find out if you can expect the increased food stamps amount this month, check the schedule.

The US Department of Health and Human Services issued a memo pledging to provide States with 60 days’ notice before terminating the public health emergency declaration. That 60 days, in addition to the one-month transition period, means that SNAP households should know approximately three months before the increase in food stamps will end as long as their state doesn’t end the state public health emergency declaration sooner.

What is the purpose of the increase in food stamps?

The purpose of the emergency allotments is to alleviate the burden of extra food costs caused by the pandemic.

In a memo dated April 2021, the USDA wrote, “One year into the pandemic, USDA now believes that pandemic-related temporary food needs are unique and that the pandemic requires a unique response different from short-term relief disaster programs. As such, the agency has estimated that the current pandemic-related temporary food needs experienced by a typical household will be addressed by an additional benefit on top of the household’s standard monthly allotment. The Thrifty Food Plan was not intended for circumstances occasioned by a pandemic, which imposes additional limitations as to where households can shop safely and the variety of foods available to them.”

How much is the increase in food stamps?

The USDA has provided guidance to help states calculate the amount of the emergency allotment. According to that guidance, all households will receive at least $95 from the emergency allotment. However, some households will receive considerably more.

According to the USDA’s guidance, the increase in food stamps is calculated in three steps.

First, the households’ base SNAP benefit level is calculated using 115% of the Thrifty Food Plan (instead of the usual 100%).

Second, the household’s base SNAP benefit level is subtracted from the maximum benefit for their household size to find the difference. According to the USDA guideline, “the Emergency Allotment is the difference between the SNAP household’s base benefit calculation and the maximum benefit for the household size.” For example, if your base benefit calculation for Step 1 is $200 and the maximum benefit for your household size is $500, you’ll receive an emergency allotment of $300.

Finally, all households will receive an emergency allotment of at least $95. That means if the results of the second step are $94 or less, you’ll receive $95 automatically.

When will I get the increase in food stamps?

Every state sets their own schedule for the increase in food stamps. Some states send the emergency allotment with their regular benefit payment so that you receive all of your food stamps funds on one day. Other states issue them days or even weeks later as a separate payment. We have a state-by-state schedule that can help you figure out when you’ll get the increase payment.

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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.

Sarah Barber

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

I won't to know if Union south carolina getting the extra food stamp in September 2022

Catherine Marucci

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

Hi Sarah. We keep all the updates on this page: https://lowincomerelief.com/are-we-getting-extra-food-stamps-this-month/

Margaret

Friday 12th of August 2022

I would like to know how long do the extra food stamp last and do we get them for the rest of the 9

Catherine Marucci

Saturday 13th of August 2022

It depends on if they extend them and on the state you live in. The information above is what we know so far. We'll update it as things develop.

Flora. Walker

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

I need more food stamps I only received 162 in food and I pay light bill gas bill electric bill water bill sewage and rent and I have a landline phone and I'm 64 years old

Catherine Marucci

Thursday 28th of July 2022

Hi Flora. This article may be worth checking out. It has some advice for ways to increase your food stamp amount >> https://lowincomerelief.com/more-food-stamps/

judy kanary

Saturday 16th of July 2022

I am a senior age 70 I been getting foodstamps for over 10 years ever since my car accident and brain injury. I am now disabled I also get 20 a month. The extra foodstamps have really been a God Send I been eating really good. But this month in july I went to buy my groceries and my card had 0 on it. I was in panic I got home and was on hold with 211 for almost an hour all they can tell you is that you are denied. The reason why I didn't re-certify. I have never missed my recertification. It is very important to me. I cannot believe they just cut me off. I have sent in a new application but have yet to hear from them. I don't have a car anymore mine broke down and I cannot afford to have it fixed 500 dollars to fix it might as well be a million dollars. That is terrible. So here I sit with no food. I walked to the store after finding change to by bread. The illegals were there with food carts over flowing with food. Here I am a senior citizen and cannot buy nothing but bread. I need food is there any where I can call to get the foodstamp office to look at my case. I never received a denial letter either. They just cut me off. I guess they are to busy giving people who are not ciitizens foodstamps.

Mar Benson

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

@judy kanary, 211 can give you additional information like the phone number to call where the office denied you to talk to them. 211 can give you contacts to local food banks, senior centers, area on aging in your area to get any help or information. Call your medical insurance company and ask them if they can get you a social worker to come to your home to assist you. Or call your PCP to order home health social worker that is what they do is find you local resources to stay healthy and at home. Senior centers are for resources and do home visits also. If you have nothing but bread you call 911 or local police non emergency number for help getting food. 211 can not call ppl for you they give you contacts and know what they can help with. They are not social workers they are information run by United Way in most cities. Governors office is where I call when unable get response from my local DHS office. Local State Reps office also is a contact to get you help. Say what you need before giving a long story. I have no food and no money or way to get food please help me I am a disabled Senior. Food vouchers for summer produce are also available in PA for Farm markets. A monthly food box for seniors is also a new program that can even be delivered. Medicare + Medicaid there is a free meals program called Moms Meals delivered weekly to your door 2 heat able meals per day + powder milk, juice, jello, cookies. You select meals you like after the first week or 2 to get set up. I hope you look into these options and locations. Loneliness and Isolation are serious illnesses and even when family assists they can choose to abuse by taking money, food, possessions and keeping you from contacting outside help. I helped 3 seniors out of 6 mobile homes by fate meeting 1 man. I picked up the phone called Senior reporting line and the doctor on their pill bottle let them know medical problems once left the office no help to manage their lives. USPS will also deliver your mail to your door not away from door on street or local set boxes if your usual location is no longer safe. Put up a box at door or on porch rail and then mail the post master a letter you need mail delivered to your door due to health. Give your phone number also for any questions. Take care of yourself and call call call. My elder had to go to a nursing home and died from neglect last month I am so disturbed he was no bother and so was ignored and denied his outside appointments to Specialists and get eye glasses in pieces. No one cared he was not conscious and died less than 8 hrs no phones in room to call him should be a crime I will at least find a way to change as a denied right of others there. I treated him like family finding him walking and abused and being robbed Police did nothing but deny his mental injury as if he deserved it to be denied protection. It hurts he was treated like a stray dog a facility that also stole his money n nothing in return.

Antoinette

Tuesday 2nd of August 2022

@judy kanary, it’s horrible. This is America. Billions to help a country fight a war. Nothing for poor Americans.

Faith

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

@judy kanary, you got that right,Biden cares more for migrants than our own people! Bb

Janet McDaniel

Tuesday 5th of July 2022

Is Oklahoma getting extra foodstamps for July? The last update was for June.