These SNAP Benefits Are Expiring in 32 States
The Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) , a federal initiative designed to help low-income Americans access more food, received temporary support in response to COVID-19, due to end March 1. These pandemic-era SNAP benefits, known as emergency allotments (EAs), are expiring in 32 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here’s what you need to know about the current status of SNAP benefits.
Stopping Pandemic-Related SNAP Benefits
As the USDA explains, the emergency SNAP payments were a temporary strategy to help low-income homes cope with the pandemic. But with the passage of a $1.7 trillion Congressional Comprehensive Package this year, all SNAP household benefits will return to normal amounts with no additional surcharge.
After 17 states already cut benefits earlier this year, March 2023 will be the first month that all SNAP benefits will be paid at standard rates nationwide. This means that if you live in a state where emergency payments have already been eliminated, your benefits have already returned to normal amounts – you should not see any other changes compared to the recent law.
The end of EA’s pandemic era means each household’s SNAP benefits will be cut by at least $90-$95. (For households that receive fewer benefits due to higher income, they could be reduced by $250 a month or more.)
What does this look like for your daily grocery expenses? NBC reports that this equates to a reduction in the average of about $9 per person per day to about $6.10. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the change comes at a time when food prices rose 10% year-over-year. (Just look at egg prices these days .)
Which states are going to cut their SNAP benefits?
If you receive SNAP benefits in any of the following states, expect your benefits to drop starting March 1st.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- NY
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Several factors determine eligibility for SNAP, so check with your state if you think you might be eligible, or check what your typical benefits would be. For more information, check out some of the surprise things you can buy with SNAP .