Mammoth AwardsSee how much you can get and how to apply if you haven’t already.
Many are still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic and its adverse financial effects. Combine that with everyday items that are getting more expensive, and it’s gotten a lot harder to simply stay afloat.
While it’s hard to find good news these days, something positive happened regarding food stamps: Their benefits have gone up, which can give you a chance to buy more food for your family and offset some of those rising costs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that starting in October 2021, the average food stamp recipient will get $36 more per month. For a family of four, that amounts to an extra $150 for groceries. What could you do with that money? You could afford to buy more meat to make healthy, balanced meals for you and your kids. You could buy more fruits and vegetables to boost immunity and strengthen defenses for the upcoming winter months. And you could also keep your food stamp benefits from running out, which could mean less reliance on local food shelters to pick up your necessities.
The USDA increase to food stamps (formally called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) is the most considerable boost since 1975. By giving the average SNAP recipient families an extra $150 per month, it’s estimated that this latest increase will cost the government $20 billion per year.
The SNAP increase is excellent news for the program’s 42 million recipients. But a huge issue is the fact that many struggling families don’t know the program exists, or they find it too complex to apply and qualify for. If you’re one such family who could use SNAP money each month to buy groceries, keep reading to see how to get it.
SNAP Explained
The USDA administers SNAP. Benefits are based on how much it would cost to feed a family foods that are healthy yet affordable. Household size and income determine eligibility for SNAP.
You will have to make below a certain income to qualify, which will depend on your state office’s requirements. On average, a family of four can qualify with a monthly gross income of less than $2,871 and a monthly net income of less than $2,209.
How To Get SNAP Benefits
Since states manage food stamps, your first step is to contact your local SNAP office. You can do so by going here. You should be able to get a SNAP application online. If not, visit your local SNAP office or call them to get one.
Since some say SNAP applications are lengthy and hard to complete, you may need help. If that’s the case, call your county or local department of social services and ask for assistance with completing your SNAP application. You can also call 211 and ask if they know of any services or nonprofits that help families secure SNAP benefits, such as the following:
You can also find more info on SNAP by visiting these government websites:
