Millions of Americans who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, will receive less money for food starting in March.
SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps, received a boost three years ago as part of a pandemic-era emergency allotment.
But these extra benefits — which gave recipients an average of $95 or more a month to buy groceries — are set to expire in March under a new government spending bill.
How Are SNAP Benefits Changing?
For nearly three years, emergency allotments allowed all SNAP households to receive an additional $95 per month, or the maximum benefit amount for their household size, whichever was greater.
Residents in some states have already seen their benefits cut. Thirty-two states plus the District of Columbia are still providing the boost, but only until March, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In South Carolina, benefits return to normal this month.
Bigger benefits have already expired in these states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming.
Impact of Smaller SNAP Benefits on the Most Vulnerable
About 41 million Americans with low-incomes received SNAP benefits in 2021, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
More than 80% of SNAP recipients are part of a working family, a person with a severe disability or a senior citizen living on a fixed income.
Seniors on Social Security will be hit hardest by the pull back in SNAP benefits.
