This year brings changes to food stamp benefits for eligible Americans. Both current recipients and those considering applying should be aware of these changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The United States Department of Agriculture has encouraged states to end the emergency allotment program under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2023. While some states are still offering the program, it has already ended in several states and is expected to end in all states in the coming year, according to KATC News on January 10, 2023.
Immigrants can receive SNAP without fear of immigration consequences for themselves or their families, according to the Food and Nutrition Service.
Immigrants may be hesitant to apply for SNAP benefits due to confusion and fear of immigration consequences. FNS aims to clarify changes and increase trust for eligible families to access nutritional support.
Some states have increased maximum and minimum benefits and changed income limits, resulting in more people becoming ineligible.
A report by Marco on December 22, 2022 stated that states are introducing the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) to make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to access food benefits. ESAP is for those with long-term disabilities and fixed incomes.