The U.S. Agricultural Department’s Food and Nutrition Service said the government would terminate the additional food stamp benefits implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic nationally in February.
That means the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which provides financial assistance to low-income families to prevent food insecurity, may soon reach pre-pandemic levels after almost three years.
However, emergency SNAP allotments have been lastly extended to February 2023 in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 06: Brittney Nance fills out an application for food stamps at the Yolo County Department of Employment & Social Services March 6, 2009 in West Sacramento, California. Brittney and her family were evicted from the house they were renting after her husband, Steve Nance, lost his job. The couple and their three children are living in a budget motel while they save enough money for deposit on a new rental home, but are finding it difficult as they pay nearly $1200 a month for the motel room. All five live in a small studio sized room with most of their belongings. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
SNAP Benefits February 2022: 25 States to Receive Food Stamps For The Last Time
As GOBankingRates reported, the SNAP benefit for February will be the final emergency allocations authorized under the COVID-19 pandemic. This indicates that SNAP beneficiaries in some states will face a reduction in their monthly payouts of at least $95.
But several states may decide to continue offering monthly emergency allotments as long as there is a national public health emergency in effect and the state has a state-level emergency proclamation in effect.
The following states have received exemptions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
- Wisconsin
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Utah
- Texas
- Pennsylvania
- Oregon
- Oklahoma
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Maine
- Louisiana
- Kansas
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island
- Hawaii
- New Hampshire
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Colorado
- North Carolina
- California
- Alabama
Unfortunately, Axios said the emergency food stamp allowances have already come to an end in 17 states. These include Wyoming, Tennessee, South Dakota, North, Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Idaho, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and Alaska.
ALSO READ: Eligibility Guideline For The SNAP Benefits In February
Changes to Affect Many Americans
USDA data showed more than 41 million Americans used Food Stamps in 2022. Hence, many family budgets may suffer if they lose the additional SNAP payments in March.
While there are no simple solutions, The Fool said people should not disregard the issue. The more you can prepare for the change in income now, and maybe even alter your expenditure, the less unpleasant it will be.
RELATED ARTICLE: SNAP Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions
