Emergency SNAP Benefits to Last Until February

The emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has helped many families receive additional food benefits since March 2020. However, as there are no lockdowns now, the pandemic-related benefits are also beginning to end. As of January, over 30 states were still paying for emergency allotments, which will continue until February. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), in 2023, the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four is $939. The extra SNAP is used by families to cover other costs such as rent and utilities.

However, the emergency allotment of SNAP will end by February, which means that families will receive less money. According to the Food Research and Action Center, SNAP recipients are going to lose $82 a month.

According to MSN News, rising inflation and the impending end of emergency SNAP will have a significant impact on lower-income households. The following are some tips on how to prepare for the end of emergency SNAP payments:

1. Reorganize your finances

• Check how much less you will receive and how it will affect your total income. Also, check out your spending habits, you might want to lessen your expenses in some areas or find ways to earn more money. Check if you’re eligible for other financial assistance.

Review your finances and plan ahead before the emergency SNAP benefits end. (Photo: Freepik)

2. Check if you’re eligible for other financial assistance.

• There are a lot of federal assistance programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To check out more financial assistance programs in your area, you can check the benefits.gov website or call the United Way Hotline at 2-1-1. 

Many family budgets may suffer if they lose the additional SNAP payments in March. It is important to plan ahead and take the necessary measures to survive the upcoming months and increasing inflation.