This October 2021, almost all households benefiting from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a moderate increase in the amount they will receive. SNAP beneficiaries need not do anything as the increase is automatic and will be released by the different states.
What Is SNAP
SNAP is a federal program providing financial aid to low-income families so they can purchase healthy foods. The USDA estimates that the program helps feed more than 42 million Americans monthly.
Why Is There An Increase In SNAP Benefits?
There is an increase in SNAP benefits because the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently re-evaluated the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which is the basis of SNAP benefit amounts. They did the re-evaluation to reflect the current data as to the cost of a healthy diet. The re-evaluation then increased the purchasing power of regular SNAP benefits, a first since 1975. As a result, there will be a 21 percent increase in the amounts that SNAP beneficiaries are to receive, Courier-Journal reported.
Further, the 15 percent increase of SNAP benefits placed in January this year will be expiring. With the expiration and the re-evaluation of SNAP benefits to a 21 percent increase, the amount that SNAP beneficiaries will expect is around $12 to $16 per person per month. For example, for a household with two people, the increase will be $29 for both. For households that have eight people, the increase will be $96, or $12 per person.
Is The Increase Permanent?
The increase for the SNAP benefits is permanent as opposed to the other increases in the past. However, it is worth noting that if SNAP beneficiaries are getting pandemic-related Emergency Allotments, which will end soon, there will be changes in the amount they will receive this October. If SNAP beneficiaries have questions regarding their amount, they are encouraged to contact their local SNAP office.
