SNAP Cuts 2023 – The recent Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, passed by Congress brings significant changes to SNAP benefits, which will affect millions of low-income households in the United States. One of the most notable changes is the end of SNAP emergency allotments, which were introduced as a temporary measure to assist households during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SNAP Cuts 2023
Due to SNAP cuts, as of February 2023, all SNAP households will no longer receive emergency allotments, and their benefits will return to normal amounts by March 2023. Emergency allotments gave an extra $95 in benefits or an additional benefit equal to the maximum benefit for the size of the household, whichever amount was higher.
When emergency allotments end, SNAP recipients will receive their regular benefit amount, which may be less than the maximum benefit for their household size, depending on their income. It’s important to note that 18 states already had their SNAP benefits return to normal amounts and are therefore not affected by the recent law. States include:
- Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
However, according to USDA, if you live in any of the other 32 states, DC, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, your benefits will return to normal amounts starting with the March 2023 issuance. All SNAP households received a temporary boost in benefits due to emergency allotments, so all SNAP households have or will see a decrease in the SNAP benefits they receive when emergency allotments end.
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Social Security Adjustment
Moreover, the Social Security adjustment will only affect SNAP households that receive Social Security benefits, and the impact is not dollar for dollar. Although the Social Security adjustment increased Social Security benefits more than it decreased SNAP benefits, some households may still experience a more significant decrease in their SNAP benefits due to the end of emergency allotments occurring at or around the same time.
It’s essential to contact your local SNAP office for additional information on your specific benefit amounts. Nearly half (47%) of SNAP households receive Social Security benefits, and most, but not necessarily all, of those households will see a change in their SNAP benefit amounts, as SNAP eligibility and benefits depend on various factors.
In conclusion, SNAP cuts and changes to SNAP benefits due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, of 2023 law will affect millions of low-income households in the United States. If you are a SNAP recipient, it’s crucial to contact your local SNAP office for specific information on your benefit amounts and plan accordingly for any changes that may occur. Although the end of emergency allotments may lead to a decrease in benefits, the Social Security adjustment will provide a net gain for all affected households.
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