As January grows near, 22 states have opted to extend their emergency food stamp SNAP benefits to help support struggling residents.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues, so many states want to continue to support their most vulnerable populations.
In April, an additional $1 billion had been allocated to the SNAP program, or food stamps, to help give families more money as inflation grew.
Related: Are states giving Americans more emergency food stamp SNAP benefits in January?
The funding provided helps up to 25 million Americans struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic.
The expanded benefits were set to expire Sept. 30, but many states opted to continue them every month.
Related: If you claim food stamp SNAP or Social Security benefits, you’ll soon receive them faster
Here are 22 states extending the food stamp SNAP benefit increase through Jan. 2022
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Other states might announce their decision to extend benefits between now and Jan. 1, 2022.
Related: You may have your food stamp SNAP benefits cut with the Social Security COLA increase
Who gets food stamps?
The average family receives around $210.07 per month in food stamps, according to the USDA.
Eligibility requirements are different for every state, it’s best to contact your local office.
There are other programs that can help families struggling financially to obtain food as well.
Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for Android (All Android Devices) or iOS (iPhone, iPad).
