Millions of Americans benefit each month from food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits. This helps low income families be able to afford food.
This February, 12 states have announced they’ll be extending their emergency food stamps to residents who qualify.
With COVID-19 still spreading, many states want to be sure their residents are taken care of.
In April of 2021, the federal government provided an extra $1 billion dollars toward food stamp programs in the United States.
Food assistance: Nutrition assistance programs explained
The funding helped 25 million people from low income households that needed the assistance.
Many states chose to extend emergency benefits in January, and now some are continuing it for February.
The minimum amount families will see is at least $95.
Food stamps: Some eligible for payments of $1,504
Food stamps extended in these states
States extending benefits include
- Alabama
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Other states may announce their plans to extended benefits soon.
Inflation and job loss has created more issues for people seeking affordable food.
5 more things you can get with SNAP benefits
Apply for SNAP benefits
To apply for food stamps, you need to apply in the state you reside in.
Every state has different rules and requirements, but in general your gross income needs to be up tp 130% of the federal poverty line.
The number of people in your family influences how much you’ll get as well.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].