April 15, 2022 marks the deadline for emergency food stamps that the federal government was giving out for COVID-19.
The programs were temporarily put in place to help Americans who were struggling due to the pandemic financially or who needed additional services.
The pandemic allowed the government to to declare a public health emergency in 2020.
Can I buy my kids Easter baskets with my EBT card?
The emergency was extended on Jan. 16, 2022 until April 15, 2022.
There has not been a new extension announced, and if there isn’t, families risk losing benefits.
While that sounds daunting to many, the government has provided guidance to states to phase out instead of ending benefits abruptly.
Americans that collect food stamps may be eligible for a second set of benefits
What’s happening with emergency food stamps?
Families receive at least $95 more dollars per month in food stamps.
As the deadline grows closer, states are fulling funds back or giving residents a notice.
The following states have ended the emergency benefits
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- South Dakota
Indiana and West Virginia will end benefits in May.
States not on the list are still giving emergency food stamps in April.
States must notify beneficiaries at least one month in advance before ending benefits.
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