“Are you on SNAP benefits? You may notice some changes to your benefit amounts through June of this year. Check out what this means for your family!”
On December 27, 2020 a bill to support individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic was signed.[1] This bill increases Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by raising the maximum allotments to 115 percent of the June 2020 value of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). This change will be in effect from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. [2]
There is an increase in maximum benefit amounts. A typical household of four people in the 48 states and D.C. will receive up to $102 more than before. States will return to the usual benefit amounts on July 1, 2021. Read more about it in this memo. [3]
What is the maximum benefit for my household? [4]
Maximum SNAP Benefits for 48 States and D.C. through June 30, 2021
| Household size | Maximum benefit |
| 1 | $234 |
| 2 | $430 |
| 3 | $616 |
| 4 | $782 |
| 5 | $929 |
| 6 | $1,114 |
| 7 | $1,232 |
| 8 | $1,408 |
| Each additional person | +$176 |
Maximum SNAP allotments are different for Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; those amounts can be found here.
The state agencies will return to the FY2021 benefit allotments on July 1, 2021, as stated in this memo.
SNAP households are also eligible for other assistance programs to help fulfill their nutrition needs. For example, SNAP participants may be able to receive:
- Free School Meals – Thanks to flexibilities provided by USDA, schools and other sites can provide meals at no cost to all children through federal summer meal programs. Families can find meals at more than 87,000 locations across the country using FNS’ “Meals 4 Kids” interactive site finder. [5] [6]
- WIC benefits –This is a supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). WIC provides food, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education to people who qualify. This includes low income pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. [7]
- Pandemic EBT – A new benefit, authorized in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, provides families of children who normally receive free or reduced-price meals at school with food-buying benefits similar to SNAP. [8]
- CSFP food boxes – The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides boxes of nutritious, USDA-purchased foods to low-income seniors. [9]
- Emergency Food Assistance Program– This program provides low-income Americans, including elderly people, emergency food at no cost. The food is provided by the states to local agencies like food banks. The food is then given to local organizations, such as soup kitchens and food pantries which then give the food to the public. [10]
[1] Consolidated Appropriations Act –Congress.gov
[2]Temporary Increase in Maximum Allotments-Food and Nutrition Service- USDA
[3]SNAP FY 2021 Cost– of– Living Adjustments- USDA
[4]SNAP- Temporary Increase in Maximum Allotments-Food and Nutrition Services
[5]Free Meals for Kids- Food and Nutrition Service- USDA
[6]Find Meals for Kids When Schools are Closed- USDA
[7]Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
[9] Commodity Supplemental Food Program
[10] Emergency Food Assistance Program
# USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Written by Leslie Davis, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES | edited by the nutrition education team
Posted on March 3, 2021
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