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SNAP Benefits Are Going Up. Here’s How To Apply

Good Nesting
3 min read

With food costs going up and the coronavirus pandemic still a part of everyday life, there’s no better time than now to apply for food stamps, especially since SNAP benefits are going up.

If your budget was tight before due to the pandemic, it’s probably a lot tighter now. Even if you’ve done your best to save money, essentials are getting more expensive, which means your dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to. Need proof? Go to the grocery store and buy your usual items. You’ll see that your bill is a lot higher, even without expensive impulse purchases added to the mix.

One way to offset those food expenses is with help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. With it, you can get monthly benefits (that some still call food stamps) to go grocery shopping without putting a massive dent in your pocket.

If you’re already familiar with SNAP, here’s some exciting news: You should be getting more cash on your EBT card so you can buy more groceries or lessen the sting of those rising food costs.

How much more money can you expect from SNAP? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the amount is $36 extra per month for the average SNAP recipient. That equals almost an extra $150 per month for a family of four that can use that additional money to buy more meat, chicken, and fish, so their kids get more protein. They can use the increased SNAP benefits to buy more fruits and vegetables with essential nutrients to boost immunity. And for added convenience and less stress, they can also stop relying so heavily on local food shelters, as their food stamps will cover more costs.

The monthly SNAP increase goes live in October 2021. It will give 42 million SNAP recipients more money for groceries, representing the most prominent food stamp boost since 1975. If you’re not a SNAP recipient, you may be wondering if you’ll be left out in the cold. As long as you meet SNAP’s eligibility requirements and apply for the program, the answer is no.

Applying For SNAP Benefits

Although most families could use food stamps to help buy groceries, the program is intended to assist those with the most financial need. Eligibility for SNAP depends primarily on your income. As long as you make less than a certain amount for your area, you could get food stamps to start filling your fridge. While your local SNAP office will have the specifics, a family of four should have a monthly gross income that does not exceed $2,871, while their monthly net income should not exceed $2,209.

To begin the SNAP application process and see if you’re eligible, visit this link. Contact your SNAP office to kickstart the process, and get help with filling out your application if necessary via the following resources:

  • Dial 211 on your phone
  • mRelief
  • Hunger Free America
  • Feeding America
  • USA.gov
  • USDA

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