If you receive SNAP benefits, you will no longer get an extra payment – a SNAP Emergency Allotment (EA) – on your EBT card in the second half of every month. February 2023 was the last month for these allotments.
In March 2020, Congress created extra monthly payments for folks eligible for food stamps to help them deal with the financial impact of the pandemic. These extra payments brought them up to the maximum benefit allowed for their household size every month (see the chart below), or were an additional $95/month for those already getting the max. It required an emergency declaration be in place at both the federal and state level, and the federal government had to approve states’ SNAP distribution plans every month.
On December 23, Congress passed budget legislation that – among many other things – ended SNAP Emergency Allotments in February 2023! This is the case even though Pres. Biden renewed the federal COVID-19 emergency declaration in January.
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- Congress’ decision to end SNAP EA was part of a deal to create a permanent nationwide Summer EBT program for families with children on SNAP. We will have more info on that once it’s available.
- In the meantime, the video below and this flyer explain more about this change and how to ensure you get as much SNAP as you can now that Emergency Allotments are ending. You might want to check to see whether your regular SNAP amount is correct.
- If you are already eligible for the maximum benefit for your household size, you cannot get more.
- Our SNAP eligibility screener can help you figure out how much food stamps you’re eligible for. If the calculator says you should be getting more, it may be that the state’s County Assistance Office is counting the wrong income or doesn’t know about all your expenses.
How long are my SNAP benefits good for?
These benefits won’t expire and do not need to be spent by any deadline. As long as an EBT card is used at least once every six months, the benefits can stay on the card forever, even if you become ineligible for SNAP. If PA Dept. of Human Services moves unused benefits out of your account due to extended card inactivity, you can get the benefits back if you explain why you didn’t use them.
I am on a fixed income and even with the raise in social security, I can hardly make it. I too was upset and concerned about the cut in food stamps. I am now down to $23 a month and don’t know how I can keep paying the increases without help. My gas bill went up $140 a month, the electric up $40 and my condo fee went up $25 a month and I am still paying my mortgage.
So very upset. Behind in everything, Schuylkill county doesn’t have a housing counselor to help, now extra food stamps are ending. How are people supposed to survive? Something needs to be done. Billions and billions are being sent overseas and people are struggling here.
I have 3 other people in my household and only get $35. a month because of our income however 90% of our income goes towards bills (some of which welfare don’t count). With the inflation going up explain how 35.00 is enough to feed 4 people?
The emergency fund was great. Thank you. How can even 1 person live on $14/month with prices so outrageous. Please keep increase.
Thank you.
Pat Parker
Please do not do this.Times are tougher than ever,pandemic or not.Covid is not over—and inflation is out of control.People are facing famine,drought,and civil unrest in Somalia—-there is the horrible war in Ukraine where the Russians are getting away wiyh unimaginable atrocities, the mass shootins go on,with one occurring almost every day.I am afraid to turn on the news.It’s a tough tim3e to live through.Why make it harder on people—just let them have the extra 80 bucks for God’s sake!
I couldn’t have read more truer words…I work full time, hours have been cut though n I just applied for food stamps again after not having any type of assistance for almost 10 years, inflation is horrible, gas, food, utilities, every single thing has gone up in price,,,,,but not our wages!!!
I work for Amazon, one of biggest retailers,,n I am suffering!
I’m very upset about the 2nd deposit ending. I really don’t know how we are going to be able to afford groceries. The 2nd deposit helped everyone. I’m assuming the summer ebt program will only be for families of school age children, which isn’t us. Can barely afford to heat my house and now soon won’t be able to afford grocery shopping. Just great
This is horrific that Congress passed a bill not giving the emergency allotments after February 23 while we are all in a bad way with inflation. Now I’m not going to be able to eat. I have to pay my bills first then there’s no money left for food. This is very upsetting.
This is so sad as even with the extra payment my family of seven was having a hard time making it last because of inflation but it sure did help. I’m so scared now without because we are alrdy behind on rent and bills and at least with that payment we were able to put less towards food. And food banks only help so much. This is just so disappointing that our world is the way it is right now. However I will say i am grateful for the assistance we do get. Just bumming because it’s no longer near enough.
Ok. So for the next two months I will have to make every snap dollar count. I’ll start stocking up on the special diet (gluten and lactose free) foods I need because after February I won’t be able to afford them. Not on $209 a month for two people.
*sigh*
Please keep in mind that you don’t need to use all your SNAP benefits by the end of February. SNAP benefits don’t expire (as long as you use your card at least once every 9 months) and whatever doesn’t get used one month rolls over to the next. So you can try to spread your benefits out more over the coming months instead of stockpiling food now.
TRY 125 FOR 5 PPL
We are a family of 6. Approved for $7/month. The only plus side is my kids get free lunch at school now so that saves a little bit. We applied in February so didn’t receive the extra benefits since they ended.
Food stamps should be increased to the sum of the 2 amounts per month that we now receive. On one can live on $16. Per month. We give away more food to other countries then we do for our own ppl.
YES! The income limits should be raised!
Oh so true!
Can anyone tell me when will we see a increase in Tanf. Extra snap is always appropriate especially as a single parent. but as prices rise on everyday essentials. Laundry, clothing for kids, etc tanf doesn’t go up though. I’ve read articles on grant blocks but yet anything has to happen …
If it wasn’t for the pandemic food stamps I would not be getting them. I was told that I get to much money from disability for me and my son. By the time I paid everything I have every little for food. I have 2 kids and myself. I really hope they keep this going because we wouldn’t be eating.
Please Just Harvest, Please advocate on our behalf, people don’t understand, My husband and I received Social security. We receive less that 1,400 a month. We got a raise in our Social security check the amt. we were receiving was $ 252 a month. well they took, $36 away. Since the emergency Declaration we’ve been getting the full amt. of $459. With $459 we are able to buy fruits and vegetables, and some meats. Out food barley last a month with $459. When the decaration is stopped we weill be back to $216. How can you believe this is enough for two adults with dietary restrictions, and health issues to eat evwery day. You have to ration out your food. We are not the only ones having this issue. Food prices are going up. why can’t keep it at the $459 a month. Please people advocate for people like us. Please. thank you.
How does the government think 1person can live on$19 a month worth of food. Food prices have gone up tremendously.
I totally agree. There is no way I can live on $23 a month. I am 75 and retired on only Social Security. It’s about time the government of this state and federal agencies start thinking about us and not other countries. We need help here and now especially with inflation the way it is. We shouldn’t be in this position considering having worked all my life and paid into the system.
I was wondering when the back SNAP (9/11/’20-4/30/’21) will be added? That did not show up in the recent round of payments
The first round of those past due benefits for the month of April are going out this month. If you are owed money for that time period because you were approved for max SNAP but didn’t get any extra benefits during the pandemic, then the date you receive the April portion is based on the last digit of your benefits case number. You can refer to the chart on this page for that distribution schedule. In future months during the pandemic that you’re approved for max SNAP, you’ll use this chart to see when you should expect the extra $95 you’ll be getting each month.
We’re still not sure when exactly the state is going to issue the benefits owed for September-March but have heard it will be in May or June.
I know this page and comments are a little outdated, but between my local food bank and these Snap increases, it is so nice not to worry as much about food as I have in the past. I would hope the administration will look into increasing these benefits permanently in the future, even if it is just a little bit. I know when it was $15-$16 it really did not help much, now I do not have to worry as much about cutting back here and there to buy the necessary food I need.
Have not received October’s increase yet. These increases have really helped. I think every month it comes a few days later so if the the COVID-19 last a really long time the payments will lapse.
The SNAP payment schedule varies month to month but these second payments always take place in the second half of the month (generally starting the 15th or later) on weekdays that aren’t federal holidays. So depending on what the last digit of your case number is, you may in fact get your second payment on the 29th one month and the 31st the next. But unless you have just been approved for SNAP in the latter half of a month (in which case the state will deposit the second payment for that month on your card two months later), those second payments will always take place within the month and will not lapse for as long as these max benefits are continued.
The maximum SNAP allotment are supposed to increase as of October 2020. For a family of one (my circumstance) the benefit is supposed to go from $194 to $204. Does JH have any information on that? Thanks!
Yes — this page has now been updated with that information.
All recipients should be allowed the extra allotment weather tgey are at the max or not. The max dosen’t mean that those families don’t need tge extra help as well. We are at the max because of our household sizes and income guidelines. Which mean all those at the max should still receive the same help.
We completely agree and are advocating that the Trump administration change their policy on this as well as increase the maximum benefit for all households. If you would like to submit a statement about why being denied extra SNAP benefits because you were already at the maximum has hurt you, and how extra food assistance would help you right now, it will help us in our advocacy efforts with federal officials.
Please also use our easy form to send a letter to Sen. Casey and Toomey urging them to pass the HEROES Act, which would increase SNAP benefits for everyone, and to make sure extra benefits go to *all* SNAP households during this emergency: http://www.justharvest.org/tell-the-senate-to-pass-the-heroes-act-and-strengthen-snap-now/
We don’t receive the maximum amount for our family size but we didn’t receive any extra either? Is there other reasons why you may not get the extra?
If you never received it that’s likely because you were approved for food stamps after early April. That’s when it was determined who in PA would be receiving a second payment. Unfortunately, this means DHS has decided you won’t be getting this second payment for April. If you continue to be eligible for SNAP in May and June then you should get second payments in those months to bring your household up to the maximum benefit level.
We are still advocating that DHS issue second payments to everyone who received food stamps for any part of April so that they receive the maximum allotment for this month as well.
This policy has been changed. New SNAP applicants who are processed after the 10th of the month (or around then) will not receive their second SNAP payments that same month, but they will receive it. Late March applicants should have received their SNAP emergency allotment in May; April’s should post sometime in June; May’s should post in July; and so on.
If I only received partial Mar and all April and my number end in 8. Would I see a extra disbursement?
Yes. You should have received the extra disbursement by now. Please contact us if you didn’t by calling (412) 431-8960 x602.
Will there be an extra allotment of food stamps because of the coronavirus emergency for May 2020.
Yes! There will be additional SNAP benefits each month for the duration of the crisis, as long as there is an emergency or disaster declaration. So we are expecting extra SNAP payments in May and likely in June as well at this point.
Hi, if we received the benefits april 16th, must they all be used by the end of April, or will the extra benefits roll into May? Thank you.
In PA, unused benefits roll over to the next month but must be used within three months. But for these extra payments, as long as you are using your card, they won’t take back the extra benefits.
Will we still get benefits I’m May even though we got Extra in April?
Yes. If you’re supposed to receive benefits in May then you will still receive them. You will also receive an extra benefit allotment for May too, and every month for as long as there is an official emergency declaration in place. But because this is a new policy, the extra May payment may not show up until June. Hopefully by June they will have the two payments set to be regular every month, or perhaps combined into one lump payment. We will be working on this issue and will share info on this page as we have it.
What if you get 194 already I dont understand this will I get extra benefits
What is your household size? If you are already receiving the maximum for your household size then you will not get extra benefits this month. Advocates will be working to try to address this problem for future months.
What happens if they declare the emergency over? Do we just drop back to where we were? I’m glad for the extra help but groceries have gotten so expensive it’s now like we aren’t getting extra. I’m worried about being able to feed my Granddaughter. I’m raising her. Thank you for the information and keeping us updated.
Unfortunately, yes — once the emergency declaration ends your benefits will return to what they were. We understand these aren’t sufficient, that’s why we’re working to lobby Congress to increase SNAP benefits and other assistance. Senator Casey and Senator Toomey need to hear from you. Use the form on this page to send a message to them to increase SNAP now! https://www.justharvest.org/tell-the-senate-to-pass-the-heroes-act-and-strengthen-snap-now/
Ok..so the residents that receive the maximum is not going to get extra Benefits..but the rest are?
Thank you I received them????????
That’s great!
Correct.
How long will we recieve extra snap food stamps?
So far the federal government has only approved additional benefits for April. We are waiting to hear from the USDA as to whether there will be additional benefits in future months as well during this crisis. We are also advocating at the state level regarding PA’s efforts to make additional food stamps available for households with children. We will post separately on that when we know more.
We learned today that the USDA has approved additional SNAP benefits each month for the duration of the crisis. (This will depends on how long both the federal and state government have issued an emergency or disaster declaration.) We’ll be working with our allies to try to get them to provide extra monthly beneits for the 40% of households that were already getting the max.
Hi my name is Joanie.and I hope they extend the snap benefits for all Americans who are desperate in need . AndI for one will speek for my self I’m one of them desperate person in need for snap for my family and so please do whatever you can to keep snap going thank you joanie
Hello..Is the entire Pa going to receive extra Benefits..or is certain areas in Pa?
Thanks for asking. All of PA, though not all PA food stamp recipients.
I received food stamps in march and april i usually get them on the 7th of each month. I am a single person…How much more will I receive and when?
That would depend on how much you’re receiving right now.
This is tragic news to read. This is the reason why black and brown have been so deeply and disproportionate ravaged by this deadly virus. It all stems from a deep rooted systemic racial inequality; leaving those who have the most needs left with little or no resources or options. This is a crisis, an emergency. How and why are substantial segments of the population pushed through the cracks and recieve no help from their elected officials? It conjures up feelings that make me want to chant “black lives matter”. But a heart-felt thank you for any people that your organization haa been able to help.
Thank you for your comment, Ms. Howze. We fully agree that this is a crisis, and it is affecting people of color, low-wage workers, and women disproportionately. The people who struggle and are vulnerable in the “best of times” are the ones hardest hit in the worst of times. So helping people must mean more than direct assistance. It requires working to undo this country’s long history of systemic inequality. Which is why we advocate at all levels of government to improve key public policies and programs that address hunger and hardship. For more on our advocacy efforts, check out http://www.justharvest.org/advocacy and http://www.justharvest.org/get-involved/take-action-to-change-public-policy
They give 15 dollars a month im on fixed income does this mean ill get more
Hi Mr. Boal,
Yes, if you are the only person in your household you will get $179 to bring you up to $194 for the month.