Food Stamp Questions Answered

We’ve had many people asking us “What’s up with SNAP benefits (food stamps)?” The more people who know what is happening, possibly the less confusion. Please feel free to share the information below.

Every October 1, SNAP benefits are adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living.

In April 2009, a law called The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 raised SNAP benefits to help people affected by the recession.

The increased benefits provided by this law are expected to expire on November 1, 2013.

SNAP recipients will see two changes in their benefit amounts during the fall of 2013.

1.       First, benefits will increase slightly for most households on October 1 to reflect the costs of food.

2.       Then, most families will see their benefits decrease on November 1 due the end of the extra benefits provided by the 2009 law.

An example would be a one person HH who is receiving $200 (no income household) in October will see a decrease of $11 – monthly benefits now $189

$20 decrease for family of 2

$29 decrease for family of 3

$36 decrease for family of 4

The state will be sending all SNAP recipients a reduction notice.  This will be sent out on October 15th.

Please note that this has nothing to do with the current government shut down.