Four food stamp changes over the next month – will you get extra cash?

FOOD stamps are changing in a number of ways over the next month, affecting the payouts for recipients.

The food stamps are also known as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

It provides food assistance to around 42million households across the US.

The scheme provides a pre-loaded card to families that lets them buy food such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish bread and cereals.

The benefit is delivered monthly through electronic debit cards, which can be used to buy groceries at more than 238,000 retailers nationwide.

Generally, food stamps are limited to people with gross incomes up to 130% of the federal poverty line.

This starts at $12,880 for a single-person household and rises depending on the family size, with the threshold set at $26,500 for four people.

Below we explain four changes to be aware of for September and October. You can check out how to apply in our guide.

1. Covid boost worth 15% is ending

Households have seen their food stamps boosted by 15% during Covid, but this support will end on September 30.

The boost provides about $27 extra per person, per month, or more than $100 more per month for a household of four.

The extra help was first announced in March 2021 and was made possible thanks to the American Rescue Plan.

2. New permanent hike of 27%

Once the temporary boost ends, the food stamps will get a permanent increase of around 27% from October 1.

It means the average monthly per person benefit will rise from $121 to $157 - a boost of $36.

However, the amount varies between states - you can check how much you'll get in our guide.

The new support will be available to all households claiming food stamps.

The aid, approved by President Joe Biden, was formally announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in mid-August.

3. Risk of cuts in debt ceiling battle

Food stamps are also at risk of being cut in the next month in a debt ceiling battle.

The Biden administration recently warned state and local governments about cuts to federal programs if Congress fails to raise the debt limit.

With the total debt standing at $28.4trillion, the government would be forced to slash the support unless the cap is suspended or lifted.

The US debt limit is the amount of money Congress allows the Treasury Department to borrow.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned Congress that the federal government will run out of cash to pay its bills in October.

4. Disaster food stamps in Louisiana

Eligible households in Louisiana who were affected by Hurricane Ida can get temporary support from the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) from this month.

This means that families who don't usually qualify for regular food stamps can get disaster assistance.

Eligible households will get one month of benefits, which is equal to the maximum monthly amount for a SNAP household of their size.

In Louisiana, the maximum food stamp benefit for one person is set at $204 while a family of four can get up to $680.

To be eligible for D-SNAP, a household must live in the identified disaster area and have been affected by the disaster.

You must also meet certain disaster food stamp eligibility criteria, which we've listed in our guide.

The application process started yesterday, September 20 - you can get more details on how to do so on the Department of Children & Services website.