The SNAP program is a Federal program that is administered by states. The CARES Act on March 27, 2020 provided an extra $15.5 billion to the SNAP program to help folks feed their families. You will need to click here to find out what benefits and expansions have been made available to you in your specific state.
However, I can tell you that in my specific state (Missouri) the following provisions have been made:
- Phone interview requirements waived
- Provisionally accepting everyone who meets the income requirements for 3 months and then will reevaluate.
- Re-certification requirements temporarily waived
- The MAX amount allowed for your household size is being granted. (THIS IS BIG!)
- Normally, monthly SNAP benefit amounts are on a sliding scale based on the household size and gross income. Now, forget the sliding scale, if you are a household of 3 and are under the gross income requirement, you’ve got the full benefits for that household size coming your way. This benefit is called P-SNAP in Missouri.
- Those who have children receiving free and reduced lunches at school will receive those benefits on their SNAP card instead (called P-EBT) if your school has been closed due to the virus.
Again, those are just specifics based on my state of Missouri. All in all, just give them a call. You may qualify even if you think you don’t. And if you are currently receiving SNAP, check your balance cause it may have increased!
Note: Several individuals I have talked with have described feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment when needing to apply for unemployment or any public benefits. I want to let you know it is completely okay to feel that way, and it is also completely okay to take advantage of benefits. The government said your job had to stop. That is not based on anything you could have done, nor is it a reflection of your work ethic or capability. Keep your head up, millions of others are in the same boat. If SNAP is going to keep food in your little’s bellies, then that is all that matters.
What do you think?