SNAP Extra Payments Ending Soon
What to know and where to find additional resources
During the COVID-19 emergency, the federal government allowed states to issue additional SNAP payments that increased the SNAP budget amount to the maximum available for their household size or, since early 2021, a minimum of $95. The Emergency Allotments (EA) were distributed to SNAP households as an extra payment each month. All SNAP households currently receive at least $95 in additional SNAP funds each month.
These extra payments will be ending after February due to the passage of the recent federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This February will be the last month EAs are sent, and SNAP recipients will only receive one regular SNAP payment starting in March.
This is a big change for SNAP households, especially as food prices remain high. If you or someone you know needs help, there are food assistance programs available in your community. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Ending Hunger site or the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for more information on food assistance programs and where to find local resources. Additionally, if recipients currently have extra funds on their cards, they will still be available. SNAP benefits only expire if cards are not used for nine months.
To ensure households are receiving the maximum SNAP benefit based off their individual circumstances, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report changes to their household size, income, or expenses online at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, via the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling DHS’s Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia residents).
For more information about SNAP Emergency Allotments, this upcoming change, and how to report changes to benefits visit dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares.
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- Starting in March, SNAP recipients will no longer receive an additional payment due to a change in federal law. This change will affect all recipients, and DHS wants Pennsylvanians to know that help is available through multiple programs. Learn more: dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares
- Due to a change in federal law, the extra SNAP payments will be ending after February. All SNAP households will receive just one payment in March. We understand that this may cause some uncertainty and stress. Visit
dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares for more information and resources in your community.
- Extra SNAP emergency allotments will end in March 2023. If you need additional assistance because of this change in benefits, help is available. Visit
dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares
- The extra SNAP Emergency Allotment payments will end in March 2023. We understand that this may cause concern. Visit
dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares for information and resources that may help during this transition. We are committed to providing support and assistance during this difficult time.
- We want to be sure that all SNAP recipients are receiving the maximum benefits for their circumstances. Did you know: your SNAP may go up if you tell us about:
- Medical costs over $35 per month for anyone age 60 or older or disabled that you did not have before;
- Increased housing costs since you last contacted us;
- Child or disabled adult care costs that have changed since you last told us about what you had to pay.
- Find how to report changes and more information about SNAP at: dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares
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