The almost 550,000 households in Massachusetts that get SNAP benefits will soon receive more money.
The Baker administration said Wednesday that monthly payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will increase by 12% beginning in October, amounting to an increase of around $25 to $30 per person per month.
Massachusetts Residents to Receive Increased SNAP Benefits
On October 1, a person who currently receives the maximum monthly benefit of $250 will have their aid increase to $281. The increased assistance comes as a result of the federal government's response to growing inflation and the Baker administration's consideration of rising energy costs that affect the determination of SNAP benefit levels, as per Mass Live.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Amount | ||
Household Size | Old Amount | New Amount - Effective October 1 |
1 | $250 | $281 |
2 | $459 | $516 |
3 | $658 | $740 |
4 | $835 | $939 |
5 | $992 | $1,116 |
6 | $1,190 | $1,339 |
7 | $1,316 | $1,480 |
8 | $1,504 | $1,691 |
Each additional person | +$188 | +$211 |
Minimum Monthly SNAP Amount | ||
Household Size | Old Amount | New Amount |
1-2 Persons | $20 | $23 |
Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan of the Department of Transitional Assistance stated in a statement on Wednesday morning that SNAP is a key tool in providing individuals and families with the financial wherewithal to buy food that fulfills their households' cultural and nutritional needs.
Injecting federal monies into the state's economy and supporting our supermarkets, corner stores, small farmers, and other food retailers, also acts as a vital economic stabilizer.
The increase in monthly SNAP benefit amounts will help many low-income households throughout the commonwealth and the communities where they live, learn and work maintain their essential food security. The department claims that applying for SNAP benefits is now easier than ever and may be done either online at www.DTAConnect.com or over the phone at 877-382-2363. (press 7), CBS News reported.
Californians to Receive SNAP Benefits in October
Meanwhile, Californians, who get SNAP benefits do so through the state's CalFresh program, which distributes payments on the same timetable every month. Also applicable to October 2022 is that schedule.
Low-income households that meet the requirements set forth by the state and federal government are given monthly food assistance through CalFresh. Benefits are transferred to CalFresh accounts connected to EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards for the program. SNAP benefits, originally known as food stamps, is a federal initiative that is under American management. Department of Agriculture, even though state governments are in charge of running it.
If you qualify, SNAP funds will be put into your EBT account each month. The EBT cards can be used at participating farmers' markets, select eateries, grocery stores, and other retailers. Some farmers' markets give CalFresh recipients twice as much produce as they pay for, according to the California Department of Social Services.
The following food items can be purchased using SNAP benefits:
- Veggies and fruits
- Fish, poultry, and meat
- Dairy goods
- Cereals and bread
- Snacks and alcohol-free beverages
- Crops and seeds that produce sustenance for humans
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medications, dietary supplements, live animals, pet meals, cleaning supplies, paper goods, and cosmetics are some of the things you can't purchase with SNAP benefits.
You can use the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator to find out where you can use your CalFresh benefits. Once there, input your address and select "Enter the SNAP Retailer Locator." You can search by food type and area on the USDA's local food portal to find a list of farmer's markets that accept CalFresh benefits, according to AOL.
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