USDA Increases SNAP Benefits by $100/Month Through September 2021

SNAP recipients can expect an increase in benefits through September 2021 thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan.

The global pandemic has led to job cuts, reduced work hours, and financial instability, resulting in changed lives for many individuals and their families. In many cases, this means it's harder to put enough food on the table. According to Feeding America, an estimated 42 million people, including 13 million children, may face food insecurity in 2021. For context, that's 1 out of every 8 adults, and 1 in 6 kids. To help combat this issue, the USDA recently announced an increase in monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through September 2021. If you've been struggling financially throughout the pandemic, the information below may help you get the relief you need.

Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, a COVID-19 rescue package, which provided a third round of stimulus checks to many Americans. This legislation also included money for other relief needs, like extra funding for SNAP. Now, the USDA is boosting SNAP benefits by 15% through September 2021. This will provide about $3.5 billion to those experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic. These additional benefits will help more than 41 million people.

The SNAP increase works out to about $28 per individual, per month, or more than $100 per household, per month. This is in addition to regular SNAP benefits. If you need help buying groceries, check in with your state's benefits office to find out if you qualify for these added funds.

The American Rescue Plan will also provide $1.135 billion in administrative resources to states over the next three years. This will help states manage the increased demand for SNAP benefits. The USDA will also give $1 billion in nutrition assistance to Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Additional pandemic resources are available

This isn't the only way people can get help with food insecurity. Families can also get help through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT), which extends benefits through the summer months. This program gives families money to buy groceries to make up for missed school meals during the summer when school is out. Feeding America notes that 22 million kids rely on the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced-price meals through the school year -- which shows that the P-EBT program is necessary as the pandemic continues. All of these efforts will help to address the United States' food insecurity problem.

If you're struggling through the pandemic, know that there is financial help out there. We've compiled some coronavirus resources so you can find additional help and information. Food insecurity doesn't have to be something that you keep to yourself or try to deal with alone. Many people are struggling, so take advantage of these resources while they're available.