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What are extra COVID SNAP benefits?
SNAP Emergency Allotments (“extra COVID SNAP benefits”) was a temporary benefit program put in place in response to the public pandemic health emergency, with funding made available to states under the federal Families First Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020. The state of Connecticut has utilized this program since April 2020. This meant that recipients were receiving the maximum allowable benefit that their household size could receive, even if they didn’t normally qualify for the full amount. Households that already qualified for the maximum benefit were receiving an additional $95 per month. February 2023 was the last month that CT SNAP households received extra COVID SNAP benefits. As of March 1, 2023, SNAP households returned to receiving the amount they normally qualify for based on income guidelines.
Why are the extra COVID SNAP benefits ending?
The public health emergency, enacted by the federal government in 2020, enabled temporary relief programs (like the extra COVID SNAP benefits), waivers, and other flexibilities that states could access as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last December, the federal government officially announced that February 2023 would be the last month for all states to distribute extra COVID SNAP benefits. The federal government funds and regulates the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The CT Department of Social Services (DSS) is not responsible for this change.
Who is affected?
The end of the extra COVID benefits affects SNAP households nationwide, including nearly 220,000 households in CT who are expected to lose an average of $82 a month. Since 2020, Connecticut has spent over 1.04 billion federal dollars in extra COVID SNAP benefit issuance and will lose about $34 million per month in federal funds that were supporting the temporary program.
What is the “hunger cliff” and what does it mean?
The “hunger cliff” refers to the sudden end of critical financial support SNAP households have received for the past three years during the pandemic. With February Emergency Allotments already distributed and the month of March well underway, households are likely already starting to experience the hunger cliff. Households will see a steep and quick decrease in benefits during a time of record inflation and rising food prices, and emergency food systems that are already stretched thin (such as pantries and food banks) are preparing for increased demand. SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger – for every 1 meal a food bank can provide, SNAP provides 9. The end of extra COVID SNAP benefits is slated to exacerbate hunger and food insecurity drastically and immediately.
As a SNAP recipient, what can I do?
- SNAP recipients should alert DSS of any changes to their household’s financial situation that may affect your benefit amount. Have you recently lost income? Have your shelter or medical expenses increased? Is there an increase in your monthly mortgage or rent? If your situation has changed, DSS may determine you are eligible for a higher monthly benefit based on any reported changes.
- Check your online MyAccount or approval letter to make sure you know your eligible benefit amount. Remember that SNAP benefits can roll over month to month, so even if you have not spent all of your benefits yet (even if they were extra COVID benefits), you can save them for later. Note: Unused SNAP benefits roll over month to month within a 9-month period. SNAP benefits will not be removed from your card if you use your benefits any time within 274 days (about 9 months).
- End Hunger CT!’s SNAP Call Center is available for SNAP assistance 7 days a week. Call us at 866-974-SNAP(7627) or send an email to SNAP@endhungerct.org. For further information about our work with SNAP and to view our Call Center hours, visit endhungerct.org/SNAP.
About us: End Hunger CT! works statewide to eliminate hunger and promote healthy nutrition through outreach, public education, and advocacy. EHC! offers SNAP assistance, nutrition program promotion, doubles SNAP at farmers’ markets, and more to help CT residents in need. To learn more about our services, click here.
Have any questions? Contact our Communications Coordinator, Kimberly Nguyen, at knguyen@endhungerct.org.
