With June approaching and schools soon to be closing for summer break, I know it’s tempting to feel overwhelmed about feeding your family, particularly without school lunches. But here’s some better news: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are increasing in June, and eligible families may receive up to $975 in food assistance.
This increase couldn’t have come at a better time. Through-the-roof food prices and the added cost of kids being home from school all day make it that much harder to manage on a tight food budget. If you rely on SNAP, this increase in your benefit amount might give you a little room to maneuver when you most need it.
Read now: Neither California nor Texas – U.S. state to receive SNAP Payment of 800 euros before May 25.
SNAP: A federal program with local control
Even though SNAP is a federal program run by the USDA, it’s run by individual states. That’s why you might have different rules and numbers depending on where you live.
The reason for this is simple: what works in Alaska probably doesn’t make sense in Texas or New York. States have the flexibility to design their SNAP programs in ways that match the cost of living, food availability, and other local needs. That said, some things about SNAP remain the same nationwide, including how benefits are delivered and the maximum benefit limits.
How you’ll get your benefits in June
If you already receive SNAP, you won’t have to do anything differently to get your June benefits. As usual, they will be loaded directly onto your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which you can use like a debit card when you purchase food.
Those days of physical “food stamps,” which must be stamped at the grocery store, are over. The EBT system has the advantage of making it quicker and more discreet to use your benefits and less difficult to monitor your balance.
The maximum benefit of $975 in June is only provided to four-person families that meet the strictest eligibility requirements. This would otherwise be families with very low income, high costs (like rent, electricity, or medical bills), and confirmed proof of every family member living within the household.
Read now: Food stamps for non-US citizens: How can immigrants apply for SNAP Payments?
What if you don’t get the maximum?
Even most families won’t get the full $975. What you get depends on your income, where you live, and how many people live in your household. But don’t worry—there are other things you can do if your level of benefit currently isn’t enough.
Most states also have other programs that can help with rent, electricity payments, or food assistance above SNAP. If you cannot make ends meet, call your municipality or local social services office. There could be more programs you are eligible for that can help reduce the burden.
So if SNAP does have its headaches and quirks, this June spike is a reminder that there is help out there—and it’s worth exploring every help that is out there for you.
