SNAP food benefit amounts to increase in AprilTexans receiving SNAP food benefits, formerly known as food stamps, will see an increase in their monthly allotments beginning in April as a result of the federal stimulus package. The federal stimulus included a 13.6 percent increase in the monthly benefits for people getting SNAP food benefits. Currently, the average SNAP benefit is $276 a month. The stimulus will increase that by $38 a month, raising the average monthly benefits to $314.
When the increase is applied to the state’s more than 1 million SNAP cases, the result is an additional $43 million a month in benefits for Texans. The stimulus also lifts the limits on the amount of time a childless adult ages 18 to 50 can receive food benefits. Under current federal rules, those adults are limited to getting benefits for no more than three months in a three-year period unless they meet strict work or job training requirements. Individuals and families needing help in purchasing food can apply for SNAP benefits at any HHSC benefits office in Texas or through a network of community organizations and the Texas Food Bank Network.
|
