Historic SNAP Benefit Increase
Beginning October 1, 2021, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a 21.03% increase in funding. Unlike previous increases to SNAP this year, this adjustment is not a covid-19 benefit and will not end with the pandemic.
Notably, this will be the largest single increase the program has ever received--equating to a monthly per-person benefit increase of $121/month to $157/month--and hails a number of firsts for the program.
Every five years, the USDA uses the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) to determine the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four. In the past, the recommendations for the TFP could not result in an increased cost for the program as a whole. This stipulation caused the average benefit increase to be only 2% over the past several decades.
However, in 2018, the TFP was reevaluated and it was decided that cost would no longer be a factor in the evaluation process. As a result, the TFP could make the recommendation for a historic 21% increase in benefits.
Without cost driving the adjustment process, the USDA was able to focus their assessment solely on the cost of purchasing foods and beverages that constitute a healthy and balanced diet for the average person.
This means the assessment now includes foods that align with a variety of personal and cultural preferences, “convenience foods” such as pre-chopped frozen veggies and pre-cooked canned beans, and uses actual prices of food in stores instead of data shoppers reported themselves.
On the October 1st start date, SNAP recipients will see the adjusted amount automatically loaded onto their EBT Card or Pine Tree Card.
1 out of every 9 Mainers receives SNAP benefits. If you don't currently have SNAP benefits but think you may be eligible, please visit Maine.gov/DHHS or dial 2-1-1 to learn more about the program and fill out an application.
