SNAP Benefit Changes: October 1, 2021
OCT 1, 2021 EDIT:
In light of new information, please see below for a revision to the SNAP Benefit Changes for October 1, 2021, from the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS). As this situation evolves, current information can be found on the DHS website.
Under the direction of Governor Larry Hogan, the Maryland Department of Human Services requested and received federal approval to release Emergency Allotment (EA) benefits to eligible SNAP households this month. SNAP recipients who have already received their October benefits will see the additional EA benefits automatically loaded to their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card on or before October 12, 2021.
Maryland has issued monthly Emergency Allotments to SNAP recipients since April 2020. This additional SNAP funding was made possible by a temporary change in federal law designed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
IMPORTANT: Future Emergency Allotment benefits will be determined at the federal level by the USDA on a month-to-month basis. Emergency Allotment benefits are not intended to be permanent. If the federal government discontinues EA benefits, SNAP recipients will continue to receive their standard SNAP benefits - this would mean a reduction in the amount of SNAP assistance received each month. Standard SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size, income & expenses, and assets.
QUESTIONS? SNAP participants with questions related to their benefits may call the Department of Human Services Customer Service Center at 1-800-332-6347. To apply for SNAP benefits and other financial assistance programs, you may submit an application with your local Department of Social Services or apply online at myMDTHINK.
Sept 29, 2021:
Starting in October, almost all SNAP households will see a modest increase in their SNAP benefits—generally between $12 to $16 per person per month. The exact amount for individual households may be different. States will automatically make these changes for all SNAP households. You do not need to take any action. Some households with children may also see P-EBT (“Pandemic-EBT”) benefits on their EBT cards.
Standard SNAP benefit amounts are calculated based on unique household circumstances; however, during the COVID-19 pandemic, all SNAP households received the maximum SNAP benefits allowable for their household sizes. This resulted in an overall increase in SNAP benefits for most SNAP households since April 2020. The extra benefits are referred to as Emergency Allotment. This change was made possible by a temporary change in federal law designed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal law now requires that Maryland return to standard benefit levels effective October 1, 2021; therefore, you will likely see a decrease in your SNAP benefits.
Find more information below. If you have questions about your SNAP benefit amount, please contact your local SNAP office.
