Changes to SNAP benefits and Summer EBT for Children Program

This information has been provided to the IGIA and its members by FMI — The Food Industry Association.

Changes are coming to SNAP benefits and the new Summer EBT program as a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The SNAP emergency allotments (EAs) will end nationwide after the February 2023 benefit month. That means in March 2023, SNAP benefit amounts will be returning to normal for all SNAP households (with the exception of South Carolina, which is ending emergency allotments after January 2023 issuance, so their SNAP benefits return to normal in February). 

​Under the new guidance, states are not allowed to issue EA benefits for a phase-out month after benefit month February 2023, which was in previous guidance when EAs were to end after the public health emergency expires. This will be an impactful change for many SNAP households in those states still issuing EAs that will see their benefits dropping by $95 or more in some cases. Please read the SNAP benefit Changes 2023 FAQs for more information about the changes, which includes both SNAP and Social Security benefit changes.  
 
Guidance for the Summer EBT for Children (SEBTC) program, which will be a permanent, nationwide program, is still under development. FMI is reaching out to USDA to learn more information about when the program will start, if states will have to apply or if the benefits will be automatic and eligibility guidelines for children. USDA has repurposed a landing page for the SEBTC program which currently contains information from the 2018/2019 demonstration pilots, however it appears that this is where the new program information will be posted when available. Once we have additional clarity on this program, we will send out the information.  
 
Resources:

• SNAP Emergency Allotment Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Letter to State Agencies
• Changes to SNAP Benefit Amounts 2023 Memo and FAQs – Will be updated with additional information and resources as they become available
• Summer EBT for Children (SEBTC) Page (not updated yet, more information to come) 

The IGIA will continue to provide updates as they come from relevant agencies as well as FMI.
Contact Michelle Hurd with any questions.