The $95 increase ended in March 2023

The extra $95 per month in SNAP benefits (food stamps) that many households received ended on March 1, 2023. This was a temporary increase that started during the pandemic and was set to expire unless Congress extended it. Congress did not extend it, so the increase stopped.

If you were receiving the extra $95, your monthly SNAP amount dropped by that amount starting in March 2023. For example, if you were getting $250 plus the $95 emergency increase, your benefit went down to $250 in March. Your new benefit amount is based on your household size, income, and expenses — the same calculation used before the pandemic emergency began.

This change affected millions of households across the country. Some states tried to find other funding to replace part of the lost benefit, but most households saw a real decrease in their monthly food assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The temporary $95 monthly increase ended on March 1, 2023, and did not return.
  • Your current SNAP benefit is calculated based only on your household size, income, and allowable expenses, without any emergency pandemic addition.
  • If your income or household situation has changed since March 2023, you may be receiving a different amount than you think you should.
  • You can contact your state SNAP office to ask what your benefit should be based on your current situation.

How the temporary increase worked

Starting in January 2021, the federal government added $95 per month to every SNAP household's benefit as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was in addition to whatever amount each household normally received based on their income and family size. The increase was meant to be temporary and was extended several times by Congress.

Each extension had an end date. The final extension ran through February 2023, which is why March 1, 2023 was when the extra money stopped. Unlike some pandemic programs that were extended multiple times, Congress did not pass another extension for SNAP after February 2023 ended.

What your benefit is now

Your current SNAP amount depends on your household size, your gross monthly income, and certain allowable expenses like rent, utilities, and child care. The formula is the same one SNAP has used for years — it is not based on the pandemic emergency anymore.

If you have not reported a change in your income or household size since the increase ended, your caseworker may not have recalculated your benefit correctly. Some households continued receiving the old amount by mistake, while others had their benefits reduced but not recalculated based on their actual current situation.

The best way to know if your current benefit is correct is to contact your state SNAP office and ask them to review your case. Bring recent pay stubs, proof of rent or mortgage, and any other documents that show your current income and expenses.

If your benefit dropped significantly

Losing $95 per month is a real impact for households living paycheck to paycheck. If you are struggling with food costs now, there are other resources that may help. Food banks and pantries in your area do not have income limits and do not require you to be on SNAP. You can find local food banks through Feeding America's website or by calling 211.

Some states and cities have created their own food assistance programs to help fill the gap left by the end of the federal increase. These vary widely by location. Your local social services office or a 211 call can tell you what programs exist in your area.

If you have children, they may be able to get free meals through school breakfast and lunch programs, even if your household income is above the SNAP limit. Summer meal programs also exist in many areas. Contact your school district to ask about these programs.

Whether your SNAP amount might increase

Your SNAP benefit can go up if your income goes down, if your household size increases, or if your allowable expenses (like rent) increase. It can also go up if you have not had a recertification in a while and your case was never properly updated after the emergency increase ended.

To request a review of your benefit, contact your state SNAP office. You can usually do this by phone, online through your state's benefits portal, or in person at your local office. Have your case number ready, and be prepared to provide current information about your income and expenses.

If you believe your benefit is wrong, you have the right to request a hearing. Your state SNAP office should explain how to do this if you disagree with their decision about your benefit amount.

What changed for different household sizes

The $95 increase was the same for every household, regardless of size. This meant that a single person and a family of four both lost $95 per month when the increase ended. For a single person, this was a larger percentage loss than for a larger household, but the dollar amount was identical.

Your current benefit calculation takes household size into account. A family of four receives a higher maximum benefit than a single person, but the exact amount depends on income and expenses. If you want to know what the maximum benefit is for your household size in your state, your SNAP office can tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the $95 increase come back?

Congress would have to pass new legislation to restore or create another emergency increase. As of now, there are no active proposals to do this, and the increase that ended in March 2023 has not returned. If Congress does pass new emergency funding, your state SNAP office will notify you of the change.

What if I was not getting SNAP when the increase ended?

You cannot go back and receive the extra $95 for the months you were not on SNAP. The increase was only paid to households that were actively receiving SNAP benefits during the months it was in effect. If you are now on SNAP, your benefit is calculated without the emergency increase.

Do I need to reapply for SNAP now that the increase is gone?

No. You do not need to reapply. Your case should have been automatically updated to remove the $95 increase. However, if your income or household situation has changed, you should report that change to your SNAP office so your benefit can be recalculated.

Why did some states keep extra benefits after March 2023?

A few states used their own state funds to provide additional SNAP benefits after the federal emergency increase ended. These state-funded increases vary by state and are much smaller than the $95 federal increase. Check with your state SNAP office to see if your state has any additional programs.

Can I appeal if I think my current benefit is wrong?

Yes. You have the right to request a hearing if you disagree with your SNAP benefit amount. Your state SNAP office will explain the appeal process and the deadline for requesting a hearing. You can usually request an appeal by phone, mail, or online through your state's benefits portal.