Federal emergency allotments of SNAP ended in February 2023. A bill signed by Governor Phil Murphy allows the state to supplement federal benefits to increase monthly minimums for beneficiaries in New Jersey. As of March 1, 2023, the state of New Jersey’s state minimum for SNAP benefits is now $95 per month.
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WHAT IS SNAP?
For nearly 100 years, the federal government has provided food assistance to citizens in need. The names of the program have changed serval times over the decades, and is commonly referred to generally as food stamps, but is now officially titled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides low-income households throughout the country with food budget assistance.
RECENT FEDERAL CHANGES TO SNAP
As an emergency response to COVID-19, the Federal Government provided emergency allotments of SNAP to beneficiaries. During the pandemic, this allowed for all beneficiaries of the program to receive at least $95 per month in SNAP benefits.
Emergency SNAP benefits officially ended on February 28, 2023, reducing SNAP benefits to the pre-Covid federal minimum of $23 per month.
Unfortunately, with inflation on the rise as a result of the pandemic, many households have not returned to their pre-Covid stability. There is a growing concern for the impact recent SNAP changes will have on food insecure individuals across the country. However, New Jersey residents are going to receive some help.
NEW JERSEY SNAP MINIMUMS TO SUPPLEMENT FEDERAL DECREASE
Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill ensuring beneficiaries of SNAP in the state of New Jersey receive a minimum of $95 per month in benefits. If a household that receives SNAP doesn’t qualify for that threshold minimum through the Federal Government, then the State of New Jersey will step in to supplement remaining benefits to cover the difference.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SNAP
To find out if you’re eligible for SNAP in the state of New Jersey, visit the state’s Department of Human Services website. From there, potential beneficiaries can check your SNAP eligibility through the state’s screening process. This should only take about 5 – 10 minutes to complete. Following the screening process, you can apply for SNAP benefits online. The application process should take about 20 – 45 minutes to complete and submit. Applicants also have the option to apply for SNAP in-person at their local County Boards of Social Services.
HOW CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUT JERSEY CAN HELP
If you or someone you know in South Jersey is in need of food assistance, Catholic Charities of South Jersey can help. At our food pantries, we attempt to provide a balanced selection of food options to meet a short term need. Families may get recipes to create healthy meals on a budget, and our case managers can assist individuals in determining their eligibility for SNAP. To learn more about our services visit our homepage for more information or call us at +1-856-342-4100.
