The Extra Dollars – You’ll Receive in SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps) in August

August has arrived with a pleasant surprise for Americans receiving SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger initiative and one of the key aid programs in the United States. It provides millions of households with monthly benefits to buy groceries. Typically, households receive benefits ranging from $291 to $1,751, depending on the household size. However, during summer, an additional $120 payment is available to families with school-age children to help cover grocery costs when school is out.

Boost

Every month, SNAP delivers millions in benefits, but during the summer, the amount increases. The reason is simple: children from low-income households usually receive free meals at school, and the cost of food at home rises when school is not in session. Benefits are loaded onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used at participating grocery and convenience stores.

State and local governments manage the program, funded by the federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). As a result, not all recipients receive payment on the same day. To be eligible for these extra SNAP benefits, you must have school-age children and meet specific criteria.

Eligibility

To qualify for the extra summer payment, families must:

• Already receive SNAP benefits, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Have school-age children.
• Have a household income that qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals.
• Ensure the child attends a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program.

Most eligible families receive the benefit automatically without needing to apply. However, in some cases, individuals may need to apply directly for SUN Bucks, with details provided by the state agency. Depending on the recipient’s location, SUN Bucks may be automatically added to the SNAP account or issued as a separate EBT card upon enrollment.

States

According to the SNAP payment schedule, the following states will deliver the extra SNAP benefits in August:

• California: For those with last names beginning with M through Z.
• Connecticut: Payments will be made in early August, originally scheduled for June 23.
• Illinois
• Nebraska
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia

More than thirty states, Washington, D.C., several tribal nations, and U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are participating. In June and July, SUN Bucks payments were already made in many of these territories. However, twelve states do not participate:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Florida
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Wyoming

Maximizing

Each eligible child in your household will receive a $120 card to purchase $40 worth of food each month during June, July, and August. Once you receive this money, you can use your EBT card at most supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and other approved stores. You can also shop online at places like Amazon and Walmart. However, SUN Bucks cannot be used to purchase hot food, pet food, cleaning or domestic materials, medications, or personal hygiene goods.

In addition to receiving summer meals, families can also apply for other food assistance programs such as CalFresh and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Combining these programs can help maximize the benefits and ensure your family has sufficient food throughout the summer.

The extra SNAP benefits this August are a welcome relief for many families, helping to bridge the gap left by the absence of school-provided meals. By knowing the eligibility requirements and how to maximize these benefits, you can make the most of this additional support.

FAQs