SNAP Families to Receive February Benefits Now

WASHINGTON – It was unclear if the government shutdown would sustain funding in February, but the United States Department of Agriculture has announced that $4.8 billion in SNAP benefits will be bankrolled and paid out this month. These early benefits must be paid out by Jan. 20, meaning recipients will receive two month’s worth of payments this month.

The solution creates communication problems and consumer confusion about how February’s benefits will be distributed. This system has occurred in specific geographical locations due to natural disasters, but to implement the change to 39 million people in the program seems daunting. It will also cause confusion, especially if the shutdown continues, as to how SNAP benefits will be distributed in the following months.

As a result, retailers around the country are preparing for an extra influx of SNAP shoppers this week as the extra funds are released into accounts. SNAP purchases account for nearly 10% of all grocery business in the U.S. every year, so grocers are ensuring shelves are stocked and extra employees are scheduled.

The Food & Nutrition Service is asking us to share the below signage with retailers to help their customers understand:

February SNAP Was Delivered Early! Customers who use SNAP EBT should keep in mind that February food dollars will be added in the middle of January this year. This means that you may have two months’ worth of food dollars on your account this month. No food dollars will be added in February. The early food dollars are meant to help with next month’s food. We encourage our SNAP-participating customers to plan their purchases carefully so that they have money available to meet their food needs.

“It will be really important that people understand that this is early, not extra,” said James Dimas, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, to the Chicago Tribune.