Pandemic extra food assistance set to expire soon

Families who receive food assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program should prepare for a decrease in benefits that were given during the pandemic.

Recent federal legislation will end the increased food stamp payments, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

February will be the last month that people in Michigan and other states receive the extra food assistance benefits, which have been at least $95 per month. However, the benefits lost could total more than $500 per month, depending on size of the household and other factors.

Those affected may seek resources to accommodate this reduction in benefits. Options include food banks and other agencies in their communities, which can be found at www.michigan. gov/MIBridges under the “Explore Resources” tab, or by calling 211.

People affected by the changes can visit www. michigan.gov/mdhhs for information about resources, such as free and reducedprice school lunches, the WIC program for women and babies, and Double Up Food Bucks. That program matches every $1 that Bridge Card users spend on fresh fruits and vegetables purchased from participating retailers.

For family budgeting purposes, SNAP benefits are available to use for nine months once they are issued.

Regular benefits are based on household size, income and deductions. The amount of the decrease will vary based on individual circumstances.

As an example, singleperson households with a net monthly income of $700 could see their total monthly SNAP benefit drop from $281 to $71. A fourperson household with a net income of $1,700 could see their assistance drop from $939 to $429.

Michiganders who receive food assistance can check their regular monthly amount on their Michigan bridge card by going to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling 844464-3447.

More information about how benefits connected to the pandemic are changing can be found at Michigan. gov/2023BenefitChanges