Some Californians who receive food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may have noticed an extra $20.01 in their recent payments.
Additional Money in SNAP Benefits
The money is part of the State Utility Assistance Subsidy (SUAS) benefits that the California Department of Social Services issues to certain SNAP-eligible households that also qualify for heating assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The SUAS benefit is only given once in a certification period and can be used for food or cash purchases. If the household no longer meets the eligibility criteria during the next certification, the benefit will not be given, according to a published article in Yahoo News.
To qualify for the SUAS benefit, households must not have separate utility bills, must not already receive the maximum CalFresh benefit for their household size, and must not already be receiving an increased benefit due to the Homeless Shelter Deduction.
How to Apply to Get Additional Money in SNAP Benefits?
In a published article in GO BANKING RATES, applicants must first pass an income and resource test and meet work requirements. The monthly gross income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level for most households.
Applying for CalFresh benefits requires filling out an online application at GetCalFresh.org or calling the CalFresh Info Line at 877-847-3663. Once approved, the California Department of Social Services will mail a CalFresh EBT card to the recipient’s address. The card is linked to the CalFresh account and can be used online or swiped at the register like a debit card.
Overall, the SUAS benefit is a way for eligible households to receive an extra $20.01 to help with food or cash purchases if they also qualify for heating assistance.