The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a special one-time payment of $120 per eligible child for families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This boost aims to help cover food costs during times when school meals are unavailable, providing critical relief to millions of families nationwide.
Who Qualifies for the Extra $120?
To be eligible, families must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Current SNAP Recipients: If you’re already receiving SNAP benefits, you’ll automatically qualify for the additional $120 per child.
- Participants in Other Assistance Programs: Families enrolled in programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are also eligible.
- Children Receiving Free or Reduced-Price School Meals: If your children participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), your family may qualify even if you’re not a SNAP recipient.
How Will the Payment Be Distributed?
- Amount: Each eligible child will receive a $120 one-time payment.
- Delivery Method: For families already enrolled in SNAP, the funds will be loaded directly onto their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Others will receive a newly issued EBT card for this benefit.
- Expiration: The benefit must be used within 122 days of being issued. After this period, any unused funds will expire.
Do I Need to Apply?
Most eligible families will be automatically enrolled, meaning no additional action is required. However, those not automatically included can apply through the USDA’s official website at fns.usda.gov.
Making the Most of Your Benefits
To stretch the $120 payment as far as possible:
- Focus on purchasing nutritious foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.
- Plan your meals ahead of time to reduce waste and maximize efficiency.
- Look for sales, coupons, and bulk buying options to get the most out of your benefit.
This special SNAP payment underscores the USDA’s commitment to addressing food insecurity, especially during times when children may not have access to regular school meals. Families are encouraged to check their eligibility and take full advantage of this opportunity to ease financial strain.
