Policy Memo (156.89 KB)
| DATE: | February 18, 2009 |
| SUBJECT: | Economic Stimulus - Adjustments to the Maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Monthly Allotments |
| TO: | All Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed by President Obama on Feb. 17 , 2009 increases Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by raising maximum allotments by 13.6 percent of the June 2008 value of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). For example, the maximum monthly allotment for a 4-person household in the 48 states and DC increases $80, from $588 to $668. Attached are the revised maximum SNAP allotment adjustments under the legislation by household size for the 48 states and DC, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
Because of the nature of the calculation, the legislation also effectively increases the minimum monthly benefit amount for households of one and two persons from $14 to $16 (.08 of the one-person TFP ($2OO; =$16 rounded to the nearest whole dollar). The minimum monthly benefits for Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands increase to $24 and $21, respectively. The minimum benefit amounts for one and two-person households increase to $19 for Alaska Urban, $24 for Alaska Rural I, $30 for Alaska Rural II, and $25 for Hawaii.
These adjustments are an entitlement that go into effect April 1, 2009 and will remain effective until the cost of the June TFP (under law prior to the stimulus legislation) exceeds the levels prescribed in the stimulus legislation and results in higher maximum benefit levels. State agencies that have questions regarding these adjustments should contact their respective regional office representative. Regional office staff who have questions should contact their respective liaison in the Certification Policy Branch.
Arthur T. Foley
Director
Program Development Division