Why are my benefits going up?
There is a new law called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. You might have heard it called the Economic Stimulus Package.
Because of the law, you get more Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
How can I use the extra benefits?
Use your extra benefits to buy food at your grocery store.
When will I receive the extra benefits?
You will receive the extra benefits starting in April 2009.
The extra benefits will be part of your monthly allotment and added automatically to your EBT card. You do not have to contact your case manager.
How much extra will I receive?
Look at the table below to see how much more you may receive each month. For example, if there are 3 people in your household and right now you receive $250 each month, then in April you would get $313 each month ($250 + $63).
Remember any changes that occur in your case may affect your benefit amount.
| Number of People in Your Household |
Increase Up To |
| 1 | + $24 |
| 2 | + $44 |
| 3 | + $63 |
| 4 | + $80 |
| 5 | + $95 |
| 6 | + $114 |
| 7 | $126 |
| 8 | + $144 |
| Each extra person | + $18 |
Note
The minimum benefit will be increased from $14 to $16. Some households with 1 or 2 people who currently receive the minimum benefit will increase to $16 a month. Others may receive more, depending on your household income.
To find out how much money is in your account, call 1-800-997-2555 for your balance.
Will there be a cost-of-living adjustment in October?
Because of this adjustment no cost-of-living adjustments are expected in the near future. You will receive notification of the next cost-of-living adjustment when it occurs.
Produced by dta Believing you can. www.mass.gov.dta Created March, 2009