Starting in October, Mississippians enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a 25% increase in their pre-pandemic benefit levels.
The newly announced increase is due to cost adjustment and is the first time the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan’s purchasing power has changed since it was first introduced in 1975, reflecting notable shifts in the food marketplace and consumers’ circumstances over the past 45 years. According to the Department of Human Services, Mississippian’s benefits will increase by approximately $36.24 per person per month.
The additional benefits will impact on over 421,000 Mississippians.
“Just as Mississippi’s monthly TANF benefit was increased this year to keep pace with the impact of inflation, this adjustment of SNAP benefits by USDA is tied to the erosion in purchasing power for SNAP dollars over the past several decades,” Bob Anderson, Executive Director of MDHS, said.
Mississippi’s overall SNAP benefits will increase from approximately $630 million annually to $802 million.
To check eligibility for SNAP benefits, the SNAP pre-screening tool is accessible here: https://www.access.ms.gov/. MDHS is working with UDSA to makes necessary changes to implement the new benefits and will provide additional information as the USDA makes it available.
To apply for SNAP, Mississippians must submit an application to the Department of Human Services office in their home county. The application is available online, or individuals may request an application by phone, in person, or by mail from their local county office.
For more information on the SNAP program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/economic-assistance/snap/.
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