Jthere has been a recent increase in the benefit levels of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (INSTANTANEOUS) and many are wondering how long they will be able to enjoy it.
The automatic increase came into effect at the beginning of October in order to reflect the evolution of the cost of living in America. The aim is to help low-income households meet their food needs and cope with inflated food costs.
Prices for groceries and foods to prepare at home are thought to have risen 12.2% for the 12 months ending June 2022.
This is the largest 12-month increase since April 1979. Maximum SNAP benefits, which are tied to food inflation, will increase by a similar percentage (12.5%) at the start of the next federal fiscal year in October.
It is certainly not a situation that subsided in the following months and that is why the increase in SNAP benefits was necessary.
How long will the increase last?
SNAP benefit levels are automatically adjusted each October to keep pace with the cost of food and other essential expenses for low-income families. Now it looks like the extra buying power will be available until September 2023.
Without making this and other small changes to the financial formula for SNAP benefits, many households in America would lose their purchasing power and potentially be plunged into poverty.
The money is allowed to be used for food items which can then be prepared at home such as fruits and vegetables, breads, cereals, pasta, rice, preserves such as tomatoes, fish and more Again.
It cannot be used to purchase items such as cigarettes and alcohol, as well as hot food.