Federal pandemic benefits for food stamps are ending. Here's the impact on Wisconsin.
Devi Shastri
During the pandemic, the federal government was providing extra food stamp benefits to people who are part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
In Wisconsin, the SNAP program is called FoodShare.
At the end of February, these extra payments will end, cutting participants' monthly benefit by at least $95. Many will lose much more.
Here's what to know, and what to do to prepare for the financial blow.
A deeper look:Everyone knew extra federal food stamp allotments would end. But the timing couldn't be worse.
How much more money were people getting?
The extra FoodShare payments reached every household in the program.
People were given the largest amount of two options, either:
- An extra $95 per month OR
- The difference between their regular benefit amount and the maximum available for a household of their size.
Households already getting the maximum benefit amount got the extra $95.
How much FoodShare money will I lose?
The size of the cut will be different for each household. According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the average single-person household will lose $144 per month. The average household of four will lose $354 per month.
Under the most recent pandemic FoodShare benefits, people were getting two food stamp allotments per month. The first was the regular amount the household is eligible for based on household size, income and other factors. The second was the extra money that was being given out to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cut will be equal to that second payment, because at the end of February, those second payments will end, and FoodShare recipients will only get the first of the two allotments.
Can I save my extra benefits?
Yes. The money can be kept on your QUEST (EBT) card for 12 months since it was received.
Experts at Wisconsin food banks and state DHS officials are encouraging families to roll over their extra benefits if they can. This can help soften the financial hit for some time.
Do I need to do anything before the extra benefits end?
Because your benefits are determined by your household size, income and other factors, now is the time to make sure all of your FoodShare information is up to date so you are receiving all of your possible benefits.
You can update your information by:
- Using the MyACCESS mobile app (free in the Apple Store or Google Play Store)
- Using your MyACCESS account at access.wisconsin.gov
- Visiting your local agency to report changes in person. Look up your local agency at tinyurl.com/FoodShareAgencies
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin recommends you make sure the following information is up to date:
- Your address
- Your income and the income of others in your FoodShare household
- Your expenses and other allowable deductions
- Changes in your mortgage or rent, property tax, child or adult care, child support may qualify you for more FoodShare
- If your household has someone who is 60 or older or has a disability and pays $35 or more in medical expenses, provide proof to the state to potentially get more benefits. More information is available at www.cutt.ly/WIdeductions.
If you need help answering FoodShare program questions, visit your county's FoodShare office or DHS.wisconsin.gov/unwinding
What other food-specific resources are available to me?
There are also other government programs that can help with food insecurity. For example, make sure that your children are enrolled in their school's meal programs.
If you receive FoodShare and are pregnant or have a child under 5, you also qualify for WIC. You can apply at https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic/ or by calling 608-266-3125.
What other resources are available to me?
UnitedWay's 211 help line can help connect people to local resources. Dial 211 or 877-947-2211.
The state health department's recommendations on healthy eating on a tight budget is available here: https://tinyurl.com/eat-right-when-money-tight.
Other food support resources are available at https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/resources.htm.
Find local food pantries and other resources at Findhelp.org and using Feeding America-Eastern Wisconsin's Food Pantry Locator: https://feedingamericawi.org/find-help/.
I'm not on FoodShare, but I want to help. What can I do?
Donate to and volunteer at a local food pantry.
Share information with your neighbors and help connect those in need to resources and support.
Contact Devi Shastri at 414-224-2193 orDAShastri@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at@DeviShastri.