The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food support to millions of Americans. For the 2024 holiday season, an exciting update is here for eligible families: a $120 supplement per child to cover grocery costs when school meal programs are unavailable. This new initiative aims to ease food insecurity during breaks from school, ensuring children have access to healthy meals all year long.
What Is the SNAP $120 Benefit?
This initiative, called the SNAP Food Stamps Worth $120, is set to run between December 1–20, 2024. Families with school-age children (ages 5–18) who participate in SNAP, TANF, or related programs will automatically receive this benefit. Children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) are eligible. These families can expect the additional funds to be loaded onto their existing EBT cards during the payment window.
Eligibility Requirements for the $120 Payment
To qualify for the $120 supplement, families must meet the following criteria:
- Child’s Age: School-age children between 5 and 18 years old.
- Program Participation: Must be enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR.
- School Meal Program: The child must be eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the NSLP or SBP.
Eligible families who already receive SNAP benefits will automatically be enrolled. Those who are not currently enrolled can apply through the USDA website or state portals.
The Importance of SNAP for Families
This added benefit ensures families have access to groceries during periods when school meals are unavailable. For children who rely on school lunches, this program provides critical support in making sure they continue to receive nutritious meals even during holiday breaks or summer months.
SUN Bucks Program for Summer
Alongside the December initiative, the SUN Bucks program offers an additional $120 per qualifying child during the summer months of June, July, and August. This provides families with extra support when school meals are paused.
SNAP Payment Details
The $120 payment will be issued through EBT cards, and beneficiaries are encouraged to check their state’s specific schedule to confirm the exact date. This benefit is available to eligible families across the country, with slight variations in payment dates depending on state regulations.
Future SNAP Adjustments in 2025
SNAP benefits are set to increase in 2025 due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Beginning on October 1, 2025, SNAP benefits will increase by 2.5% to 3%. This adjustment is expected to help millions of Americans manage rising food costs, providing additional support to families already relying on the program. For details about these changes, visit the official Texas Health and Human Services website.
Conclusion
The new SNAP Food Stamps Worth $120 initiative is a critical step towards fighting food insecurity for school-age children, especially during times when school meals are unavailable. With additional benefits and an increase in 2025, SNAP continues to be an essential tool for millions of families in need.
For more information on eligibility and application processes, families should visit here.
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