One of the most frightening feelings for anyone is not being able to afford food. Unfortunately, handfuls of U.S. citizens are experiencing this situation right now. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides monthly benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help individuals and households obtain additional money for purchasing nutritious food. If you qualify for SNAP benefits, we provide more information about the new $135 increase in your monthly benefits.
Those who meet the program’s income requirements can apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamps Program. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a monthly amount based on their spending and income patterns. The Pew Research Center estimates that 41.9 million Americans, or about 12.5% of the country’s total population, received SNAP payments, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Who Will Be Eligible for the $135 Increase in SNAP Benefits?
SNAP benefits of $135 will be given to 11,834 New Mexico citizens, as reported in a press release from the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD). An extra food assistance program will be provided for the month of July to individuals aged 60 and older and people with disabilities who are eligible for SNAP through a collaboration with the Aging & New Mexico Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD).
Remember that individuals can enroll in SNAP benefits at their local social assistance office or a state social assistance agency, which can help determine eligibility and keep benefits up to date. If you recently lost income, experienced an increase in expenses, or believe the state is unaware of certain expenses, contact your state human services agency. For example, if someone in your household is 60 or older, has a disability, or has monthly medical bills totaling $35 or more, contact your local human services department.
Those who qualify and earn the State Supplement in February of this year will receive the one-time benefit throughout the month of July, according to the release. The funding is part of the state’s efforts to reduce food insecurity. On the other hand, state general fund money is used for a one-time benefit, and those who are eligible do not have to do anything; their EBT card will be automatically updated with the July benefit. If you have any questions or concerns about these additional SNAP benefits, contact the Human Services Department at 1-800-283-4465.
SNAP Regular Payments by Household Size
SNAP benefit payments vary depending on the size of the household. Although you can apply as an individual, the more people in your household, the more SNAP benefits you will receive.
Here are the payment amounts approved for this year, but also remember to check the official SNAP benefits website for more information:
- Single person: $291
- 2 people: $535
- 3 people: $766
- 4 people: $973
- 5 people: $1,155
- 6 people: $1,386
- 7 people: $1,532
- 8 people: $1,751
SNAP Benefits Payment Dates for July
In addition to the increase in SNAP benefits for New Mexicans, here are all the payment dates for other eligible beneficiaries this month:
| State | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | July 4 to July 23 |
| Arizona | July 1 to July 13 |
| Arkansas | July 4 to July 13 |
| Delaware | July 2 to July 23 |
| Florida | July 1 to July 28 |
| Georgia | July 5 to July 23 |
| Indiana | July 5 to July 23 |
| Kentucky | July 1 to July 19 |
| Louisiana | July 1 to July 23 |
| Maine | July 10 to July 14 |
| Maryland | July 4 to July 23 |
| Massachusetts | July 1 to July 14 |
| Michigan | July 3 to July 21 |
| Minnesota | July 4 to July 13 |
| Mississippi | July 4 to July 21 |
| Missouri | July 1 to July 22 |
| New Mexico | July 1 to July 20 |
| North Carolina | July 3 to July 21 |
| Ohio | July 2 to July 20 |
| Pennsylvania | July 3 to July 14 |
| Puerto Rico | July 4 to July 22 |
| Tennessee | July 1 to July 20 |
| Texas | July 1 to July 28 |
| Utah | July 15 |
| Washington | July 1 to July 20 |
| Wisconsin | July 1 to July 15 |