This summer, many Americans will experience a boost in their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, thanks to the August SNAP Extra Payment initiative. Known as the SUN Bucks project or Summer EBT, this program provides additional support to families with school-age children during the summer months when regular school meals are unavailable. Here’s everything you need to know about these extra payments and how they can benefit you.
What Is the August SNAP Extra Payment?
The August SNAP Extra Payment is part of the Summer EBT project, managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This initiative provides families with an additional $120 per child to help cover food costs during the summer break. Regular SNAP benefits range from $291 to $1,751, but the August SNAP Extra Payment offers extra assistance to bridge the gap when children are not receiving school-provided meals.
Eligibility for August SNAP Extra Payment
To qualify for the August SNAP Extra Payment, families need to meet certain criteria. The program targets families with school-age children who are already receiving other forms of financial assistance, such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Additionally, families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may qualify if they meet income requirements.
Table: Eligibility Criteria for August SNAP Extra Payment
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Below 185% of the poverty level ($55,500 per year for a family of four) or 130% of the federal poverty level. |
| Existing Assistance | Must be enrolled in SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR. |
| School Enrollment | Children must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program. |
How to Use the August SNAP Extra Payment
Once you receive the August SNAP Extra Payment, the funds will be loaded onto an EBT debit card. This card can be used at most supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets to buy various food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy. However, the card cannot be used for hot food, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, or medications. You can also use your card for online purchases at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Table: Items You Can and Cannot Buy with August SNAP Extra Payment
| Can Buy | Cannot Buy |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Hot food |
| Meat and dairy | Pet food |
| Bread and cereal | Cleaning supplies |
| Snacks and soft drinks | Personal hygiene items |
| Medications |
States Participating in August SNAP Extra Payment
For August, several states will provide the August SNAP Extra Payment. These states include:
| State | Payment Details |
|---|---|
| California | Applies to individuals with last names starting with M through Z |
| Connecticut | Payments will be made in early August |
| Illinois | Payments distributed throughout August |
| Nebraska | Payments distributed throughout August |
| Pennsylvania | Payments distributed throughout August |
| Virginia | Payments distributed throughout August |
Note: Some states do not participate in the August SNAP Extra Payment program. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming.
How to Apply for the August SNAP Extra Payment
If you are not already receiving assistance but believe you qualify, you can apply for the August SNAP Extra Payment through the USDA’s official website. Payments began on June 14 and will continue every two weeks through September. There’s still time to apply if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
The August SNAP Extra Payment offers crucial support for families with school-age children during the summer months. By providing up to $120 per child, this program helps ease the burden of food expenses when school meals are not available. Ensure you check your eligibility and use your benefits wisely. For more details and to apply, visit the USDA’s official website.
FAQ’s
What is the August SNAP Extra Payment?
The August SNAP Extra Payment is an additional benefit provided to families with school-age children during the summer months through the Summer EBT project, also known as SUN Bucks. Eligible families can receive up to $120 per child to help with food expenses when school meals are unavailable.
How can I qualify for the August SNAP Extra Payment?
To qualify for the August SNAP Extra Payment, families must have school-age children and be enrolled in financial assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, TANF, or FDPIR. Families with children in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may also qualify if they meet certain income requirements.
Can I use the August SNAP Extra Payment for online purchases?
Yes, you can use the August SNAP Extra Payment on an EBT debit card for online purchases at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. However, the card cannot be used for hot food, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, or medications.
