Since last year, all SNAP (food stamps) households have been receiving the emergency maximum allotment of support (see chart below). This benefit will continue through April 2021. In addition to the maximum allotment, there is a 15% increase in SNAP benefits that will continue through September 2021.
Starting April 1, USDA announced that households who have not received at least $95 per month in increased benefits through the emergency maximum allotment waiver will now be eligible to receive additional benefits. Each household who has not seen an increase of SNAP since last year will now receive at least a $95 increase from what they have been previously approved for. In addition to this change, unemployment benefits are no longer being counted as income for the purpose of calculating SNAP eligibility.
Additionally, the work requirement for college students has been waived, which means a college student could be eligible for SNAP if the student has an EFC of $0 and/or the student is eligible for work study.
Income Eligibility and Maximum Allotment Chart
| Number of people in Household | Gross Income Standard | Maximum Net Income | Maximum allotment amount |
| 1 | $1,383 | $1,064 | $204 |
| 2 | $1,868 | $1,437 | $374 |
| 3 | $2,353 | $1,810 | $535 |
| 4 | $2,839 | $2,184 | $680 |
| 5 | $3,324 | $2,557 | $807 |
| 6 | $3,809 | $2,930 | $969 |
| 7 | $4,295 | $3,304 | $1,071 |
| 8 | $4,780 | $3,677 | $1,224 |
| 9 | $5,266 | $4,051 | $1,377 |
| 10 | $5,752 | $4,425 | $1,530 |
| 11 | $6,238 | $4,799 | $1,683 |
If you have any questions about the current changes to the SNAP program, please contact Kate Pearce (kate.pearce@secondharvestmidtn.org or 615-782-2071). If you need assistance applying for SNAP or know someone that does, you can call or text our SNAP assistance line at 615-310-0752. We are happy to help with the application process or answer any questions!
