SNAP Benefits Could Be Quadrupled for Millions of Recipients

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in New York could see their minimum monthly amount quadrupled under a proposed new rule.

Under current rules, New York-based recipients of SNAP can claim a minimum of $23 per month to help them pay for essential groceries. But a new bill could see the minimum amount raised significantly each month through the establishment of a state-wide program that would increase the amount.

Introduced in the New York Senate and Assembly, Senate Bill S7663 and Assembly Bill A6214A would see a "state SNAP minimum benefit program" introduced. According to Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service data, in 2022, there were 2.8 million people in the state receiving SNAP.

The Senate bill text reads: "This would give households receiving SNAP an additional monthly state SNAP benefit equal to the difference between the household's federal SNAP monthly benefit and $95. This program would result in relief and support the wellbeing of our state's most vulnerable families."

Available for eligible participants nationwide, SNAP is paid for by the federal government but administered by state authorities and, in some cases, at the county level. States are responsible for outlining the minimum and maximum amounts a family can claim, with individual payments based on a person's income and how many people live in their household.

The bills have been introduced following the end of emergency SNAP payments made throughout the coronavirus pandemic. These ended in March 2023, "leaving SNAP recipients struggling to cover the lost benefits to feed themselves at a time when food prices remain extremely high due to inflation," reads the bill text.

According to New York City Council, in the city alone there are approximately 1.7 million people claiming SNAP as of February 2023. In 2022, approximately 20 percent of all New York City residents were enrolled in SNAP.

The bill is sponsored by Assembly member Jessica González-Rojas and state Senator Rachel May.

Speaking to Newsweek, May said: "Many New York families have a tough time putting nourishing food on the table. Especially after COVID emergency SNAP assistance ended, households lost an average of $151 monthly.

"We must ensure no child goes to bed with an empty stomach, so I'm proposing a bill to maintain a minimum monthly SNAP benefit of $100 to support families with healthy food. On top of the benefits for individuals and families, money invested in SNAP generates revenue for local businesses, boosting the entire economy. I'm ready to work together this session to guarantee all New York families have enough food to eat."

González-Rojas told Newsweek: "A recent New York State Department of Health report found that one in four New Yorkers experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months.

"This crisis has not subsided since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is only growing exponentially. That's why I introduced A6214A to increase the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program minimum benefit to $100 because no one should go hungry in a state as abundant in resources as New York."

She continued: "We know that every SNAP dollar we draw down from the federal government provides between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic benefits and that SNAP makes up a good percentage of grocery store sales. This bill will help us address hunger in New York and is smart fiscal policy, and I urge our legislature and Gov. [Kathy] Hochul to include it in our enacted state budget."

According to a report by SI Live, food suppliers in New York have backed the bill, including Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper/Market31, both of which are based in New York state and have more than 200 stores.

Penning a letter to Hochul, they said: "Back in March 2023, households saw an average loss of $151 per month when SNAP Emergency Allotments (EAs) ended. Some New Yorkers saw their benefits drop to just $23 per month—the current SNAP minimum benefit. By increasing vital nutrition assistance to low-income New Yorkers, this proposal would establish an adequate monthly benefit."

New York is one of the 44 states to receive a letter from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding concerns over SNAP administration and delivery times. Newsweek has previously reported on long delays for benefit recipients in some states, leaving vulnerable families struggling to afford basic necessities.

Update 2/21/24, 10:26 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Rachel May.