IM-37 COVID-19 TWELFTH EXTENSION OF PANDEMIC SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (P-SNAP) EMERGENCY ALLOTMENTS

Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri

TO:  ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: COVID-19 TWELFTH EXTENSION OF PANDEMIC SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (P-SNAP) EMERGENCY ALLOTMENTS

 

DISCUSSION:

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 allows Emergency Allotments (EA) of supplemental benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps) to be issued to eligible SNAP households.  The P-SNAP program raises a household’s SNAP allotment to the maximum amount for the household size. 

Supplemental benefits were issued by the Family Support Division (FSD) from March 2020 through March 2021 as part of the P-SNAP program.  P-SNAP has been extended through April 2021.  Beyond April 2021, participation in P-SNAP will be decided on a month-to-month basis during the COVID-19 health crisis.

SNAP households do not need to apply for P-SNAP.  The supplemental benefit will be automatically added to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

As of April 2021 there has been a calculation method change to P-SNAP.  Individuals who receive the maximum SNAP benefit allotment, and were previously ineligible for P-SNAP, are now entitled to a minimum of $95 in P-SNAP benefits. 

Participants who get SNAP benefits on or before the 14th of the month will get the April P-SNAP benefit on April 14. 

Participants who get SNAP benefits after the 14th of each month will get the April P-SNAP benefit on their normal benefit payment date.

NOTE: Households approved for SNAP benefits, but receiving a zero SNAP benefit allotment, are not eligible to receive P-SNAP.

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

KE/ks