Food Stamp Benefits Issued Early

posted 1/19/19 -- Across the country, food stamp recipients are receiving their February benefits early due to the partial shutdown of the federal government. Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, called on states to issue recurring benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, better known as food stamps) early to avoid disruptions due to the shutdown.

February benefits are being issued to recipients automatically before the end of January. These benefits are intended for use during the month of February.

If the shutdown ends before the end of February, no additional benefits will be issued until recipients' typical March disbursement dates. It is not clear what will happen to benefits if the shutdown continues into March.

SNAP recipients are encouraged to budget carefully to make their benefits last as long as possible. Many food banks are available throughout Lorain County to provide additional assistance. The list of food banks LCCAA partnered with most recently can be found by clicking here.

For more information on federal nutrition programs, click here. For local resources from the Department of Job and Family Services, click here.

If you are in the process of applying for or reverifying eligibility, you are encouraged to call immediately.