Federal SNAP Program Changes Benefits

BATON ROUGE - As a result of the expiration of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed states that benefits will be lower in November for households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In April 2009, Congress passed ARRA, which temporarily increased the maximum amount of SNAP benefits a household could receive. On October 31, the ARRA will expire and benefit amounts will be reduced.

Because of this change to federal law, the federal government estimates SNAP recipients will likely see a slight decrease in their monthly SNAP benefits beginning in November. Depending on household size and circumstances, families can expect their benefits to decrease anywhere from $11 to $36, or about five percent, if they receive the maximum benefits available. The decrease could be more if there are more than four people in the household.

The end of ARRA and the change to SNAP benefits is required by federal law and applies to all households in the United States.

The November change comes one month after the USDA made an annual cost of living adjustment to benefits. The 2013 adjustment provided a small increase in benefits for many families.

Louisiana SNAP recipients can visit www.dcfs.la.gov/CAFE or call 1-888-LA-HELP-U to determine their current benefits.

SNAP is administered in Louisiana by DCFS and overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Read more about recipients' rights.

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