New summer checks are soon to be distributed! As summer approaches, many parents and families are set to welcome their children home from school. However, what should be a time spent with family and preparing to recharge for the new school year, is often in reality a stressful period for some families. With extra mouths to feed amidst increasing food prices and household expenses, some may be worrying about how they are going to keep their children fed during the summer recess. To address this, the federal government has released a new summer campaign.
SNAP food stamps help to feed millions
Previously known as food stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps to feed over 40 million citizens each year by providing financial assistance to purchase groceries. For many low-income individuals and families, the program plays an essential role in ensuring that they do not become destitute and has been a key player in preventing child poverty.
While the program is funded through the federal government, each state has the responsibility of distributing the aid among its citizens as well as having its own qualifying criteria; however, there are standard federal qualifying guidelines. Your SNAP qualifying criteria largely depend on your income in proportion to how many people are living in your home.
New $120 checks arriving for these qualifying families
Because of the concerns associated with how the extra number of family members in the home is going to be fed, the federal government has decided to launch the ‘SUN Bucks’ initiative for qualifying families. Usually, during school term, children are fed; however, being at home for the next two to three months now means that the responsibility falls on families each day.
The federal government will be releasing $120 worth of food stamps for families who have children between the ages of 6-18 years old. One check will be distributed per child. According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, to be eligible to receive the $120 check, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in SNAP, or other assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Your child participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
If you or your child is part of any of these programs, no further action is required from you as the benefits will be automatically loaded onto your existing EBT card, or one will be sent to you if you do not have one. When you will receive your extra benefits will vary by state, but some have started the rollout in May, while others have begun this month.
Are SNAP benefits set to be slashed?
The SNAP program is an essential lifeline for millions of families, and the new summer initiative is set to provide some financial relief to families who are the most vulnerable and in need. However, there have been rising concerns over the future of SNAP due to unconfirmed plans for the benefits to be slashed from federal government funding by the Trump Administration in the near future.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was brought in by the Trump Administration to make recommendations regarding federal government spending. One recommendation DOGE has made is to cut funding from a variety of social programs, including USAID. The new budget cuts, amounting to over $1 trillion, have been passed by the House and are now sitting in consideration by the Senate. Under the new budget propositions, much of the funding for SNAP benefits would be cut, meaning that states would need to work to cover the deficit themselves.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of stimulus checks, tax reliefs, tax rebates, tax credits, and other payments is based on the official sources listed in the article. All payment amounts and dates, as well as eligibility requirements, are subject to change by the governing institutions. Always consult the official source we provide to stay up to date and obtain information for your decision-making.
