COVID-19 & Extra Emergency SNAP Benefits:
What You Need to Know
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is issuing emergency SNAP (food assistance or food stamp) supplements to many SNAP households to help buy food during the pandemic crisis.
Will I get extra SNAP benefits?
If your monthly SNAP benefit is less than the maximum SNAP for your household, you will get a supplemental benefit up to the maximum SNAP grant. If you already get the maximum SNAP benefit, you will not get extra SNAP. This is because of a decision made by the federal government, not DCF.
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If I qualify for extra SNAP, when will I get it?
Eligible households who get SNAP for March and April 2020 will get 2 emergency SNAP supplement payments on their EBT card.
How do I learn how much I get in SNAP and if I get extra SNAP?
What if I need help food shopping?
Any member of your household can use the SNAP EBT card to food shop. Their name does NOT need to be on the card. You can also give your EBT card temporarily to a trusted friend or relative to food shop for you. The store should not inspect the card. The store should not refuse to serve any customer with an EBT card and PIN.
What if I do not already get SNAP?
If you are low-income, apply now. If you are approved, you may also qualify for an extra SNAP payment. There are several ways to apply:
https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/common-access-florida-forms.shtml. The completed paper application can be mailed to ACCESS Central Mail Center, P.O. Box 1770, Ocala, FL, 34478-1770, or it can be faxed or hand-delivered to a customer service center.
What if I need meals for my school age children?
Many of Florida's low-income children will still be able to get free and reduced-cost meals even though their schools are closed because of the pandemic. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with 2-1-1 to activate a text line and call center open 24/7 which Florida families can contact to find free meals for children under 18 during the current COVID-19 school closures. To find a site, simply text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211, dial 2-1-1 to speak with a live operator, or click the link Summer BreakSpot website. For most sites, no application is required.
What other resources can help me?
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Created by Florida Policy Institute and the Florida Senior Legal Helpline at Bay Area Legal Services, with funding support from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. This flier is up to date as of 4-3-20.
Information subject to change