The Current State of SNAP

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition information Program) is operating normally in all 50 states, but several changes have happened or are happening that affect how much you receive and when. The biggest recent change was the end of the federal pandemic boost in March 2023—a temporary increase that added money to every household's monthly benefit. That boost is gone, so if your benefit amount dropped last spring, that's why.

Right now, the program itself is stable and running. What's changing is how much money each state gets to distribute, how states are processing cases, and what paperwork you may need to submit. Some of these changes are happening at the federal level; others depend on which state you live in.

Key Takeaways

  • The temporary pandemic increase to SNAP benefits ended in March 2023, which reduced monthly amounts for most households.
  • States are required to verify that households still meet income and other requirements, and some are processing these verifications faster than others.
  • Your state may have changed how it handles SNAP applications or recertification, so contact your local office to learn what documents you need right now.
  • If your benefit amount changed or your case was closed, you can request a hearing to challenge the decision.

Why the Pandemic Boost Ended

During the COVID-19 emergency, the federal government added extra money to every SNAP household's monthly benefit. This was temporary—it was always meant to end when the federal emergency declaration ended. In March 2023, that declaration ended, and the boost stopped.

The boost varied by state, but most households saw an increase of $50 to $200 per month during the pandemic. When it ended, that money came off your benefit. This was not a mistake or a policy change—it was the planned end of an emergency measure. If you were receiving SNAP during the pandemic and your amount dropped in March 2023, this is what happened.

Recertification and Verification Requirements

SNAP households are required to recertify their income and household situation periodically—usually every 12 months, though some households recertify every 24 months depending on their circumstances. During the pandemic, the federal government paused many of these recertifications to reduce paperwork and keep people on benefits. That pause ended, and states have gone back to normal recertification schedules.

If your state sends you a notice asking you to recertify, it means they need you to confirm that your income, household size, and other details are still the same. You'll typically need to submit recent pay stubs, a lease or mortgage statement, and proof of any expenses the program counts (like childcare or medical costs). The important date in the notice is real—if you miss it without a good reason, your case can be closed. If that happens, you can request a hearing to explain why you missed the important date.

Some states are moving faster than others on recertifications. A few states have fallen behind, which means some households have not received notices yet even though they are due. Contact your local SNAP office to find out when your recertification is due and what documents you need to submit.

How State Policies Are Changing

SNAP is a federal program, but each state runs its own version and makes some of its own rules within federal guidelines. Over the past few years, some states have changed how they process applications, how they verify income, and what they count as income or expenses. These changes vary widely by state.

For example, some states have made it easier to report changes online; others still require phone calls or in-person visits. Some states count certain types of income differently than they did before. A few states have changed the income limits or the way they calculate benefits. Because these changes are state-specific, the best source of information is your own state's SNAP office or your local county department of social services.

What to Do If Your Benefit Changed or Your Case Closed

If your monthly benefit amount dropped and you don't know why, or if you received a notice that your case is being closed, you have the right to request a hearing. This is a formal process where you can explain your situation to someone who was not involved in the original decision. You don't need a lawyer, though you can bring one.

To request a hearing, look for the appeal instructions on the notice you received. If you didn't get a notice, contact your local SNAP office and ask how to file an appeal. You usually have 30 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing, though some states allow longer. While you wait for the hearing, your old benefit amount may continue—ask your caseworker whether you're may have access to to continued benefits while the appeal is pending.

If your case was closed because you missed a recertification important date, explain in your appeal why you missed it. If you have a good reason—you were sick, you didn't receive the notice, you had a family emergency—the hearing officer can reopen your case.

How to Find Out What's Happening in Your State

Because SNAP rules and timelines vary by state, the fastest way to understand what's happening with your own case is to contact your state or local office directly. You can find your local SNAP office by searching "[your state] SNAP office" or by calling 211, which is a free referral line that connects you to local benefits programs.

When you call or visit, have your case number ready if you have one. Ask: when is my recertification due, what documents do I need to submit, and how do I submit them? If your benefit changed, ask why. If you received a notice you don't understand, bring it with you or read it aloud to the caseworker and ask them to explain it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the pandemic boost come back?

No. The federal government ended the temporary pandemic increase in March 2023, and there are no plans to restore it. Your current benefit is your regular SNAP amount based on your income and household size.

What happens if I miss my recertification important date?

Your case will be closed, and you'll stop receiving benefits. You can request a hearing to reopen it if you have a reason for missing the important date. Contact your local SNAP office when ready if you missed a important date—the sooner you request a hearing, the sooner your case can be reopened.

Can I report changes to my income online?

It depends on your state. Some states have online portals where you can report changes; others require you to call or visit in person. Contact your local SNAP office to find out how your state handles changes.

Why is my recertification taking so long?

Some states are processing recertifications faster than others. If you submitted your paperwork and haven't heard back within 30 days, contact your local office to check the status. If there's a delay on their end, ask whether your benefits will continue while they process your case.

Do I have to report every change in my income?

You must report changes that affect your SNAP amount—usually changes of $100 or more per month, though this varies by state. Contact your local office to learn your state's reporting rules. Reporting changes promptly prevents overpayments that you'd have to repay later.