The original item was published from October 11, 2022 10:25 AM to November 14, 2022 12:13 PM
As the Public Health Emergency (PHE), ends, you may see changes in your SNAP benefits as universal max allotment is recalled. Below, you will find FAQ about the upcoming changes, as well as additional resources.
FAQ:
What changes are coming to SNAP?
As the Public Health Emergency (PHE) comes to a close, the additional SNAP benefit called max allotment will be recalled by the federal government, meaning that some users will see a change in their benefits.
What is the Public Health Emergency (PHE)?
The Public Health Emergency (PHE) is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen the federal government make a number of temporary changes to benefit programs like SNAP.
What is max allotment?
Since March of 2020, all households receiving SNAP benefits have been enrolled in max allotment, meaning they received the highest amount of benefits provided by the SNAP program regardless of their level of need, which is determined by income and household size. Households that began receiving SNAP benefits during the PHE were automatically enrolled in max allotment, while those receiving lower allotments saw their benefits increase to the maximum amount.
Why are these changes happening?
Max allotment was provided to all SNAP users beginning in 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to provide relief to families. Max allotment was set up to be a temporary financial support to SNAP households and will stop with the end of the PHE.
When are these changes happening?
We don't know yet. Max allotment will end when the PHE is declared to have ended by the federal government. 60 days of notice will be given before the end of the PHE.
Will I see my benefits change?
Possibly. If your individual allotment (determined by income and household size) is less than the maximum amount, your benefits will change. You can check the status of your benefits at www.ebtedge.com or the the ebtEDGE app.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have further questions about your SNAP benefits and allotment, you can contact the 1-800 number located on the back of your EBT card.
Useful Websites:
Additional Resources:
Food Banks & Pantries
Programs
- Colorado Works: 303-866-5700; www.cdhs.colorado.go/colorado-works
- Employment First: www.jeffco.us/2644
- Helping Hands for the Homeless: 303-425-9173
- Interchurch Arms: 303-424-6283
- Jeffco Schools Free or Reduced Meals: 303-982-6748
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): 303-271-1388; www.benefits.gov/benefit/613
- Low Income Assistance Program: 1-866-432-8435; www.leap.jeffco.us
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program: 1-866-432-8435; www.cdhs.colorado.gov/leap
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC): 303-692-2400; www.coloradowic.gov
- Phone resources:
- TruConnect Wireless: 1-800-430-0443; www.truconnect.com
- QLink Wireless: 1-855-754-6543; www.qlinkwireless.com
- SafeLink Wireless: 1-800-723-3546; www.safelinkwireless.com
- Assurance Wireless: 1-888-321-5880; www.assurancewireless.com