SNAP Recipients to Receive Additional Benefits During Coronavirus Emergency

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Politico Pro

New Jersey residents who receive food assistance through the state will get an extra benefit payment on Sunday and their benefits will be higher in April to help address food needs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act will provide $35 million in additional supplemental payments on Sunday to about 205,000 households enrolled in New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Benefits for April will increase by another $35 million for those enrolled.

“We want every individual and family to be able to have the food they need as they comply with the Governor’s directive to stay at home,” state Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said in a statement.

About 340,000 households — or 670,000 residents — receive benefits from New Jersey’s SNAP, which provides food assistance to low-income families. Those slated to receive the supplemental benefit will receive the difference between their usual benefit amount and the maximum amount for their family size.