The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will return to its normal allotment levels starting in March 2023. Recipients have received a temporary increase in their benefits since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change is a result of Congress’ approval of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023; neither the Broome County Department of Social Services (DSS) nor the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) have control over this decision.
All SNAP households will be mailed a letter in February explaining the end of the supplemental emergency benefits. Additionally, SNAP households with mobile phone numbers on file will receive a series of three text messages from OTDA. The messages will be sent from 877-902-0684 to remind households that SNAP EA benefits are ending and directs them to a FAQ webpage. Text messages will be sent in late January, February, and early March. Neither OTDA nor Broome County DSS will ask SNAP recipients for their EBT card number or PIN. Never give your card number or PIN to anyone who texts, emails, or calls you asking for this information as it is likely a scam.
Beginning in March 2023, recipients will continue to get normal monthly SNAP benefit for as long as they are eligible. To ensure you are receiving an accurate SNAP benefit, households that recently experienced loss of income or an increase in expenses – such as housing costs, childcare fees, child support payments or have allowable medical expenses over $35 (for those age 60 or older, or disabled) since your last recertification – can report changes to their local district office which may result in an increase in the household’s normal monthly SNAP benefit. Families that need to recertify will receive a notice with instructions on how to do so.
For more information or if you need help with food or additional household expenses, visit https://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19/Frequently-Asked-Questions.asp.
