LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Families receiving extra assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) because of COVID-19 need to prepare for the end of this February.
Due to recent federal legislation, February will be the last month that people in Michigan and other states receive the extra food assistance benefits, which have been at least $95.00 dollars per month.
According to a news release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the additional benefits will no longer be issued staring in March.
Officials say those who’ve received the additional food assistance should prepare and seek needed resources to accommodate the reduction in their benefits. They stress that among the options are food banks and other agencies in their local communities, which can be found online at michigan.gov/MIBridges under the “Explore Resources” tab or by calling 2-1-1.
“Approximately 1.3 million Michiganders have received additional food assistance monthly during the pandemic to help them put food on the table in challenging times,” said Lewis Roubal, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) chief deputy director for opportunity. “We appreciate the support from our federal partners. Now that we know the additional benefits will be going away, we want to make sure our clients are prepared for this change, as we realize inflation is affecting all of us.”
Michiganders who receive food assistance can check their regular monthly food assistance amount on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling 844-464-3447. Or they can go the ebtEDGE portal or call 888-678-8914 to check their remaining balance available to spend on food. Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
More information about the how benefits connected to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency are changing can be found at Michigan.gov/2023BenefitChanges and details about the SNAP changes can be found on the Food Assistance Program webpage.
The additional food assistance was ended in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 that was signed on December 29th.
