Here’s great news for New York SNAP recipients: The Biden administration has announced a 25% increase in SNAP benefits. This is the first time since 1975 that the SNAP program has seen a boost in purchasing power. In this post, we are going to explain the New York 25% Food Stamp Increase for 2021 and when New Yorkers can expect to start receiving the increased benefit. We will also answer how long this increase will last.
Also, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the increased SNAP benefits, including how much you are likely to receive.
The Biden administration has made an adjustment to the Thrifty Food Plan to reflect the current cost of food and adjust for years of the plan not being a fair reflection on what it takes to buy nutritious food.
Why is the Biden Administration Increasing SNAP Benefit Now?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the updated benefits formula is based on current food prices.
But the real story is that the USDA has neglected for years to updated food stamps benefits to reflect food prices.
A study by the government in June found that 88% of SNAP recipients were struggling to achieve a healthy diet.
As a result, the USDA updated the Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to determine SNAP benefit amounts.
What is the Thrifty Food Plan?
The USDA develops four food plans that estimate the cost of a nutritious diet across various price points—the Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans. The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) is the lowest cost of the four.
The TFP represents the cost to purchase groceries for a family of four – an adult male and female, ages 20-50, and two children, ages 6-8 and 9-11.
It is designed to meet the nutritional needs of an average person consuming a healthy, cost-conscious diet at home.
The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to re-evaluate the TFP no later than 2022 and then every five years thereafter.
As a result of a recent review, the USDA announced that food assistance benefits will increase by an average of 25% above pre-pandemic levels.
According to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, “Ensuring low-income families have access to a healthy diet helps prevent disease, supports children in the classroom, reduces health-care costs and more.”
Furthermore, he said, “And the additional money families will spend on groceries helps grow the food economy, creating thousands of new jobs along the way.”
FAQs about New York 25% Food Stamp Increase for 2021
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the 25% increase in SNAP for New Yorkers:
How long will the increase in food stamps last in New York for 2021?
Unlike the 15% increase in food stamps that was approved from January – September 2021, the 25% increase in food stamps for 2021 is permanent.
This means that you will receive this benefit increase indefinitely if you qualify.
How Much will I get a month in SNAP from the 25% Increase?
The table below shows the new SNAP benefit amounts with the 25% increase.
These benefits will begin in October 2021.
How does the 25% increase compare to last year’s benefit?
The table below shows what SNAP benefits would have been without the 15% increase that has been in effect from January to September 2021.
| Household Size | Current Maximum SNAP Monthly Benefit without 15% Extra Allotment | New Maximum SNAP Benefit with 25% Increase |
| 1 | $204 | $250 |
| 2 | $374 | $459 |
| 3 | $535 | $658 |
| 4 | $680 | $835 |
| 5 | $807 | $992 |
| 6 | $969 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $1,071 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $1,224 | $1,504 |
| Each additional member | (+$153) | (+$188) |
How about the 15% Extra SNAP Benefits?
During the pandemic, all SNAP recipients got a 15% boost to their benefits, but that additional aid expires at the end of September 2021.
The 25% permanent increase fills that void the expiration of the 15% increase would have left after expiring in September.
New York 25% Food Stamp Increase for 2021 Summary
Here’s the bottom line about New York 25% Food Stamp Increase for 2021:
The Biden administration has made an adjustment to the Thrifty Food Plan to reflect the current cost of food and adjust for years of the plan not being a fair reflection on what it takes to buy nutritious food.
As a result, starting in October 2021, there will be a $25% increase in the maximum benefit for SNAP recipients.
As a result, a family of four would qualify for a maximum benefit of $835, compared to $680.
The increase is permanent.
Questions?
We hope this post on the New York 25% Food Stamp Increase for 2021 was helpful.
If you have further questions about New York SNAP or EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about NY SNAP and EBT, including:
New York EBT Deposit Dates for 2021
Get Free Admission with NY EBT Card
New York P-EBT Benefits for Summer 2021
P-EBT Extension for NY for School Year 2020/2021
New York Food Stamps Income Chart
How much will I get in New York SNAP benefits?
New York SNAP EBT Card Replacement Explained