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DHSS Press Release

Molly Magarik, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: August 27, 2020
DHSS-8-2020

DELAWARE'S SNAP PROGRAM WILL ISSUE ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY BENEFITS FOR USE STARTING AUG. 31

Existing clients may receive these additional benefits to support food needs

NEW CASTLE (Aug. 27, 2020) - Emergency benefits will be issued to participants of Delaware's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for August as part of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020.

Under this federal act signed into law in March, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) issues emergency benefits each month to any household not already receiving the maximum monthly SNAP benefit. SNAP households that already receive the maximum monthly benefit will not receive additional funds.

The emergency benefits for August will be released Aug. 30 and will be automatically loaded to recipients' SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for use starting Aug. 31. The emergency benefits will allow the household's monthly allotment to increase to the maximum amount for a household of that size, as follows:

Number in SNAP Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$194
2	$355
3	$509
4	$646
5	$768
6	$921
7	$1,018
8	$1,164
Each additional person	$146

SNAP households already received their regular August benefits on the usual issuance dates.

Many SNAP households in Delaware have received emergency monthly benefits since March. "Delaware is making progress in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, but many families continue to struggle to meet their food and nutritional needs because of the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19," said Molly Magarik, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. "This additional assistance provides much-needed relief for Delawareans who worry about going hungry."

More than 120,000 Delawareans receive SNAP benefits. The average size of a SNAP household in Delaware is 2.04 individuals and the average monthly benefit amount is $233. Individuals seeking to apply for SNAP benefits in Delaware may apply online through https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/ or by phone at 1-866-843-7212.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DELAWARE'S SNAP PROGRAM WILL ISSUE ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY BENEFITS FOR USE STARTING AUG. 31

Delaware's Government