Beginning April 1, 2009, Alabamians receiving Food Assistance benefits will see an increase in their monthly allotments. This increase in food assistance benefits is due to the recent passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly known as the Stimulus Bill. .
The new law provides for a 13.6 percent increase in the current maximum monthly allotments per household size. Normally, most Food Assistance households see an adjustment in their food assistance benefits in October. This increase replaces the October adjustment.
"We are hopeful that this increase will help Alabamians provide healthy meals for their families," said Commissioner Nancy Buckner. "We encourage families who may be eligible for assistance, but are not currently receiving benefits, to apply at their local county office," she added.
The current maximum monthly allotment for a four-person household will increase from $588 to $668. The exact amount of the increase in benefits will vary according to individual household circumstances.
All households currently certified to receive food assistance will be notified of their new allotment amount in early April through an automated mass change notice.
For information concerning qualifying for food assistance please visit http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/