SNAP Program Expenditures Surge Twice Pre-Pandemic in 2023: SNAP Faces Reauthorization

SNAP Program Expenditures Record in 2023: Renewal Looms as Five-Year Budget Cycle Concludes

SNAP Program Expenditures in 2023. (Photo: Google)

SNAP Program Expenditure Record Post Pandemic – SNAP Reauthorization and Farm Bill’s $428B Spending in Focus

In an article by KCP, in 2023, the SNAP program expenditures in the U.S. surged to unprecedented levels, exceeding pre-pandemic amounts by more than twofold. As the five-year budget cycle nears its end, discussions about the program’s reauthorization are underway.

The surge in SNAP program expenditures was driven by COVID-19 supplementary payments, peaking at $11 billion in December 2022 but tapering to $7.5 billion by May 2023 after the discontinuation of the extra COVID payments.

Notably, the Farm Bill, which provides authorization for SNAP, projected a total spending of $428 billion from 2019 to 2023. Amidst the pandemic, per-person monthly food stamp costs spiked significantly to $259.52 for 42.1 million recipients in November 2022, reflecting a notable increase in SNAP program expenditure.

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Per-Person SNAP Costs Decrease to $177.54 in May 2023; Reinstated Work-Requirements May Impact Benefits Amid Rising SNAP Program Expenditures

In May 2023, per-person monthly SNAP costs decreased to $177.54, benefiting 42 million recipients. However, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that the reinstated work-requirements in October 2023 could terminate benefits for 500,000 to 1 million adults.

These requirements limit benefits to 18 to 49-year-olds without disabilities or dependent children, necessitating 20 hours of work or training per week, impacting the SNAP program expenditure landscape.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 extended work requirements to individuals up to 54 years old, with incremental age increments from 50 to 54 starting September 1, 2024. These changes align with rising SNAP program expenditures.

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