Per instruction received from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to the Federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for February will be issued early, January 16, 2019. Counties should continue all other SNAP operations as usual.
In an effort to ensure recipients receiving their February benefits early understand that these benefits are not additional, or bonus benefits the following message will be added to our customer service phone numbers and phone calls and text messages will be sent to recipients that have signed up for text messaging notifications or have a phone number provided:
February SNAP Was Delivered Early. Customers who use SNAP EBT should keep in mind that February food dollars were issued on January 16, 2019. This means that you may have two months’ worth of food dollars on your account this month. No food dollars will be added in February. The early food dollars are meant to help with next month’s food. We encourage our SNAP-participating customers to plan their purchases carefully so that they have money available to meet their food needs.
To reduce the chance of a delay in SNAP benefits, individuals who are newly applying for SNAP, or are completing recertification applications, are highly encouraged to provide any outstanding documentation to their County Department of Job and Family Services, as soon as possible. At this time the Federal government has confirmed applications and Recertifications will be processed up to January 30th. After that date, the continued issuance of SNAP benefits will be determined by the status of the Federal government shutdown.