LANSING, MI -- The state of Michigan paid out $68 million more in the month of March than it did in February for food assistance benefits, according to data released Monday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Last month, the state paid out $205.9 million for the Food Assistance Program in the state, which was up from $137.5 million in February. The benefits are federally funded.
The biggest change in the month-over-month cost is the amount of money going out per person who is receiving benefits. In March 2019, the average monthly food benefit per person was $118.58. That monthly total per person remained nearly the same through February 2020 where it was $116.98. However, in March the average per person jumped to $165.06.
The nearly $50 increase per person can be attributed to a state order that relaxed requirements for receiving assistance and increased the amount of money given to eligible recipients.
Due to the spread of COVID-19 and the continuing economic issues facing thousands in the state, the MDHHS announced everyone who is currently on the SNAP benefits program -- which provides the Bridge card used for food assistance -- will have their monthly payment increased to the maximum possible level for their family size.
The state estimated some 350,000 households would see their benefits increased thanks to the decision. That means that regardless of your situation, as long as you qualify for SNAP benefits, you would receive the maximum total allowed for your household. For a household of two, the maximum monthly payment is $355. For a family of four, it’s $646 and for a family of six, it’s $921.
“We realize these are unprecedented times and a lot of people are facing significant financial hardships because of the situations. We’re doing all we can to help those families and individuals to provide nutritious food while they’re going through these hard times," said Bob Wheaton, public information officer for the MDHHS.
In order to qualify for benefits, applicants must meet certain income eligibility requirements. For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income --meaning earnings before deductions -- is $2,790. That amount represents a monthly income that is 130% of the federal poverty level for monthly income.
“Anything the state and federal government can do to strengthen or boost these programs, that’s really going to be key in the immediate future but also with the long-term economic challenges that are coming after this health crisis," said Alex Rossman, the external affairs director for the Michigan League of Public Policy.
Programs like SNAP benefits and the recently approved Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program are absolutely critical during a crisis like COVID-19 because they serve as a safety net for people who fall on hard times, according to Rossman.
“We know they are valuable and they work," Rossman said.
In regards to the P-EBT program, Wheaton said those recently announced benefits were not included in the state numbers for March as those payments have yet to be sent to qualified recipients. Meaning those P-EBT benefits are not a factor in the average payment per person rising.
While the average benefit per person increased significantly, the number of people receiving benefits did not increase as sharply. The state reports 1,247,923 people receiving assistance in March 2020. That’s up from the 1,175,901 people on benefits last month. In March 2019 1,182,623 people received benefits.
Although that increase isn’t as drastic, Wheaton says the state expects the numbers to increase next month as more people face economic hardships. Unemployment applications have skyrocketed in the state over the last few weeks and the state is preparing for more applications for food assistance in coming weeks as well.
So far, Wheaton says he’s not been made aware of any issues with processing applications quickly for people in need. He says local offices have also reported steady numbers but no hiccups. Rossman praised the state for how the system has operated given the circumstances.
“Both the governor and the state departments and the federal government have been doing what they can to address the health crisis and the other struggles that are coming with it," Rossman said.
PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.
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