Families may receive maximum food assistance through May

The coordinator of two programs in Kansas that help to provide food and other assistance to low-income families is encouraging the state’s residents to apply as soon as possible to receive recently updated benefits.

The federal government has approved changes to the benefits available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in Kansas, said Lisa Ross, who oversees program administration, in a news release.

Households receiving SNAP benefits will receive the maximum monthly allotment for April and May. In addition, the Kansas Department for Children and Families has temporarily waived work requirements and training required to receive food assistance.

Ross said certification periods for SNAP benefits have increased from six months to 12 months for most households, and to 24 months for seniors and persons with disabilities. But to receive the enhanced benefits, a household member must apply through the department's self-service center, which is available online.

That site also lists eligibility requirements and a full list of benefits available. Ross said Kansas SNAP-Ed staff members have worked diligently to build relationships with community partners so that SNAP participants have healthy food available to them.

In Kansas, SNAP-Ed is implemented through K-State Research and Extension and its network of offices in every county.

Ross said people with questions on how to apply or with questions regarding SNAP-Ed can contact their local extension office for information.

Ross stressed Kansans should not wait to apply for SNAP benefits; the sooner they apply, the sooner they can receive assistance. She also encouraged those families whose children may qualify for free or reduced school lunches to do so now, even though Kansas schools are not in session.

This is especially important if a household member has lost a job or the household income has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local school districts will have information on how to apply for the free or reduced lunch program.