In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, both state and federal governments increased financial aid to the public, and in Pennsylvania, the total monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have surged by 76% since November 2019. The Independent Fiscal Office’s analysis reveals a significant rise in recipients and a boost to average monthly benefits, reaching a peak of $531 million in 2022 before settling at $366 million in 2023.
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Factors Driving the Surge
The increase in SNAP benefits is attributed to a 16% rise in the number of recipients and a substantial 52% boost to average monthly benefits. The growth is noteworthy as it occurred despite a flat population growth and a record-low unemployment rate.
Policy changes at both the state and federal levels played a crucial role. In 2022, Pennsylvania expanded eligibility from 165% above the federal poverty line to 200%, and in 2023, certain college students became eligible. The most significant impact, however, stemmed from a 2022 change by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to its Thrifty Food Plan, resulting in a substantial increase in the maximum monthly benefit.
Despite the surge in benefits, the General Assembly faced challenges in addressing concerns about benefits going to deceased recipients. Efforts to curb this issue stalled in the House after passing in the Senate, drawing attention to a problem highlighted in a 2016 audit.
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Impact of SNAP Expansion
The SNAP expansion, endorsed by then-Governor Tom Wolf, was aimed at offering relief to those facing financial struggles. However, it unintentionally created a “benefits cliff,” where an increase in wages could lead to individuals losing their benefits, a departure from the previous, less-dramatic phase-out approach.
The consistent rise in the number of SNAP beneficiaries, surpassing 2 million in 2023, underscores the ongoing economic challenges despite a lower unemployment rate compared to 2019. The data reveals the complex interplay between policy changes, economic conditions, and the need for sustained assistance.
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