The roughly 600,000 households in Massachusetts that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once referred to as food stamps, are seeing an increase in their benefits.

The boost is in response to the decades-high inflation rate that has driven the cost of food, energy, clothing and more through the stratosphere.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced a 12% increase in benefits in September. Recipients began seeing the additional $25-$30 per month in October.

Massachusetts SNAP Benefits Increase In Response To Inflation
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The SNAP benefits are adjusted annually by the federal government in order to keep pace with inflation.

Residents will continue to receive the temporary extra, pandemic-related SNAP emergency allotments.

Additionally, Massachusetts got approval from the federal government to adjust the heating costs used to calculate benefit amounts because of the regional rise in utility prices.

Massachusetts SNAP Benefits Increase In Response To Inflation
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Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said in a statement, "The Baker-Polito Administration continues to leverage every opportunity to tackle food insecurity and maximize federal nutrition programs."

Sudder says, "Increasing SNAP benefit amounts to reflect residents' cost of living, in addition to continuing SNAP Emergency Allotments and implementing free school meals for all Massachusetts students this year, represents the Administration's ongoing commitment to battling hunger across the Commonwealth."

Massachusetts SNAP Benefits Increase In Response To Inflation
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"SNAP is a critical tool in providing individuals and families with the financial power to buy food that meets their households' cultural and nutritional needs," Sudder says.

Massachusetts residents can check their SNAP eligibility and apply online at www.DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Assistance line by calling 877-382-2363 (press 7).

The Department of Transitional Assistance has prepared a chart showing the benefits changes.

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