Emergency SNAP (E-SNAP)
What is E-SNAP?
Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (E-SNAP) provides the maximum benefit amount for your household size. E-SNAP was first approved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 and has been approved in Minnesota each month since. There is no application for E-SNAP; it is automatically calculated and added to your EBT card.
When are the benefits added to my EBT card?
E-SNAP benefits will not always be issued on the same day of the month. You could receive E-SNAP benefits earlier in the month or later, but they should always arrive before the last day of the month. If you have not received your E-SNAP benefits for the month, contact your caseworker or the county you live in.
How much am I supposed to receive?
Your E-SNAP benefits are calculated by subtracting your regular SNAP amount and the total amount possible for your household size.
Example: For a Household of 1, if you receive $20 in SNAP, you will receive an extra $230 in E-SNAP.
| Household Size | Benefit Amount for Household |
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $992 |
| 6 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $1,504 |
For each additional member, add $188
When will E-SNAP benefits end?
There is not an exact date E-SNAP will end. E-SNAP is approved every month. January 2022 benefits have been approved and should be added to EBT cards in early February. Households should also receive benefits for February 2022. For the latest updates, check the DHS Facebook page.
Preparing for the end of E-SNAP
E-SNAP will eventually end, so it is important to start thinking about maximizing your SNAP benefits. One way to maximize your benefits is to make sure you provide proof of any deductions you could be eligible for. Below are the deductions that could increase your benefits:
- Standard deduction: The amount varies by household size. For a household of 1-3 people, it is $177. Larger households get a larger standard deduction.
- Shelter Deductions: Consists of housing and utility costs. Some households can receive the maximum deduction of $597 if the housing costs (including utilities) exceed half of their net income after all other deductions. Exceptions for people over 60 or if you have a disability.
- Earned income deduction: Allows 20% of the unit’s gross earned income as an earned income deduction. This accounts for work-related expenses and is a work incentive.
- Dependent care deduction: Childcare that you pay out of pocket or other dependent care expenses that are necessary for you to work, look for work, or go to school.
- Child support deduction: Court-ordered child support that a household member pays.
- Medical expense deduction: Household members 60 or older, disabled, or receiving expedited SSI can deduct most medical expenses greater than $35 a month.
You have to submit documentation when you apply or recertify your SNAP case to claim deductions.
Use the SNAP Screener to see how your deductions can impact your SNAP benefits. If you have any questions, you can text or call 888-711-1151, use the chat feature, or fill out this form to contact us.