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What Are Emergency Food Stamp Benefits?

Food stamps, issued through the government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help millions of low-income Americans continue to feed their families despite economic hardship. Some recipients, though, need even greater assistance. Emergency food stamp benefits ensure they don't go hungry.

  1. Quicker Availability

    • The food stamp application and approval process can take several weeks. If your situation is especially dire -- if you're unemployed, elderly or homeless, for example -- your local SNAP office may issue you emergency food stamps. It may take only a few days to receive these benefits.

    Greater Financial Assistance

    • Because emergency food stamps are for people suffering extreme financial hardship, recipients may initially receive more money than they would as part of the regular food stamp program. Because emergency food stamps are usually temporary, though, after a month or two recipients will probably receive slightly less.

    Help During a Disaster

    • If your city, county or state is struck by a disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, you may qualify for temporary emergency food stamp benefits due to the extra storm expenses you'll likely face. As with regular food stamps, your benefits are still determined by your household size and income, but national and state agencies take into account the hardship you'll suffer due to the scope of the disaster.

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