The Emergency Allotment Benefit (EAB) program has been providing additional food assistance to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Michigan, the EAB has been providing an extra $95 per month to households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The EAB program is set to end in Michigan on March 31, 2023. This means that SNAP households will see a decrease in their benefits starting in April 2023. The end of the EAB program could have a significant impact on food security in Michigan.

In February 2023, over 1.2 million Michigan households received SNAP benefits, including the EAB.

Emergency Allotment Benefit (EAB) in Michigan

The Emergency Allotment Benefit (EAB) is a temporary increase in food assistance benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EAB has been providing additional food assistance to Michigan residents who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

The EAB has been providing an additional $95 per month to all SNAP households in Michigan since April 2020. This additional benefit has helped to ensure that Michigan residents have access to enough food during the pandemic.

End Date of the EAB Program in Michigan

The EAB program in Michigan is scheduled to end on March 31, 2023. After this date, SNAP households in Michigan will no longer receive the additional $95 per month in food assistance benefits.

The end of the EAB program may have a significant impact on Michigan residents who are relying on the additional food assistance benefits. These residents may need to find other ways to supplement their food budget after the EAB program ends.

Eligibility for EAB in Michigan

The Emergency Allotment Benefit (EAB) program in Michigan provides additional food assistance to households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. To be eligible for EAB in Michigan, households must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current SNAP recipient in Michigan.
• Have a household income that is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
• Not be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How to Apply for EAB in Michigan

Households that meet the eligibility criteria can apply for EAB by submitting a completed EAB application form to their local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office. The application form can be obtained online or from a DHHS office.

How to Check the Status of an EAB Application in Michigan

Households can check the status of their EAB application by calling the Michigan DHHS hotline at 800-643-1990.

Impact of EAB Ending in Michigan

The end of the EAB in Michigan could have a significant impact on food security for low-income households.

In December 2023, approximately 1.3 million households in Michigan received EAB, which provided an average of $95 per month in additional food assistance. The loss of this benefit will result in a significant reduction in food assistance for these households.

Number of Households Receiving EAB in Michigan

• December 2023: 1.3 million households

Amount of Food Assistance Lost

• Average EAB benefit: $95 per month
• Total EAB benefit lost: $1.3 million households x $95 per month = $123.5 million per month

Resources for Food Assistance in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offers a variety of food assistance programs to help low-income individuals and families. These programs include:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Senior Nutrition Program
• Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

To learn more about these programs and how to apply, visit the MDHHS website at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/ or call 1-800-642-9557.

In addition to government programs, there are also a number of non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Michigan. These organizations include:

• Food Banks of Michigan
• Gleaners Community Food Bank
• Capuchin Soup Kitchen
• Salvation Army
• United Way of Michigan

To find a food pantry or soup kitchen near you, visit the Food Banks of Michigan website at https://www.foodbanksofmichigan.org/ or call 1-800-772-9111.

Last Recap

The end of the EAB program is a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is still having a significant impact on food security in Michigan. It is important to be aware of the resources that are available to help you get food assistance if you need it.

FAQ

What is the EAB program?

The EAB program is a temporary federal program that provides additional food assistance to SNAP households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When will the EAB program end in Michigan?

The EAB program will end in Michigan on March 31, 2023.

How much will SNAP benefits decrease by when the EAB program ends?

SNAP households will see a decrease of $95 per month in their benefits starting in April 2023.

What resources are available to help me get food assistance?

There are a number of resources available to help you get food assistance, including food banks, pantries, and other organizations. You can find a list of resources in your area by visiting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.