Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits funding by New York State are starting to come through in Erie County.
The county reported Monday that SNAP benefits started arriving Sunday and will continue through Nov. 17.
The county says 96% of households in Erie County on SNAP will receive 100% of their authorized benefits.
However, the county did warn households due to get their first payments on a new case for this month are not included in this round of benefit payments. Those families are encouraged to not wait and head to a food pantry if necessary.
“We are relieved that SNAP benefits are once again being issued to families and individuals who rely on this vital program to put food on the table. The uncertainty caused by the government shutdown created real fear and hardship for households across our community,” said Karen Rybicki, Erie County Department of Social Services commissioner. “I’m grateful that these benefits are being restored by New York State so that families can focus on meeting their basic needs rather than worrying about the source of their next meal.”
This comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul recently directed state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for November.