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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Governor Baker's Office says Massachusetts residents on SNAP benefits will get more money from the government, starting this fall.
About 550,000 Massachusetts residents are on food stamps, or around 8% of the state. The administration says average monthly SNAP benefits will increase between $25-$30, and overall benefits will go up by 12%.
The federal government adjusts SNAP benefits in response to inflation and changes in the cost of living, both of which have increased over last year. Baker's office said it had also asked the government for more money because of likely high fuel costs this fall and winter.
Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan called SNAP an "economic stabilizer," which helps keep small businesses and grocery stores afloat.
The extra money will begin to flow on October 1.
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