Florida families on food stamps will temporarily receive more money

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Update: Florida's Department of Children and Families announced Wednesday it has followed through with the governor's directive to increase SNAP benefits for all families to the maximum allowed by household size.

• 1 person – $194
• 2 people – $355
• 3 people – $509
• 4 people – $646
• 5 people – $768
• 6 people – $921
• 7 people – $1,018
• 8 people – $1,164
• Each Additional Person – +$146

Original story:

It happened almost overnight. The coronavirus brought America’s economy from an all-out sprint to a painfully slow crawl, and millions of people who were already struggling to keep up are now finding it almost impossible.

Workers are being laid off, and companies are hesitant to hire because no one really knows when this international nightmare will finally end.

That’s why Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday announced he’s directing the Department of Children and Families to submit a federal waiver to temporarily increase SNAP benefits for all families to the maximum amount allowed.

According to the governor, families of four who were receiving $449 per month will now receive $509. He did not say how long the increase will last.

These are the requirements to receive SNAP benefits:

• Must be a Florida resident
• Must have one of the following:
  1. A current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001 – OR
  2. You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 AND live with:
     • a person who’s 60 or older
     • a family member with a disability

These are the annual income limits:

• 1 person – $24,980
• 2 people – $33,820
• 3 people – $42,660
• 4 people – $51,500
• 5 people – $60,180
• 6 people – $69,180
• 7 people – $78,020
• 8 people – $86,860

For more information on SNAP benefit eligibility, click here.

RELATED: House passes $2.2T rescue package, rushes to Trump for signing

RELATED: Not sure what to make with the items in your pantry? There's a website for that

RELATED: Catholic bishop says eating meat during Lent is OK because of coronavirus

What other people are reading right now:

• If you were really sick in January, is it possible you already had the coronavirus? Infection control expert answers your questions
• Hillsborough County issues 'Safer-at-Home' order
• Stay-at-home vs. shelter-in-place: Here's what they mean
• YES, Social Security and disability recipients will get stimulus checks
• 6 Tampa General Hospital team members test positive for COVID-19
• This interactive map shows coronavirus cases in Florida
• Hotlines, websites offer the latest on COVID-19