TN plans to split June SNAP benefits into two payments
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – If you are a food SNAP recipient, you may want to think twice about what you spend your money on.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services said SNAP benefits will be split into two payments for the month of June.
But this only applies to those who received their May benefits early.
“You just go to be careful because you just don’t know what the system is going to do,” said Trina Miller, SNAP recipient.
It’s unpredictable and stressful.
That’s how Trina Miller feels after being told last month she will receive her May SNAP benefits earlier than usual.
“They told you remember now, you aren’t going to get any in May. If you spend all your stamps, you should have made provisions to make sure because you got your April and May deposits at the same time,” said Miller.
Miller said after the unexpected deposit came, she knew she couldn’t spend it all at once.
However, she said she received this email from DHS notifying her another problem within the system.
“They sent an email saying stating that you will get half of June benefits on the 24th of May,” Miller said.
Then DHS said SNAP recipients will receive the second distribution on their regular scheduled date.
Officials said this is only a one-time schedule adjustment for June benefits.
“It’s a month-to-month basis. They have a new system. My thing is I think you should have everything correct with the system before using it,” said Miller.
School is out and summer is in.
Since more children will be hungry at home, Miller advises parents to be responsible with their SNAP benefits for the upcoming month.
“There are people with multiple children and these children have to eat. Use your benefits correctly. If you know you are going to be affected, you just got to make it stretch,” said Miller.
DHS said regular deposit schedules are expected to be back to normal in July.
To keep track of payments, it’s encouraged that customers check their EBT balance by calling 888-997-9444 or going to their patient portal here.
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