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 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard announced Thursday that benefits through the food assistance program, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will increase temporarily, according to a media release from DCF.The maximum allotments for food assistance will increase 15 percent for each household in January and will continue through June 2021. For the six-month period, the maximum allowable allotment for a family of four has been temporarily increased to $782.“The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021&nbsp;allows states to provide this additional assistance,” Howard said. “These added funds are imperative to ensure Kansas families have access to food in these uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.”Those that already receive food assistance don’t have to take any action to receive the increased benefit.In January, funds will come in three issuances: The regular benefit was issued between Jan. 1 – 10 ; the 15 percent temporary increase will be available to each household as a supplement on Jan. 21; and the emergency food assistance allotment will be issued Jan. 22 – 30.The February through June temporary maximum benefit will be issued on the regular issuance dates of the 1st&nbsp;through 10th&nbsp;of the month. In July, benefits will return to the regular benefit amount.The temporary increase in maximum allotments are:<figure>
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 </figure>The temporary minimum allotment for household size 1 to 2 is $19.All food assistance benefits are based on household size, household income and allowable deductions.Those interested in applying for food assistance can visit the DCF <a href="http://www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/default.aspx">website</a>&nbsp;or contact a local service center.

Added benefit for Kansans receiving food assistance