durham

Durham County still faces millions more in SNAP costs after Senate panel vote

Nearly 30,000 Durham residents use SNAP, and the county is still bracing for millions in new costs Oct. 1. A Senate committee just acted, but not on the part that would help Durham this fall. Here’s what changed, and what didn’t.

Southpoint Access

Southpoint Access

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Durham County still faces millions more in SNAP costs after Senate panel vote
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Southpoint AccessWes Platt

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a farm bill that would delay a future SNAP benefit-cost penalty for states. It would not postpone the Oct. 1 administrative-cost increase affecting Durham County.

Nearly 30,000 Durham County residents use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help buy groceries. Starting Oct. 1, Durham County will have to spend substantially more just to keep that assistance moving.

That doesn't mean SNAP benefits will suddenly disappear from EBT cards on Oct. 1. The immediate change is largely behind the scenes: The federal government will cut its share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%, leaving states responsible for the remaining 75%.

In North Carolina, county departments of social services handle applications, eligibility decisions, recertifications, and other day-to-day work. That means the federal change lands squarely in county budgets, including Durham's.

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