Northampton County Social Services warns SNAP benefits may be reduced; outlines LEAP, crisis assistance and holiday programs

Department of Social Services staff told the Board of Commissioners the county received notice that the federal government planned to restart SNAP benefits at roughly half of the typical monthly allotment, citing limited contingency funds at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

DSS staff provided program details: a crisis program that can pay heating sources (gas, electric, wood, kerosene) and a small remaining cooling allotment reallocated to heating; Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) funds will be distributed automatically to eligible people 60 and older first, and additional LEAP allocations are handled at the state level and may be exhausted. DSS staff said moratoriums are in place for Dominion customers now and for REA account holders starting Dec. 15 if they meet LEAP income and eligibility rules.

Social Services reported an active SNAP caseload of approximately 2,464 cases and estimated "4,000 plus" county residents currently receive SNAP benefits because household size varies. DSS asked residents who need holiday assistance or want to sponsor a child or family to contact the department, and it said a resource list of shelters, food banks and mental-health providers will be posted on the county website.

Commissioners and staff discussed the interconnected effects of SNAP reductions, rising health-insurance costs and other hardships; the board urged coordination with townships to distribute aid. No additional county funding was approved at the meeting.