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Boosting SNAP Benefits, Eliminating Time Limits, and Including Puerto Rico.

This bill significantly increases federal food assistance by changing how SNAP benefits are calculated, moving to a more generous 'low-cost food plan.' It removes the time limits for able-bodied adults without dependents and simplifies deductions for medical and housing costs, making the program more accessible. Crucially, it transitions Puerto Rico into the full federal SNAP program.
Key points
Higher Food Assistance: SNAP benefits will be calculated using the 'Low-Cost Food Plan,' resulting in higher monthly allotments for eligible households.
Removal of Time Limits: Eliminates the three-month time limit on food assistance for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
Financial Relief: Introduces a standard medical deduction for the elderly and disabled and removes the cap on deductions for excess shelter expenses (rent/mortgage).
Puerto Rico Transition: Moves Puerto Rico from a limited block grant system to the full federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1336
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Process start date: 2023-04-27
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_1336.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-04-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Higher Food Assistance: SNAP benefits will be calculated using the 'Low-Cost Food Plan,' resulting in higher monthly allotments for eligible households.
  • Removal of Time Limits: Eliminates the three-month time limit on food assistance for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
  • Financial Relief: Introduces a standard medical deduction for the elderly and disabled and removes the cap on deductions for excess shelter expenses (rent/mortgage).
  • Puerto Rico Transition: Moves Puerto Rico from a limited block grant system to the full federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Family