Missouri families who are receiving food stamps can expect an additional benefit of $375 for each child under age 6, the Missouri Department of Social Services announced Monday.

The extra funds will be added automatically to each household’s existing Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT) for food stamps — or SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Food Stamp (SNAP) benefit info:

• Go to: mydss.mo.gov/covid-food-stamp-info

Can you qualify for food stamps?

• Apply: mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/apply-for-snap

For area food resources info:

• Go to: kclinc.org/food-resources

Many families will already have the benefit, which the state began distributing Aug. 28. The remaining qualifying households should receive their benefits Sept. 3. Families do not need to take any action to be considered for the benefit. Children who are eligible for Summer P-EBT will be issued a one-time benefit of $375.

The state is continuing to process any applications for SNAP that were postmarked by Aug. 20 and they will also be automatically reviewed for the one-time summer benefit.

The news follows the recent announcement that families receiving food stamps — SNAP — benefits will see a significant and permanent increase beginning Oct. 1.

SNAP will increase by some 25% over pre-pandemic levels. A family of four in Missouri that has been eligible for $785 a month during the pandemic will see that amount rise to $835.