DHR: Alabama food stamp families to lose some benefits

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The more than 900,000 Alabamians who receive food stamps will see a reduction in their benefits in November. The Alabama Department of Human Resources says the reduction will be felt nationwide because extra benefits that were part of the federal stimulus program in 2009 are ending. Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, depend on several factors, including income, household size and expenses. DHR officials say the maximum monthly benefit for a family of four will drop $36 from $668 to $632. The maximum monthly benefit for an individual will go down $11 from $200 to $189. In August, Alabama had 913,774 individuals who received more than $118 million in benefits.