Propel and GiveDirectly shutdown help FAQs: How it works, who’s eligible, and more

The Propel app is partnering with GiveDirectly to provide cash assistance to families affected by SNAP delays during the government shutdown.

Propel and GiveDirectly are sending $50 cash payments to high-need families missing their SNAP benefits.

Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app

Download

How does this program work?#how-does-this-program-work

Eligible households will be notified through the Propel app, and funds will be delivered through GiveCard. This money comes from a $1 million donation from Propel and donations from other organizations.

Who is eligible for the $50?#who-is-eligible-for-the-50

Large households that normally receive the maximum benefit amount will be eligible first. There’s no way to apply for the program. If you're eligible, you’ll be notified in the Propel app on the day you'd normally receive your SNAP deposit.

If you haven't been notified, it likely means you're not in the first round of eligibility, but you may be eligible later. Every SNAP recipient deserves emergency relief during the shutdown.

There isn't enough funding right now to reach everyone, so the program will start with larger families that normally get maximum benefit amounts, and may expand to include more people.

How much money does each family get?#how-much-money-does-each-family-get

Each eligible family receives a one-time $50 emergency cash payment. This is probably much less than you normally receive from SNAP each month, but it’s meant to help bridge the gap until the government reopens.

Which states are included in the program?#which-states-are-included-in-the-program

The program is targeting families in states where the state governments are not already distributing emergency funds.

Why isn't my state included?#why-isnt-my-state-included

Your state is either funding emergency benefits on its own during the shutdown, or Propel doesn’t receive deposit information for households in your state and cannot verify eligibility.

I just installed the Propel app. How do I get the money?#i-just-installed-the-propel-app-how-do-i-get-the-money

If you just created your account and linked your EBT card today, you won't be eligible immediately. Eligibility is updated each morning, so check back to see if you meet the criteria.

I saw something about this in my Propel app, but I didn't tap it. How do I claim the funds now? How do I get it back?#i-saw-something-about-this-in-my-propel-app-but-i-didnt-tap-it-how-do-i-claim-the-funds-now-how-do-i-get-it-back

Unfortunately, funds are limited. The banner in the Propel app is the only way to claim your $50. If you can't see it anymore, enrollment isn’t open. The app will update with a new banner when enrollment re-opens.

How do I sign up for emergency cash?#how-do-i-sign-up-for-emergency-cash

You can't just apply or sign up, but eligible families will be notified in the Propel app when enrollment is open. There's no enrollment process outside the app, and Propel won't contact you any other way.

Be wary of scams claiming to distribute these funds via social media, phone, or text. Never share your information outside the Propel app.

Help keep your EBT card safe from theft with Propel

Get the app

When will I receive the $50?#when-will-i-receive-the-50

You'll become eligible on the day you would normally receive your SNAP deposit. Once you complete the enrollment survey in the Propel app, you'll receive your $50 based on the redemption method you choose:

• Virtual GiveCard: available in 1-2 business days
  • You’ll receive an email from GiveCard once the $50 has been loaded onto your gift card.
• Physical GiveCard: arrives in the mail within 2-3 weeks

What can I use the $50 for?#what-can-i-use-the-50-for

The goal of this program is to help bridge the gap for families who have lost food assistance benefits. But you are free to spend this money however you think is best for you and your family.

Will receiving this $50 disqualify me from SNAP?#will-receiving-this-50-disqualify-me-from-snap

No. The $50 payment won't disqualify you from SNAP. Gift cards that aren't provided regularly don't need to be counted as income.

Will I have to pay this money back?#will-i-have-to-pay-this-money-back

No, the money is yours to keep.

How do I know this isn’t a scam?#how-do-i-know-this-isnt-a-scam

Propel and GiveDirectly have worked together for years with transparent processes, secure technology, and a track record of delivering millions in aid to people who need it most. Our partnership has been featured in:

• Forbes: Fintech Company Propel Announces $10 Million Fund for Food Stamp Recipients Affected by Government Shutdown
• NPR: How One Tech Startup Is Giving Cash to SNAP Recipients

If someone contacts you outside the Propel app claiming they're distributing this money, it's a scam. Propel will only notify people directly in the app.

What is Propel?#what-is-propel

Propel is a tech company for people who receive government benefits. Over 5 million Americans trust the free Propel app to check their EBT balance, save money, and get updates about their benefits.

Propel has partnered with organizations like GoFundMe and GiveDirectly, and seeded this emergency fund with $1 million to help families during the government shutdown.

What is GiveDirectly?#what-is-givedirectly

GiveDirectly is a nonprofit that sends money directly to people who need it most, no strings attached. In the last decade, GiveDirectly has delivered cash to over 1.6 million people across 15 countries and researched the impact it can have for families in need.

Propel and GiveDirectly are partnering to identify impacted families and send cash directly to those in need.