STARTING October 1, 2024, families receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will notice a change in their monthly allotments.
As part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustments, the US Department of Agriculture has adjusted SNAP benefits to account for inflation and other economic factors.
The maximum SNAP benefits for households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC, will see slight increases for some family sizes.
Meanwhile, the maximum allotment for a family of four will now be $975, a small increase from the previous $973.
The benefit adjustments vary by household size:
- Household size of 1: $292 (up from $291)
- Household size of 2: $536 (up from $535)
- Household size of 3: $768 (up from $766)
- Household size of 4: $975 (up from $973)
- Household size of 5: $1,158 (up from $1,155)
- Household size of 6: $1,390 (up from $1,386)
- Household size of 7: $1,536 (up from $1,532)
- Household size of 8: $1,756 (up from $1,751)
For each additional person in households with more than eight members, an extra $220 will be added to the monthly benefit.
Households in areas like Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands will see higher maximum allotments due to higher food costs in those regions.
HOW MUCH YOU’LL GET
The actual amount each household receives depends on factors like income, assets, and family size.
While some families may receive the maximum benefit, others will see smaller amounts based on their financial situation.
Importantly, the threshold to qualify for SNAP benefits has slightly changed, making it more accessible for low-income families.
For example, a family of four earning below the eligibility standard could receive close to the maximum benefit, while those with higher incomes will see reductions in their allotments.
STRICT REQUIREMENTS
The Fiscal Responsibility Act introduced stricter work requirements for certain able-bodied adults without dependents, per the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Previously, ABAWDs between the ages of 18 and 49 had to work or participate in training programs for at least 80 hours a month to continue receiving benefits after three months.
This requirement has been extended to include adults aged 52 to 54.
However, exemptions exist for veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults who have aged out of foster care.
Food Stamps
- The income limit and how to apply for food stamps
- Where to spend food stamp benefits
- List of fast food chains that accept food stamps
- What you can and can’t spend food stamps on
Food stamps are a voucher issued by the US government to low-income communities that can be exchanged for food and products.
The SNAP program is available in all 50 states, with benefit amounts varying depending on an individual or family’s income, size, and other expenses.
ADDITIONAL CHANGES
Beyond benefit amounts, other SNAP components will see adjustments:
- Shelter Deduction: The cap for shelter deductions will increase to $712 in most states.
- Asset Limits: The asset limit for households is increasing to $3,000, while households with elderly or disabled members will have a higher limit of $4,500.
- Homeless Shelter Deduction: This will rise to $190.30 for the 48 contiguous states and D.C., as well as Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands.
As previously mentioned, households in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands will continue to receive higher benefits due to the increased cost of living in those regions.
For instance, a family of four in Alaska could receive between $1,258 and $1,953, depending on the area, while in Hawaii, the maximum benefit for the same family size is $1,723.
Certain individuals are exempt from the work requirements, including pregnant women, people with mental or physical limitations, and households with children under 18.
Those caring for a child or unable to work due to health conditions will not be subject to the work or training requirements.
SEE IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE
To find out if your household qualifies for SNAP benefits, it’s essential to check with your state’s SNAP agency.
Each state determines eligibility based on federal guidelines but may have its own specific rules.
As the new fiscal year begins, these SNAP benefit changes aim to provide additional support to families in need while accounting for the rising cost of living across the country.
For more information, visit the USDA’s website or contact your local SNAP office.
