Aug 15, 2024 Current Resources

SNAP Benefits Set To Increase In October

Last October 1, 2023, American families that are eligible for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a 3.6% increase in monthly payments.

Let’s take a closer look at the new amounts.

What Is SNAP?

The goal of the SNAP program, commonly known as the food stamps program, is to allow low-income families to get healthy nutritious food.

Every fiscal year, which begins in October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service reviews SNAP amounts according to the changes in the cost of living.

Every June, USDA defines the cost of a market basket that allows a family of four to receive low-cost yet nutritious meals every month.

Then this cost is used to calculate maximum SNAP payments for different household sizes. The payouts for 48 states and the District of Columbia are the same.

However, they are higher for Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Since the cost of living changes every year due to inflation, so do the payouts. Between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024, the payments will increase by 3.6%.

This means that the majority of people who qualify for food stamps can start receiving higher amounts starting October 1, 2023.

The increase is smaller than it was last year (12.5%). However, it should cover the difference in grocery prices.

What Are the Numbers?

The maximum payout for a one-person household in 48 states and DC will be $291 (compared to $281 last year).

Guam – $430
S. Virgin Islands – $375
Alaska – $374, $477, $581(depending on the region)
Hawaii – $527

The maximum monthly allotment for a family of four in 48 states and DC is $973, in U.S. Virgin Islands – $1,251, Guam – $1,434, Alaska – $1,248 $1,591 $1,937, and in Hawaii – $1,759.

The minimum payouts for a one-two person household are:

48 states and DC -$23
Guam – $34
S. Virgin Islands – $30
Hawaii – $42
Alaska – $30, $38, $46 (depending on the region)

To qualify for the program, a one-person household should have a net income of $1,215 or less in 48 states, DC, Virgin Islands, and Guam. In Alaska – $1,518, and in Hawaii – $1,398.

Other Changes This Fiscal Year

In June, President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The act gradually increases the age of people who are eligible for the able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) time limit.

Now, to qualify for the food stamp program, more people would have to demonstrate that they are actively working, training, or studying. The SNAP recipients who are affected by this are people ages 50 to 54.

Started October 1, 2023, ABAWDs aged 51 and 52 would have to prove that they are working, training, or studying for at least 80 hours a month to qualify for SNAP payments for more than three months. Next year, this will also affect ABAWDs aged 53 and 54.

FAQ about the SNAP Benefits Increase

I already receive SNAP benefits, do I have to file anything new to get the increase?

No, your payments will increase automatically. If you are an ABAWD who is between 18 and 52 years of age, you would have to prove that you are studying, training, or working for at least 80 hours a year.