SNAP Benefits – Official Announcement of an Increase in October from FNS

Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) every month to help them afford nutritious food and improve their well-being. Known as “Food Stamps,” this program offers low-income households monthly financial assistance, with a maximum benefit of $1,751. However, the actual benefit each household receives depends on their income and expenses.

Starting in October 2024, SNAP recipients will see a small increase in their monthly benefits due to an announced adjustment. Let’s break down what these changes mean for you and how you can qualify for SNAP benefits in 2024.

Benefit Increases

The United States Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced that SNAP benefits will increase for the fiscal year 2025 due to inflation and the rising cost of living. The new rates will remain effective until the next Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026.

Here’s what the new SNAP benefit rates look like by region:

• 48 Bordering States and Washington, D.C.:
  • Single-person households will see a modest increase, with their maximum monthly benefit rising from $291 to $292.
  • Households of four will get an increase from $973 to $975.
  Though these increases might seem small, they still offer valuable support, especially when combined with other assistance programs.
• Alaska:
  • Urban areas: A one-person household can receive up to $377, while a family of four can receive up to $1,258.
  • Rural areas (Rural 1): Single-person households can get up to $481, and four-person households up to $1,604.
  • Rural 2 areas: These households receive the most, with a maximum of $586 for one person and $1,530 for four-person households.
• Hawaii:
  • Hawaii will actually see a decrease in SNAP benefits. The maximum for a single-person household will drop from $527 to $518, and for a household of four, from $1,759 to $1,723.
• Guam:
  • Benefits in Guam will see a slight rise. A four-person household’s maximum benefit will increase from $1,434 to $1,437, and single-person households will see an increase from $430 to $431.

These changes reflect efforts to adjust for the varying cost of living in different regions, ensuring that SNAP continues to support those in need despite rising food prices.

Eligibility Requirements

If you’re thinking about applying for SNAP benefits, you’ll need to meet specific income and asset thresholds. Here’s what you need to know:

Income Limits

• Gross Monthly Income: This is your income before deductions. To qualify, your income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level. For a three-person household in 2024, the poverty level is $2,072/month or $32,328/year. Larger households have higher limits, with the threshold for a three-person household set at $2,694/month.
• Net Income: After allowable deductions (like childcare, medical expenses, or housing costs), your net household income must be at or below the poverty level.

Asset Limits

To qualify for SNAP, your household’s assets, which include savings accounts and property (excluding your primary residence), must also fall below certain limits:

• For households without someone who is over 60 or disabled, the asset threshold is $2,750 or less.
• For households with someone who is over 60 or disabled, the asset limit rises to $4,250.

These income and asset rules are in place to ensure that only those who truly need financial assistance are eligible for SNAP benefits.

How SNAP Work

SNAP benefits are provided through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which work like debit cards at grocery stores and other approved retailers. This system makes it easy for recipients to access their benefits and purchase food. The adjustments announced in October won’t be felt by beneficiaries until the start of the fiscal year on October 1st, 2024.

Small Changes, Big Impact

While the announced benefit increases may seem modest—$1 for single-person households and $2 for households of four—they come at a time when food prices continue to climb due to inflation. A third of all SNAP recipients currently receive the maximum benefit, according to the Food Action and Research Center, highlighting the program’s importance for millions of Americans.

Benefit Changes

Location	Household Size	Previous Max Benefit	New Max Benefit
48 States + D.C.	Single Person	$291	$292
	Four Persons	$973	$975
Alaska (Urban)	Single Person	$377	$377
	Four Persons	$1,258	$1,258
Alaska (Rural 1)	Single Person	$481	$481
	Four Persons	$1,604	$1,604
Alaska (Rural 2)	Single Person	$586	$586
	Four Persons	$1,530	$1,530
Hawaii	Single Person	$527	$518
	Four Persons	$1,759	$1,723
Guam	Single Person	$430	$431
	Four Persons	$1,434	$1,437

These increases are a positive step for SNAP recipients across the U.S., but it’s important to note that benefit amounts are always subject to adjustments based on inflation and future policy changes.

The upcoming year will bring small but meaningful changes to SNAP benefit amounts, making it crucial for both current and prospective beneficiaries to stay updated.

FAQs