SNAP helps people with lower incomes access healthy foods. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional support to low-income seniors, individuals with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other low-income individuals and families.
As inflation continues to rise, along with food prices, food assistance benefits also increase, but not by much. Various changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will take effect on October 1, 2024, including new maximum benefit amounts. For SNAP, starting next month, beneficiaries could see a slight variation in the amount they receive since the maximum allocations will have an increase of a few dollars.
Upcoming Maximum SNAP Benefits in the 48 States and DC
Amounts that households can receive according to their size:
- Household size 1 – $292
- Household size 2 – $536
- Household size 3 – $768
- Household size 4 – $975
- Household size 5 – $1,158
- Household size 6 – $1,390
- Household size 7 – $1,536
- Household size 8 – $1,756
Each additional person would add another $220 to the total received per month. The prior year’s cost-of-living adjustments were more substantial, as inflation was higher. Food prices in August 2024 were approximately 2% higher than a year ago. In Hawaii, Alaska, the Virgin Islands, and Guam, where food prices are typically more expensive, the maximum benefit amounts are different. In Hawaii, for example, a household of four can receive a maximum of $1,723 to help cover the cost of food.
The amount you get in SNAP benefits will depend on your household income and assets. The income threshold to qualify is lower this year than last year. Another change regarding who qualifies for SNAP takes effect on October 1. Under the Fiscal Responsibility Law, more citizens will have to demonstrate that they are actively working, training, or studying.
Who Will Be Affected by These Changes?
The changes only affect a group of SNAP beneficiaries: healthy adults without dependents (or ABAWD, as the agency calls them), ages 52 to 54. ABAWDs between 18 and 52 years old will already have to demonstrate that they are working at least 80 hours a month, studying, or participating in a training program to qualify for SNAP for a period of more than three months. Now, starting in October 2024, healthy workers without children who are between 53 and 54 years old must also comply with these work requirements to be beneficiaries of SNAP.
There are certain exceptions to ABAWD work requirements, a USDA spokesperson said. “Homeless people, veterans, or youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who have aged out of foster care are exempt from these requirements. Individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation, are pregnant, or have a child 18 years of age or younger living in their home are also exempt.” If you do not meet the work requirements, you will only be eligible for SNAP benefits for a period of three months in a three-year period.