The USDA has recently made some significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Food Stamp recipients must be wondering if there will be more changes beginning January 1, 2025.
Having the necessary information will be critical to making the most of your benefits in the United States, as inflation and rising prices do not help citizens make ends meet.
In fact, no new changes will be implemented in January, but those that have already occurred will be carried over into 2025. So, what are the most recent changes that the USDA has made to SNAP benefit payments?
The 2025 COLA increase for SNAP (Food Stamps)
Although Social Security benefits will continue to receive the 2025 COLA increase in January, SNAP recipients have been enjoying it since October 1, 2025. Furthermore, all SNAP recipients will benefit from this COLA increase until September 30, 2025.
The USDA will not update the food stamp amounts until then. The increase has been minor, but it means that all beneficiaries will receive additional funds after COLA, at least in the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands. Hawaii received a reduction following COLA.
The maximum SNAP amounts are:
Household or Family Size in the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia:
1 beneficiary $292
2 beneficiaries $536
3 beneficiaries $768
4 beneficiaries $975
5 beneficiaries $1,158
6 beneficiaries $1,390
7 beneficiaries $1,536
8 beneficiaries $1,756
Each additional beneficiary $220
SNAP work requirements and net monthly income
The ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) time limit and work requirements now apply to people aged 18 to 54. It used to be only for people aged 18 to 52. As a result, these recipients must work 80 hours per month to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in three years.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has also updated its net monthly income eligibility standards. These new figures will remain unchanged until September 30, 2025.
Currently, a family of four pays $2600 (48 contiguous states, Virgin Islands, Guam, and D.C.), $3,250 in Alaska, and $2,990 in Hawaii. They were $2,500, $3,125, and $2,875 each until September 30, 2024.
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