In the last few days, the federal government stated that millions of residents who meet the requirements will get more money from their SNAP checks. In fifty states and territories, the highest benefit amount for people who get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will go up this October. In one state, it will go down. The new top rates will be in place for fiscal year 2025 and will stay in place until the cost of living adjustment (COLA) is calculated again for fiscal year 2026. Through SNAP, low-income families in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories can get cash aid every month.
These payments are made every month using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be cashed at stores that accept them. The federal government uses SNAP check payouts to fight food insecurity as well as to improve the health and well-being of low-income families. For a family to be eligible for these monthly payments, their income and means must meet the following standards:
- The gross income of a household must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty threshold, which is $2,072 monthly or $32,328 annually before any deductions are made. The poverty line fluctuates depending on the size of the household—it rises for larger ones and falls for smaller ones.
- The net income of a household must be at or below the federal poverty line after deductions.
- The required minimum assets for households are $2,750 if there is no member 60 years of age or older and $4,250 if there is.
The government announces a new SNAP check increase in 2024
As stated by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), those who are eligible will have to wait a few months before they see an increase. As of October 1, changes will be made. The Food Action and Research Center says that the highest amount of SNAP benefits is received by about 36% of households. The most a single person living alone in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. can get will go up by $1, from $291 to $292 per month. For a family of four, the monthly payment will go up by $2, from $973 to $975.
Alaska
The amount of money that people in Alaska get from their SNAP checks is a little different from other states because it depends on how many people live in the place where they live.
For residents in urban areas
- Single-person household: $377
- Four-person household: $1,258
For residents in Rural 1 areas
- Single-person household: $481
- Four-person household: $1,604
For residents in Rural 2 areas
- Single-person household: $586
- Four-person household: $1,953
Hawaii
The biggest SNAP check that Hawaii people living alone can get will go down from $527 to $517. For four-person families, the monthly income will also go down, by $36. It will go from $1,759 to $1,723.
Guam
A single person in Guam who is currently qualified for the largest SNAP check of $430 will get $431 later this year. The highest rate for a normal family of four is now $1,437, down from $1,434.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Starting in October, the most a single-person family in the U.S. Virgin Islands can get in benefits will be $376. This is a little more than the $375 benefit for fiscal years 2023–2024. From $1,251 to $1,254, the most that a four-person family can get will go up by $3. If you live in a state that accepts SNAP, you must apply in that state and meet certain standards, such as resource and income limits, which are spelled out on the USDA’s website. But because SNAP checks are given out by the federal government and managed at the state and local level, rules may be different from one state to the next.