SNAP checks, the U.S. Government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments, will change starting in October. This is a result of the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for fiscal year 2024.
This means they will change the amount of the checks by increasing the amount of the checks. Thus, as of October 1, SNAP check recipients will receive more money to cover their grocery shopping.
Bear in mind that these checks have the intention of helping people with low incomes to buy food. In other words, it is a program that has the aim of helping people with few resources to cover their basic needs.
In 2023, this assistance reached more than 42 million people, which shows the need to keep this check in force. Similarly, there is still a need for the amount to be adjusted according to the cost of living.
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THESE ARE THE CHANGES TO SNAP CHECKS
SNAP checks are an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card payment for the purchase of basic necessities. It is federal assistance, but state agencies through local offices handle it.
For this reason, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in charge of deciding the maximum monthly allocations for the 48 states of the US, DC, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands.
Thus, as of October 1, the new SNAP checks for a family of four will be as follows:
– $973 in the 48 states and DC.
– Between $1,248 and $1,937 in Alaska, depending on whether it is rural or urban.
– 1,434 in Guam.
– 1,251 in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
– However, in Hawaii, it will decrease this amount to $1,759.
NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS TO THE SNAP PROGRAM
Another new development is that as of September 1, the requirements for accessing the SNAP program will change. The Department of Agriculture has recently made this announcement. The objective of this change is that the aid reaches those who really need it.
Therefore, from now on, for example, adults under 50 years of age who are healthy and have no dependents will not be eligible for the check. In this regard, the age limit will increase in October to 52 and in 2024 to 54.
As for the products to which beneficiaries have access with the SNAP check, there are fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, seeds, food-producing plants, as well as snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.