Over 42 million Americans, who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are poised to experience changes in their monthly benefits starting October. This adjustment is attributed to the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) slated for the fiscal year 2024.
Starting September 1, new eligibility criteria will be in place for SNAP, a program designed to assist low-income individuals and families in purchasing food. Despite these changes, beneficiaries can expect an increase in their monthly allowances from October 1.
This is due to the COLA, which averages 3%, a decrease from 8.7% in 2023 and 5.9% in 2021 – the highest since 1980. Such adjustments are crucial in ensuring that benefits are not diminished by inflation.
The upcoming changes will see an increase in the maximum SNAP benefits across the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Beneficiaries in Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will also receive a boost in their allowances. However, Hawaii is set to experience a reduction in SNAP benefits. It’s worth noting that some regions might receive higher benefits due to their elevated cost of living.
For a three-member household in the 48 states and D.C., the maximum SNAP benefit will be $766. Two-member households can expect up to $535, while single beneficiaries will receive an additional $10.
SNAP benefits
In October, a single SNAP beneficiary can expect up to $291. Larger households will naturally receive higher amounts. For instance, a five-member household can anticipate up to $1,155. The highest payment, reserved for eight-member families, stands at $1,751. However, larger families can expect an additional $219 per member.
In regions like Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alaska, and Hawaii, the maximum SNAP benefits vary, ranging from $375 to $3,487. More details are available on the FNS website.
From October 1, 2023, as per the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs will be implemented. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the maximum monthly allotments for various regions, with increases ranging from 3.5% to 3.7% over the 2023 allotments. These will remain effective until September 30, 2024.
However, the question remains: Are these benefits sufficient? With the monthly payment for a four-member family averaging $8 per person per day, it’s a challenge to feed a family on roughly $2.66 per meal. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a 5.7% year-over-year increase in home food costs. The new SNAP benefits don’t align with this rise. Moreover, the cessation of pandemic-era emergency food benefits has led to a significant reduction in SNAP benefits for many households.