Current:Home > NewsHere's how SNAP eligibility and benefits are different in 2024 -MarketLink
Here's how SNAP eligibility and benefits are different in 2024
View
Date:2025-04-18 01:53:19
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides food benefits to eligible low-income families. The benefits are sent through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and help supplement grocery budgets so families can afford nutritious food.
Last year, an average of 41.2 million Americans received SNAP benefits at any given month.
At the beginning of each fiscal year (Oct. 1), the U.S. Department of Agriculture adjusts SNAP maximum allotments, deductions and income eligibility standards. These changes are based on the cost of living, or the amount of money needed to support a basic standard of living.
In October, SNAP benefits increased 12.5% compared to the previous year, according to Forbes Advisor. Eligibility requirements are also set to change, following the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) signed by President Joe Biden in June.
Here's what you need to know about changes to SNAP:
Changes to eligibility by age
Able-bodied adults without dependents between ages 51 and 52 must prove they are actively working, training or in school in order to qualify for SNAP benefits this year. This requirement will expand to age 54 starting in October 2024.
Exemptions to this new rule exist for some able-bodied adults without dependents. Pregnant people, homeless individuals, veterans, those with a physical or mental limitation and people aged 24 or younger and in foster care on their 18th birthday are exempt.
What is the maximum income of someone eligible for SNAP?
The size of a family’s SNAP benefit is based on its income and certain expenses. According to GoBankingRates, these are the maximum gross monthly incomes a household can make in order to qualify.
One-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $1,580
- Alaska: $1,973
- Hawaii: $1,817
Two-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $2,137
- Alaska: $2,670
- Hawaii: $2,457
Three-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $2,694
- Alaska: $3,366
- Hawaii: $3,098
Four-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $3,250
- Alaska: $4,063
- Hawaii: $3,738
Five-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $3,807
- Alaska: $4,760
- Hawaii: $4,378
Six-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $4,364
- Alaska: $5,456
- Hawaii: $5,018
Seven-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $4,921
- Alaska: $6,153
- Hawaii: $5,659
Eight-person household:
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $5,478
- Alaska: $6,849
- Hawaii: $6,299
Each Additional Member
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $557
- Alaska: $697
- Hawaii: $641
What is the maximum SNAP allotment for 2024?
Maximum allotments have increased for the 48 contiguous states along with Washington, DC, Alaska, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hawaii is the only location with a decreased maximum allotment from the previous year. A family of four would now see a maximum payment of $1,759 in Hawaii.
The minimum benefit for the 48 states and D.C. is the same as 2023 at $23.
Here are the maximum allotments for SNAP in 48 states and Washington, DC — between Oct. 2023 to Sep. 2024 — according to the USDA:
- Household size 1: $291
- Household size 2: $535
- Household size 3: $766
- Household size 4: $973
- Household size 5: $1,155
- Household size 6: $1,386
- Household size 7: $1,532
- Household size 8: $1,751
- Each additional person: $219
How to qualify for SNAP benefits?
To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state you currently reside in and meet certain requirements.
Details of eligibility are outlined by the USDA here.
GoBankingRates contributed to this reporting
veryGood! (5685)
Related
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- The black market endangered this frog. Can the free market save it?
- Vibrating haptic suits give deaf people a new way to feel live music
- Shein steals artists' designs, a federal racketeering lawsuit says
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Inside Clean Energy: A Dirty Scandal for a Clean Energy Leader
- Why inflation is losing its punch — and why things could get even better
- The best games of 2023 so far, picked by the NPR staff
- Small twin
- The Explosive Growth Of The Fireworks Market
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Melanie Griffith Covers Up Antonio Banderas Tattoo With Tribute to Dakota Johnson and Family
- This electric flying taxi has been approved for takeoff — sort of
- Twitter vs. Threads, and why influencers could be the ultimate winners
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Tom Holland Recalls Being Enslaved to Alcohol Before Sobriety Journey
- Legacy admissions, the Russian Ruble and Final Fantasy XVI
- The Indicator Quiz: Jobs and Employment
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Court pauses order limiting Biden administration contact with social media companies
Bank of America to pay $250 million for illegal fees, fake accounts
RFK Jr. is building a presidential campaign around conspiracy theories
Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
The Bachelorette's Tayshia Adams Deserves the Final Rose for Deal Hunting With Her Prime Day Picks
How Climate Change Influences Temperatures in 1,000 Cities Around the World
The streaming model is cratering — here's how that's hurting actors, writers and fans