The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new maximum payment amounts for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Starting in October, SNAP benefits will increase in 49 states and U.S. territories, with only Hawaii seeing a reduction in payments. These adjustments, part of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), will remain in place until the next COLA in the 2026 fiscal year.
SNAP benefits provide monthly cash assistance to low-income households across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. These benefits are delivered via electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards and can be redeemed at participating retailers for food purchases. The upcoming changes will take effect on October 1st, with no immediate increases before that date.
States to See Increased Benefits
SNAP benefits are designed to help millions of Americans afford nutrient-dense food, improving their overall health. In November 2022, nearly 42 million people, or 12.5% of the U.S. population, were receiving SNAP benefits, according to USDA data.
In the contiguous 48 states and Washington, D.C., the maximum benefit for a single person living alone will rise by $1 to $292 per month, while a household of four will see a $2 increase to $975 per month. In Alaska, where benefits are determined based on whether recipients live in urban or rural areas, the changes are more significant. For instance, a single-person household in rural Alaska will receive $586, while a four-person household will get $1,953.
Hawaii to See Decreased Payments
Unlike other states, Hawaii will experience a reduction in SNAP benefits. A single-person household will see their monthly maximum drop from $527 to $517, while a four-person household will receive $1,723, down from $1,759.
Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands to Benefit
In Guam, a small increase will see the maximum benefit for a single-person household rise by $1 to $431, while a four-person household will receive $1,437, up from $1,434. Similarly, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, single-person households will see a modest increase from $375 to $376, with four-person households receiving $1,254, up from $1,251.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP assistance, individuals must apply in their state of residence and meet specific resource and income requirements outlined by the USDA. While funding comes from the federal government, SNAP is administered at the state and local levels, leading to variations in eligibility rules across the country.
For more detailed information on upcoming changes or to check eligibility, visit the USDA’s official website.