According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), SNAP plays a crucial role in improving food security and encouraging healthy diets. According to CBPP, the program reduces food insecurity by up to 30%, being especially effective among children and people with children.
USDA makes annual adjustments to maximum allotments and eligibility standards based on changes in the cost of living. Recently, SNAP benefits increased, and with that, eligibility requirements will change following President Joe Biden's signing of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). "SNAP reduces the overall prevalence of food insecurity by up to 30% and is even more effective among children and those with children," according to CBPP.
The gross monthly income limit for eligibility is set at 130% of the federal poverty level, varying by household size. For 48 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands, the highest allowable income is $5,478 for a household of eight. In Alaska, it rises to $6,849, and in Hawaii, to $6,299.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) introduces incremental changes to the age limit for ABAWDs and exemptions for certain groups. Previously, ABAWDs between the ages of 18 and 50 were required to work 80 hours per month or participate in an equivalent program. Effective October 1, these requirements are extended to 52-year-olds and will apply to 54-year-olds beginning October 2024, according to USDA.
Those who are unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, pregnancy, veterans, homelessness, or youth age 24 or younger in foster care at age 18 will be exempt from work requirements.
With FY 2024 approaching, the question arises: what are the new maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments? Cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for 2024 have resulted in significant increases in the maximum allotments, covering all 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Exemplifying this change, the maximum allowance for a family of four in the 48 states and DC will now reach $973, while in Alaska it will range from $1,248 to $1,937. For a family of four in Guam, the maximum allowance will be set at $1,434, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it will be $1,251. Of note, the minimum benefit, which remains unchanged from 2023, is set at $23 for the 48 states and DC.
Here are the new maximum SNAP allotments for the 48 contiguous states and DC, effective October 2023 through September 2024, according to 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