The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps,” gives low-income households monthly cash assistance to help them buy necessary groceries. Instead of paper coupons, SNAP payments are now given using an Electronic payments Transfer (EBT) card, which works similarly to a debit card and is accepted at authorized shops.
The amount of SNAP benefits a home receives each month is determined by a number of factors, including household size, gross and net income, and any unique conditions that may apply. This assistance is a lifeline for millions of families in the United States that struggle to afford basic essentials.
Will SNAP benefits increase in January 2025?
Unlike Social Security benefits, which are changed annually based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and go into effect in January, changes to SNAP benefits occur at the start of the fiscal year, which begins on October 1. As a result, the benefit amounts established in October 2024 will be maintained until September 2025.
This means that SNAP benefits will not increase in January 2025. The latest change took place in October 2024, and the current maximum benefit amounts will stay in effect until the next scheduled update in October 2025.
How much do families receive with SNAP?
As of October 1, 2024, the maximum monthly SNAP allotments for households in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia are as follows:
- 1-person household: $292
- 2-person household: $536
- 3-person household: $768
- 4-person household: $975
- 5-person household: $1,158
- 6-person household: $1,390
- 7-person household: $1,536
- 8-person household: $1,756
- Additional members: +$220 per person
Variations in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
The benefit amounts for U.S. territories differ due to variations in living costs:
- In Alaska, maximum benefits for a family of four range from $1,258 to $1,953, depending on the region.
- In Hawaii, the maximum benefit for a family of four is set at $1,723.
- In Guam, the maximum allotment is $1,437.
- In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum for a family of four is $1,254.
Minimum benefit amounts
For households with very low income, the minimum benefit amounts remain as follows:
- 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia: $23
- Alaska: $30 to $47, depending on the region
- Hawaii: $41
Factors that determine SNAP benefits
The exact amount a household receives under SNAP is calculated based on several key factors:
- Household size: Larger households qualify for higher maximum benefits.
- Household income: Both gross and net income are considered to determine eligibility and the final benefit amount.
- Geographic location: Living costs in different states and territories directly impact benefit levels.
- Allowable deductions: Certain expenses, such as medical costs or housing-related expenses, are taken into account when calculating net income.
What’s next for SNAP?
Although there will be no changes to SNAP payments in January 2025, the program remains a source of political and social debate. Future modifications will most likely be determined by a variety of criteria, including inflation rates, poverty levels, and the government’s priorities for the coming fiscal year.
Families receiving SNAP assistance should plan their budgets around the current allotments, which will remain in force until September 2025. Any modifications will be announced in the months preceding up to the next fiscal year, which begins October 2025.
SNAP continues to serve an important role in aiding millions of households across the United States. While there will be no increase in benefits in January 2025, the existing allotments reflect a continuing attempt to meet families’ nutritional needs. Beneficiaries should stay informed about prospective adjustments in October, when new benefit amounts for the next fiscal year will be set.
