We are still about to end the month of August, but we are already getting a glimpse of what changes will be implemented in food stamps payments, which are made each year based on inflation from the last fiscal year.
In October 2024, a change to the maximum amount available to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants will be implemented in almost all states and territories in the United States.
As we just said, this adjustment corresponds to fiscal year 2025, and will remain in effect until a new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is made for fiscal year 2026.
These changes will affect millions of program beneficiaries in 49 states and US territories, while it is quite likely that in one specific state the maximum benefit will be reduced.
Changes Coming Over SNAP Benefits
The SNAP program, which is also known as food stamps, offers Monthly financial assistance to low-income households in their 50s isof the, Washington D.C., and in US territories, and tens of millions of people depend on this extra money to buy food.
The funds are distributed through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used at participating stores. Payments are delivered monthly, although payment dates vary depending on the state or territory in which you reside, because, although the program is financed by the federal government, the administration of the funds is in charge of state and local authorities.
Adjustments to SNAP Benefits
SNAP recipients will have to wait until October to see an increase in their allotments, as confirmed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
This change will impact approximately 36% of households receiving SNAP benefits, who are currently receiving the maximum allocation, according to the Center for Food Action and Research.
SNAP Maximums and Payment Changes
In 48 states and Washington, D.C., the maximum amount available to an individual applicant living alone will increase to $292 per month, an increase of one dollar from the previous year.
For a household of four people, the amount will increase from $973 to $975, which means an increase of two dollars per month. These changes will apply to most of the United States, with the exception of some states and territories that have their own specific criteria for calculating benefits.
Special Cases: Food Stamps in Alaska and Hawaii
In Alaska, benefit amounts vary based on the recipient’s location, due to the disparity in costs of living between urban and rural areas. For those residing in urban areas, the maximum benefit for a person living alone It will be $377 per month, while for a household of four people, the amount will be $1,258.
In rural areas, the amount increases considerably: in type 1 rural areas, a person living alone will be able to receive up to $481, while a household of four people may receive $1,604. In type 2 rural areas, the maximum benefits will be $586 for a single person and $1,953 for a household of four people.
In contrast, Hawaii You will experience a reduction in maximum profits. Residents who live alone and apply for SNAP will see the maximum allotment will decrease from $527 to $517 per month.
Four-person households will also see a reduction, going from $1,759 a $1,723, which represents a decrease of $36.
SNAP Benefits in Other Territories: Guam and US Virgin Islands
In Guam, the adjustment will be minimal. A single applicant who currently receives a maximum of $430 will see a small increase, reaching $431 as of October. A standard four-person household in Guam will see a similar increase, going from $1,434 to $1,437 at your maximum monthly benefit.
In the United States Virgin Islands, the maximum benefit for a single person will increase by one dollar, from $375 to $376, while a household of four people will see an increase of $3, going from $1,251 to $1,254 monthly.
SNAP Payment Dates in September
In September 2024, SNAP recipients will receive their payments on dates that vary depending on the state or territory in which they reside. The payment schedule for each state and territory is detailed below:
- Alabama: From September 4 to 23
- Alaska: September 1
- Arizona: From September 1 to 13
- Arkansas: From September 4 to 13
- California: From September 1 to 10
- Colorado: From September 1 to 10
- Connecticut: From September 1 to 3
- Delaware: From September 2 to 23
- D.C.: From September 1 to 10
- Florida: From September 1 to 28
- Georgia: From September 5 to 23
- Guam: From September 1 to 10
- Hawaii: From September 3 to 5
- Idaho: From September 1 to 10
- Illinois: From September 1 to 20
- Indiana: From September 5 to 23
- Iowa: From September 1 to 10
- Kansas: From September 1 to 10
- Kentucky: From September 1 to 19
- Louisiana: From September 1 to 23
- Maine: From September 10 to 14
- Maryland: From September 4 to 23
- Massachusetts: From September 1 to 14
- Michigan: From September 3 to 21
- Minnesota: From September 4 to 13
- Mississippi: From September 4 to 21
- Measurements: From September 1 to 22
- Montana: From September 2 to 6
- Nebraska: From September 1 to 5
- Nevada: From September 1 to 10
- N.H.: September 5
- New Jersey: From September 1 to 5
- New Mexico: From September 1 to 20
- New York: From September 1 to 9
- North Carolina: From September 3 to 21
- North Dakota: September 1
- Ohio: From September 2 to 20
- Oklahoma: From September 1 to 10
- Oregon: From September 1 to 9
- Pennsylvania: From September 3 to 14
- Puerto Rico: From September 4 to 22
- Rhode Island: September 1
- South Carolina: From September 1 to 19
- Dakota del Sur: September 10
- Tennessee: From September 1 to 20
- Texas: From September 1 to 28
- Utah: September 5, 11 and 15
- Virgin Islands: September 1
- Vermont: September 1
- Virginia: From September 1 to 7
- Washington: From September 1 to 20
- Virginia Occidental: From September 1 to 9
- Wisconsin: From September 1 to 15
- Wyoming: From September 1 to 4