Every September 30 of each year marks the end of the fiscal year in the United States, and that has important implications for those people looking to access benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP benefits.
This federal outreach program provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families, and is based on eligibility criteria and funding levels that may vary from year to year.
Changes to SNAP Benefits Eligibility and Funding
Every year, the federal government reviews and adjusts the values and scope of the SNAP benefits program. Such adjustments may include changes in some of the eligibility criteria, modifications in benefits, and in some cases, revisions in the total amounts allocated to the program at the state level. These changes may be the result of new policies passed by Congress, changes in the cost of living, or changes in the federal budget.
One of the main changes that may apply after next September 30 is the update of the income levels that determine eligibility for SNAP. These levels are adjusted each year in order to cope with inflation and the cost of living. If your current income is near the eligibility limit, waiting until after the end of the tax year could mean you no longer qualify if the new levels are lower or if your income has changed.
Changes in SNAP Benefits – A Debate in an Election Year
Another layer is added as a potential modifier in this type of changes: we are in an electoral year, and the country models proposed by Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are abysmally different. While Harris is betting on maintaining and even expanding benefits and allocations in many federal programs, Trump would seek to cut not only SNAP benefits but also Medicaid, Medicare, and even Social Security benefits.
Another aspect that can be modified is the work requirement for certain groups, such as adults without dependents (ABAWDs). In some years, these requirements may be tightened or relaxed, depending on political decisions. Applying before the end of the tax year may allow you to access benefits under current rules, which may be more favorable than those implemented later.
Apply for SNAP benefits before September 30
Each month, SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which is used to purchase food.
To determine if you qualify for SNAP benefits, you must meet your state’s specific requirements, including income limits. States may also consider other resources, such as the money you have in your bank account, to decide your eligibility.
To apply for SNAP benefits, contact your local or state SNAP office. Depending on your state, you can apply online, in person, by mail, or by fax. You may also be required to complete an interview before your benefits are approved.
How to check your SNAP balance
Each state distributes SNAP benefits through an EBT card. To check your EBT card balance:
- Check the receipt from the store where you made a purchase with your SNAP benefits. Many stores print the balance on their receipts.
- Check to see if your state offers a mobile app to manage your benefits. Many of these applications allow you to check your balance.
- Contact your state SNAP office.
To find your nearest SNAP benefits office, click here, which is the official website of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture. There you will find a map of the United States in which you can click on your state of residence and a list of offices where you can start your SNAP application will be displayed.
Local offices can also be found in the pages of state or local government telephone directories. Offices may be listed under “Food Stamps,” “Social Services,” “Human Services,” “Public Assistance,” or a similar title.
These states are still sending out SNAP benefit payments in August
At this point in the month, most states have finished distributing all allocations, but some are still sending deposits to EBT cards.
