From October 1, 2023, and taking effect all along 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented significant changes to the work requirements for “Able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD) within the SNAP Benefits program.
Prior to this date, ABAWDs between the ages of 18 and 50 were required to meet specific work requirements to receive assistance. This included working at least 80 hours per month, participating in a work program for 80 hours per month, or a combination of both to reach the required 80 hours per month.
Currently, the age limit for these requirements has been expanded to 52 years. This extension will gradually increase to age 54, with an additional adjustment scheduled for October 2024, as mandated by the USDA. These changes seek to adapt the requirements to the work and personal realities of the program’s beneficiaries.
Exemptions to Work Requirements in SNAP Benefits
The USDA has also established new exemptions to work requirements for ABAWDs. These exemptions apply to individuals who are in certain specific situations, such as:
- Have physical or mental limitations that prevent them from working.
- Be pregnant.
- Be a veteran.
- Being homeless.
- Be 24 years old or younger and be in foster care when you turn 18.
These exemptions are designed to ensure that those in special circumstances are not disadvantaged by the new work requirements.
Income Limits and Maximum SNAP Benefit Allocations
Eligibility for SNAP benefits is determined by household income, which must not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level. Income limits vary by household size and region.
For example, for a single-person household in the lower 48 states, the limit is $1,580, while in Alaska it is $1,973 and in Hawaii it is $1,817. These limits increase as the size of the household increases.
As for the maximum allowances, these have also been adjusted in 2024 due to the cost of living. For a family of four in the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia, the maximum allowance is $973, while in Alaska it can range from $1,248 to $1,937. In Guam, the maximum allowance is $1,434, and in the United States Virgin Islands, $1,251. However, in Hawaii, the maximum allowance for a family of four is reduced to $1,759.
The minimum benefit for the lower 48 states and DC has not changed since 2023 and remains at $23.
Here are the maximum allotments for SNAP in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. (Oct. 2023 to Sep. 2024), according to the USDA website:
- 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
Number of Beneficiaries and Historical Evolution
As of April 2023, the SNAP program served 41.9 million people in 22.2 million households, representing 12.5% of the total U.S. population. During fiscal year 2022, 41.2 million people in 21.6 million households received monthly benefits.
Since its inception in 1964, the program has evolved significantly. In 1974, when the program expanded to all jurisdictions within the states, 12.9 million people, or 6.0% of the population, were receiving SNAP benefits.
Work Requirements for Beneficiaries
Generally, Americans ages 16 to 59 who do not have disabilities must register with their state’s SNAP agency or employment office, meet established work or job search requirements, accept suitable work if offers, and work at least 30 hours a week.
Non-disabled adults without dependents must work or participate in a work program for 80 hours per month, or participate in a state welfare program to maintain benefits. However, the recent change in the law has expanded the maximum age for these requirements to 54, with a phased implementation over three years starting in October.
The new regulations also introduce exemptions for veterans, homeless people and young adults over the age limit for reception.
Next Benefit Increase
The next benefit increase for the SNAP program is expected to take effect beginning in 2025. This adjustment in awards will be applied based on the cost of living and will be updated to reflect economic changes and the needs of beneficiaries.
