Have you ever wondered what can cause someone to lose their SNAP benefits? Well, there are several reasons, and some may surprise you. For example, if your income increases and exceeds the limit allowed by the program, you could be left without that help.
Another common reason is not meeting job requirements. In some cases, SNAP requires people to work, train, or do community service. If you don’t do it, goodbye profits. Although there are exceptions, such as if you are studying or caring for someone.
Could changing your address cause you to lose your SNAP benefits?
There is also the issue of changes at home. If someone moves with you, or you change states, it may affect your eligibility. Each place has different rules, so you have to be careful. Not reporting these changes on time is another common mistake.
And what happens if you make a mistake in the application or do not provide the necessary documents? That can cost you profits too. SNAP is a program that requires a lot of attention to detail, so you have to be careful with the paperwork.
Commit fraud with your SNAP benefits
Additionally, if you are caught committing fraud, such as selling your benefits or lying on the application, the consequences are serious. Not only will you lose SNAP, but you could face fines or even legal problems. It’s not worth the risk.
On the other hand, if you become eligible for other assistance programs, such as SSI or TANF, that could affect your eligibility for SNAP. Sometimes programs overlap, and you have to adjust to new rules.
And don’t forget, if you move to a place where the costs of living are lower, that could also play a role. SNAP considers your expenses and resources, so a change in environment may alter your situation.
The maximum amounts to which you can apply in 2025
The SNAP program calculates benefits based on families’ net income. If a family has no net income, they receive the maximum benefit, which is tied to the cost of the USDA TFP.
This plan reflects the cost of purchasing and preparing a nutritious and adequate diet, following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and assumes that low-income families take steps to make the most of their food budget.
After the pandemic, the USDA updated the TFP, resulting in an increase in SNAP benefits starting in October of that same year, helping millions of families access healthy eating.
For households with net income, the monthly SNAP benefit is calculated by subtracting 30% of that net income from the maximum benefit for the family size. This means that even if a family has income, they can still receive support, but the amount varies depending on their financial situation. This system seeks to balance aid with the ability of each household to contribute to its own nutrition.
For a one-person household, the maximum benefits that can be applied to is $292, while for a two-person household it is $536. For a household of three or four people, the maximum awards are $768 and $975, respectively.
For five people, the maximum SNAP benefit is $1,158, while for six individuals living in a household, the maximum is $1,390. Finally, in family groups of seven and eight people, the payments are $1,536 and $1,756, in that order. From that number, for each additional person, you can add up to a maximum of $220.
