Starting October 1, 2023, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has new benefits for the 2024 year. These changes are meant to help families with low incomes buy food, especially as prices go up.
Maximum Allotments for 2024
For 2024, the amount of SNAP benefits has increased. Here’s how much families can get each month, depending on how many people are in their home:
| Household Size | 2024 Maximum Allotment | 2023 Maximum Allotment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $291 | $281 |
| 2 | $535 | $516 |
| 3 | $766 | $740 |
| 4 | $973 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,155 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,386 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,532 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,758 | $1,691 |
| Each Extra Person | $219 | $211 |
In places like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the amounts are higher because living costs are more expensive there.
Key Changes and Updates
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): The benefits have gone up by 3.6% to help families with rising food prices.
- Eligibility Thresholds: More families can now qualify for SNAP. For example, a family of two can earn up to $1,644 a month and still get help.
- Minimum Benefits: The smallest amount you can get is still $23 per month for most states.
- Additional Programs: Starting in summer 2024, kids who are eligible will get an extra $40 per month for food through the Summer EBT program.
- Shelter Cap Value: The amount of money that can be counted for housing costs has gone up to $672.
Impact on Low-Income Families
Even with these updates, the amount of SNAP benefits might not cover all food costs. For example, a family of four getting the maximum of $973 a month would have about $8 for each person per day. This can still be tight, especially in places where food is very expensive.
Conclusion
The new SNAP benefits for 2024 are better than before and will help families with food costs. However, families might still need to plan their budgets carefully and look for extra help to make sure they have enough for groceries.
FAQs
1. What is the maximum amount of SNAP benefits for a family of 4 in 2024?
| Household Size | 2024 Maximum Allotment |
|---|---|
| 4 | $973 |
2. How much has the SNAP benefit increased by for 2024?
| Increase Rate |
|---|
| 3.6% |
3. What is the new income limit for a two-person household to qualify for SNAP?
| Household Size | New Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | $1,644 |
4. How much extra help will children get through the Summer EBT program?
| Additional Help for Kids |
|---|
| $40 per month |