The USDA has recently announced a big increase in SNAP benefits starting in October 2024.
This change mainly helps people in Alaska, where the maximum benefit will rise to $586 per month. Most other states will also get higher SNAP payments, but Hawaii will see a decrease in its benefits.
When Does the COLA Adjustment for SNAP Take Effect?
The COLA adjustment for SNAP benefits will start in October 2024. This yearly update helps match the benefits with inflation and rising food prices, so SNAP can better cover the cost of essential groceries.
Even though the increase might not be large, it’s meant to give extra help to families facing higher living costs.
Here are the key details of the upcoming SNAP change:
- Effective Date: October 2024
- Maximum Benefit in Alaska: $586 per month
- Maximum Benefit in Other States: $292 per family member
- Hawaii: Will see a decrease in SNAP benefits
This adjustment will happen before any changes to Social Security payments and similar benefits, giving families extra support sooner.
How Much Will SNAP Recipients Receive?
The COLA adjustment will differ depending on where you live and the size of your household.
After the adjustment, each person in a household can get up to $292, with the highest payments in Alaska, where benefits might reach $586 a month.
Here’s how the adjustment will affect payments:
- Single Recipients: Up to $292 per month
- Family of Four: Up to $1,168 per month in most states
- Large Households: Up to $1,751 in some cases
Even though this increase might not drastically change your finances, any extra aid can be a big help for families facing money troubles.
August 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule
Before the October cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) starts, people will still get their usual SNAP benefits in August. Here’s a summary of when payments will be made in August 2024 for different states:
- Alabama: August 4-23
- Alaska: August 1
- Arizona: August 1-13
- Arkansas: August 4-13
- California: August 1-10
- Colorado: August 1-10
- Connecticut: August 1-3
- Delaware: August 2-23
- District of Columbia: August 1-10
- Florida: August 1-28
- Georgia: August 5-23
- Hawaii: August 3-5
- Idaho: August 1-10
- Illinois: August 1-10
- Indiana: August 5-23
- Iowa: August 1-10
- Kansas: August 1-10
- Kentucky: August 1-19
- Louisiana: August 1-23
- Maine: August 10-14
- Maryland: August 4-23
- Massachusetts: August 1-14
- Michigan: August 3-21
- Minnesota: August 4-13
- Mississippi: August 4-21
- Missouri: August 1-22
- Montana: August 2-6
- Nebraska: August 1-5
- Nevada: August 1-10
- New Hampshire: August 5
- New Jersey: August 1-5
- New Mexico: August 1-20
- New York: August 1-9
- North Carolina: August 3-21
- North Dakota: August 1
- Ohio: August 2-20
- Oklahoma: August 1-10
- Oregon: August 1-9
- Pennsylvania: August 3-14
- Puerto Rico: August 4-22
- Rhode Island: August 1
- South Carolina: August 1-10
- South Dakota: August 10
- Tennessee: August 1-20
- Texas: August 1-28
- Utah: August 5, 11, and 15
- Vermont: August 1
- Virginia: August 1-7
- Washington: August 1-20
- West Virginia: August 1-9
- Wisconsin: August 1-15
- Wyoming: August 1-4
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
To ensure you get your payment, check your EBT card balance often. This helps you know how much money you have for groceries and plan your shopping. Keeping track of your balance also helps you spot any problems or delays with your SNAP benefits.
When will the SNAP COLA adjustment take effect?
The SNAP COLA adjustment will start in October 2024.
How much can SNAP recipients receive in Alaska after the adjustment?
In Alaska, the most a SNAP recipient can get will be $586 per month.
Will all states see an increase in SNAP benefits?
Most states will see an increase, but Hawaii will have a decrease.
What is the average SNAP benefit per family member after the adjustment?
The maximum benefit per family member will be $292.