Slight SNAP benefit increases take effect Oct. 1
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Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may see a slight boost in their maximum benefit amounts beginning Oct. 1.
Why it matters: As high grocery prices continue to burden American consumers, those enrolled in SNAP could see their maximum allotments tick upward next week — but not by a lot.
- SNAP is a monthly benefit to aid eligible low-income households in purchasing food.
By the numbers: Maximum allotments are ticking upward in the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands but are decreasing in Hawaii.
- The maximum benefit for an individual (a household of one) is increasing by $1, from $291 to $292.
- Larger households may see a few more dollars tacked onto their maximum benefit amounts.
Case in point: A household of six could be eligible to receive a maximum of $1,386 this year compared to $1,390 starting Oct. 1.
- The minimum benefit is staying put from this year to next: $23 per month.
Maximum benefit amounts differ in Hawaii, Alaska, the Virgin Islands and Guam, where food prices are often higher.
- Though Hawaii's maximum amount decreased, a household of two could bring home $948 in benefits compared to $536 in the 48 continuous states.
- The minimum allotment in Hawaii is $41.
Zoom out: Along with slight increases from cost-of-living adjustments, next week will also mark the beginning of updated welfare work requirements triggered by the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
- Increasing the age limit for work requirements was one part of the legislation, which was struck in an agreement between President Biden and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to avoid a projected default.
- People affected by the change are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) ages 52 to 54 — ABAWDs aged 18-52 already had to meet additional work requirements.
- But according to the Congressional Budget Office's estimate at the time the debt ceiling deal was struck, more people will actually be eligible for SNAP as a result of new exemptions.
The big picture: An average of 42.1 million Americans participated in SNAP each month during fiscal year 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- 37% of households in FY 2022 received the maximum benefit for their size, the department reported, whereas 10% collected the minimum benefit.
The bottom line: An August report found that nearly three-quarters of older Americans eligible for federal food assistance through SNAP are not taking part. That's about 9 million people who could be receiving help at the grocery store but aren't enrolled.
- To get benefits, those who qualify need to apply.
- The new allotments will be in effect until Sept. 30 of next year.
Go deeper: Axios-Ipsos poll: Americans back work requirements for federal aid
