For millions of low-income families in the US, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline in an often turbulent sea of bills and expenses. This vital program, better known as “food stamps,” provides electronic benefits cards (EBT) that can be used at qualifying stores to purchase groceries, easing the burden of putting food on the table.
And good news come with the New Year: In 2024, more households than ever before might be eligible for this assistance. The Food and Nutrition Service, a branch of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), regularly updates SNAP benefits eligibility criteria, including income limits and work requirements. This year, these updates offer a glimmer of hope for many struggling families.
New Eligibility Criteria for SNAP Benefits to Welcome More Families in Need
One of the most significant changes comes in the form of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), signed by President Biden in June. This legislation expands the work requirement for able-bodied adults within the program. Previously, individuals aged 18-50 had to demonstrate they were working at least 80 hours per month to qualify. Starting in October 2023, this age range has been extended to 52, meaning those aged 51 and 52 must now show active employment or participation in an approved training program to remain eligible. This expansion will continue over the next year, encompassing 53 and 54-year-olds by October 2024.
But, take into account that some exemptions exist. Individuals with documented physical or mental limitations, pregnant women, veterans, homeless individuals, and those aged 24 or younger who were in foster care at age 18 are not subject to the work requirement.
Beyond work requirements, income thresholds for SNAP eligibility have also been recalibrated for 2024. To qualify, a household’s gross monthly income must generally fall below 130% of the federal poverty level, which varies based on household size. For example, in the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, the maximum gross monthly income for a single-person household to qualify for SNAP is now $1,580. These updated limits reflect the rising cost of living and ensure more families struggling to make ends meet can access this vital support.
While some may view the expanded work requirement with trepidation, it’s crucial to remember the overall goal of SNAP: to provide temporary assistance during times of hardship and empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. By opening the door to more families while simultaneously encouraging work participation where feasible, the 2024 SNAP updates strike a delicate balance between immediate relief and long-term empowerment.
Maximum monthly income for SNAP benefits eligibility (October 2023 though September 2024)
Regarding the household’s size in the 48 contiguous states/Washington DC/Guam/US Virgin Island, Alaska, and Hawaii, respectively:
- 1 person:$1,580 / $1,973 / $1,817
2 people: $2,137 / $2,670 / $2,457
3 people: $2,694 / $3,366 / $3,098
4 people: $3,250 / $4,063 / $3,738
5 people: $3,807 / $4,760 / $4,378
6 people: $4,364 / $5,456 / $5,018
7 people: $4,921 / $6,153 / $5,659
8 people: $5,478 / $6,849 / $6,299
Each additional member: $557 / $697 / $641