The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to witness positive changes in the fiscal year 2024, as recently announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) announced in this memorandum, as expected every year, brought adjustments to SNAP’s maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions, in alignment with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
The eagerly awaited COLAs will usher in increased maximum food stamps allotments for the 48 contiguous states, including the District of Columbia, as well as Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Families of four residing in the 48 states and D.C. will now receive a maximum allotment of $973, signaling a positive shift. Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will experience varying increments, with the maximum allotment for a family of four reaching $1,434 in Guam and $1,251 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, Hawaii will see a reduction to $1,759 for a family of four, while the minimum benefit for the 48 states and D.C. remains steady at $23.
Breaking Down SNAP Benefits Allotments for 2024
The maximum SNAP benefit amounts, from October 1st, 2023, though September 30th, 2024, are determined based on the size of the household. For a one-person household, the monthly benefit is $291. In the case of a two-person household, the maximum monthly benefit increases to $535.
For three people, it is $766, meanwhile for a family of four people -the typical household in America-, it amounts to $973, and for a five-person household, the monthly benefit is $1,155. Larger households continue to receive higher benefits, with a six-person household qualifying for $1,386 per month, and a seven-person household eligible for a maximum monthly benefit of $1,532.
Unlike a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, SNAP takes into account the unique circumstances of each applicant. While it is essential to acknowledge the variability in benefits based on factors such as income, household size, and expenses, it is equally crucial to advocate for reasonable and humane resource limits. households must have a gross income below 130% of the federal poverty level and a net income at or below 100%.
Maintaining stability, the resource limit for households remains unchanged at $2,750 for the 48 states and D.C., as well as Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, households with at least one member aged 60 or older or with a disability will continue to have a resource limit of $4,250.
Elevated Deductions and Shelter Cap Values
The fiscal adjustments extend beyond allotments, with shelter cap values on the rise. Families in the 48 states and D.C. will now benefit from an increased shelter cap value of $672, mirroring a commitment to improved living conditions.
Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will also witness heightened shelter cap values. Moreover, the maximum homeless shelter deduction has been amplified to $179.66 for the 48 states and D.C., as well as Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Recognizing the diverse needs of households, the minimum standard deduction for household sizes 1 through 3 has been raised to $198 a month for the 48 states and D.C. Similar positive adjustments apply to Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, aligning with the program’s commitment to bettering the lives of those it serves.