The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon start delivering the October payments with a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to SNAP (Food Stamps) checks.
Bear in mind that there is an important goal in this COLA increase for SNAP recipients. As a matter of fact, USDA wants to reduce the loss of purchasing power due to inflation and soaring prices. If high inflation affects food prices, Food Stamps can buy fewer food items.
COLA – Purchasing power of SNAP recipients
Not surprisingly, there will be a new COLA increase for most Food Stamp beneficiaries. However, there will be an important exception if you live in Hawaii. Instead, maximum benefits will be reduced. The advantages of the COLA for SNAP benefits are:
- face inflation with more money
- not lose buying power
- recipients may be able to buy the same things or even more
- COLA boost arrives before 2025, from October 1
One important advantage that the 2025 COLA for SNAP has is the fact that it comes into effect on October 1, 2024. Unlike Social Security recipients who have to wait until January 3 to get extra money.
First SNAP payment with the 2025 COLA increase
It will depend on the State where you live whether you will receive your payment with the increase on October 1 or through October 28. For example, Vermont, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Alaska, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will send the increase to all recipients on the first.
What maximum SNAP amounts to expect from October 1
If you live in the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, you can get between 1 and 5 extra dollars if you qualify for the maximum amount. Therefore, there will be little difference in the maximum amounts.
- Payment dates: October 1-28
- Includes: 2025 COLA increase worth up to 1-5 dollars if eligible
- Expected Increase: it is between 0.34% extra for individuals and 0.29% for a family of 8
- Household Size and maximum amounts for SNAP in the 48 States and DC
- 1= $292
- 2= $536
- 3= $768
- 4= $975
- 5= $1,158
- 6= $1,390
- 7= $1,536
- 8= $1,756