The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has just announced that Food Stamps will increase in the 48 contiguous States and DC. However, they will not be the only places where this food assistance has increased.
SNAP benefits have also gone up in Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thanks to the 2025 COLA, all these places will send more money to EBT cards from October 1, 2024. So far, the amounts will remain the same for the remaining payments in August and September. Food Stamps in Hawaii have decreased though.
Which State is sending the largest SNAP benefit checks?
Alaska is the State that is sending the highest SNAP amounts in the United States in 2024 and 2025. Currently, the largest benefit for a family of 4 in Alaska is worth $1,937. After the 2025 COLA increase, it will become $1,953 for 4.
A family of 5 in Alaska will also receive more money than in any other State. If there are five members living together in your household, you could receive up to $2,319. Six-member families or households can get up to $2,783.
As you can see, even the amount for 4 is higher than for 8 in the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, which is $1,756 after the 2025 COLA. If there are no additional members and your household size is 8, you can receive up to $3,516 from October 1, 2024, onward.
SNAP amounts in Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
The State of Hawaii will not increase SNAP benefits after COLA. As a matter of fact, there will be an important reduction for all recipients. If you are 4 members in your family, you can receive $517, down from $527. For 5, 6, 7, or 8 members maximum amounts are $2,046, $2,456, $2,714, and $3,102 respectively.
If you live in Guam, you can also receive more money than in the 48 contiguous States. Compared to the $973 maximum for 4 in the 48 contiguous States, Guam sends up to $1,437. Families of 5, 6, 7, or 8 can receive up to $1,707, $2,049, $2,264, and $2,588 respectively.
The United States Virgin Islands can send up to $1,254 for families of 4 after the 2025 COLA. If you are 5 there, you can receive up to $1,489. SNAP recipients who are 6, 7, or 8 can receive up to $1,787, 1,975, or $2,257 in the same order.