Large SNAP payments are on the way for some eligible recipients. Food Stamps have just been delivered in many States on August 4, 2024. But in some of them, August 5 will be the first payday of the month.
For example, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Utah are delivering the first SNAP payments on August 5, 2024. So, check if your State is disbursing money to your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card.
What are the SNAP maximum amounts in Georgia, Indiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Utah?
All these States share the maximum allotments for the 48 contiguous States. So, it will depend on the household size and whether you can receive a larger or smaller payment. For instance, if you are single, you can receive a Food Stamp payment of up to $291.
A family of 2 can receive a SNAP payment of up to $535. Those households with 3 members can qualify for a monthly check of up to $766. Families of 4 can get a benefit worth up to $973. And the largest benefit can be for an 8-member family, up to $1,751.
Nevertheless, some families have a bigger size. Each additional member can receive up to $219, so this could increase the payment amount quite a lot. If you live in Hawaii, you will the largest benefit on August 5 if eligible.
Hawaii sends the largest SNAP payment on the 5th
The maximum amount of your Food Stamps if you live in Hawaii can be up to $527 if you are just one person in your household.
Compared to the maximum amount for a Food Stamp payment in the 48 contiguous States, there is a difference of 236 dollars.
A family of 4 in Hawaii can receive up to $1,759. That is even higher than a payment for 8 in the 48 contiguous States.
Do not forget that even if these amounts seem too high, the high cost of living in Hawaii can reduce the amount of things a beneficiary can purchase there.
How do household size and composition affect SNAP benefit amounts?
SNAP benefits are based on the number of people in the household and their net monthly income after certain deductions. In general, larger households receive higher SNAP allotments than smaller households.
For each additional person in the household, the SNAP allotment increases but not in a straight linear fashion. There are economies of scale factored in.
Household Composition
- The composition of the household also makes a difference in SNAP benefit calculations:
- Households with an elderly person (over 60) or a person with a disability are allowed higher deductions for medical expenses. This can result in a higher SNAP allotment compared to households of the same size without elderly/disabled members.
- Households with dependent care costs can deduct these expenses, boosting benefits.
- In shared custody, the primary custodian can include the child in their SNAP household.
- Able-bodied adults without dependents, aged 18-49, are limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits in 36 months, unless they meet work requirements. The presence of these adults can impact household eligibility.
Income and Deductions
Household size determines SNAP benefits, but net income after deductions is crucial too. Allowable deductions are:
- 20% earned income deduction
- Standard deduction based on household size
- Dependent care deduction
- Child support deduction
- Medical expense deduction for elderly/disabled
- Excess shelter costs