The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as “food stamps,” provides monthly financial assistance to low-income families to help them purchase essential groceries. Instead of paper coupons, SNAP benefits are now distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions much like a debit card and is accepted at authorized retailers.
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives each month depends on several factors, including household size, gross and net income, and specific circumstances that might apply. This support is a lifeline for millions of families across the United States who struggle to afford basic necessities.
Will SNAP benefits increase in January 2025?
Unlike Social Security benefits, which are adjusted annually based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and take effect every January, changes to SNAP benefits occur at the start of the fiscal year, which begins on October 1. As a result, the benefit amounts established in October 2024 will remain unchanged through September 2025.
This means there will be no increase in SNAP benefits in January 2025. The last adjustment occurred in October 2024, and the current maximum benefit amounts will remain in place until the next scheduled update in October 2025.
How much do families receive with SNAP?
As of October 1, 2024, the maximum monthly SNAP allotments for households in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia are as follows:
- 1-person household: $292
- 2-person household: $536
- 3-person household: $768
- 4-person household: $975
- 5-person household: $1,158
- 6-person household: $1,390
- 7-person household: $1,536
- 8-person household: $1,756
- Additional members: +$220 per person
Variations in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
The benefit amounts for U.S. territories differ due to variations in living costs:
- In Alaska, maximum benefits for a family of four range from $1,258 to $1,953, depending on the region.
- In Hawaii, the maximum benefit for a family of four is set at $1,723.
- In Guam, the maximum allotment is $1,437.
- In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum for a family of four is $1,254.
Minimum benefit amounts
For households with very low income, the minimum benefit amounts remain as follows:
- 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia: $23
- Alaska: $30 to $47, depending on the region
- Hawaii: $41
Factors that determine SNAP benefits
The exact amount a household receives under SNAP is calculated based on several key factors:
- Household size: Larger households qualify for higher maximum benefits.
- Household income: Both gross and net income are considered to determine eligibility and the final benefit amount.
- Geographic location: Living costs in different states and territories directly impact benefit levels.
- Allowable deductions: Certain expenses, such as medical costs or housing-related expenses, are taken into account when calculating net income.
What’s next for SNAP?
Although there won’t be changes to SNAP benefits in January 2025, the program remains a topic of ongoing political and social discussion. Future adjustments will likely depend on various factors, such as inflation rates, poverty levels, and government priorities for the next fiscal year.
For now, families receiving SNAP benefits should plan their budgets around the current allotments, which will stay in effect through September 2025. Any updates will be announced in the months leading up to the next fiscal year, beginning October 2025.
SNAP continues to play a vital role in supporting millions of households across the United States. While there won’t be an increase in benefits in January 2025, the current allotments reflect an ongoing effort to address families’ nutritional needs. Beneficiaries should remain informed about potential changes in October, as that’s when new benefit levels for the following fiscal year will be determined.
