NEW SNAP changes coming soon: Food Stamps increase updates before 2025
According to VIBUS, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service continually refine the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide improved support to beneficiaries. These updates help adjust for inflation and other factors affecting the purchasing power of SNAP recipients.
2025 COLA Increase
Starting October 1, 2024, SNAP beneficiaries in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. will see an increase in their maximum benefit amounts due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Here are the updated maximum benefits for various household sizes:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
Each additional household member will increase the benefit by $220. Note that Hawaii will experience a decrease in its maximum amounts for the second consecutive year, while Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will see increases due to higher inflation and higher SNAP maximum payment amounts.
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Changes for ABAWDs
The USDA has also adjusted rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Starting October 1, 2024, the age limit for ABAWDs will shift from 18-54 to 18-52. This change impacts those aged 53 and 54, who will now face stricter benefit conditions.
ABAWDs are limited to receiving SNAP benefits for only three months within a 36-month period unless they meet work requirements, such as working or participating in job training for 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. If these requirements are not met, benefits are suspended until compliance is achieved for 30 days or an exemption is obtained.
States with high unemployment rates or insufficient job opportunities can request waivers from these time limits. For instance, California currently has a statewide waiver in place until October 2024. Certain individuals, including those with children, pregnant individuals, veterans, young adults under 24 who were in foster care, or those experiencing homelessness, may also be exempt from work requirements.
Reasons for Changes
The end of temporary COVID-19 measures, such as additional monthly benefits and relaxed eligibility requirements, has led to these updates. With the federal health emergency concluded, emergency allotments are no longer provided.
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Annual updates to SNAP benefits, deductions, and income limits reflect changes in living costs. In 2024, most states will see an increase in benefits, although Hawaii’s amounts will decrease slightly.
Additionally, a significant 8.7% increase in Social Security benefits in 2023 affects SNAP households. As Social Security is a major income source for many SNAP recipients, this increase results in a reduction in their SNAP benefits.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act, enacted in June 2023, also modifies SNAP eligibility. It raises the age limit for ABAWDs subject to work requirements from 50 to 54 during 2023-2024 and introduces new exemptions.
