Total Change in SNAP Benefits Beginning in October – List of People Who Will Be Affected
According to Lagrada online, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to undergo significant changes beginning October 1st, affecting millions of beneficiaries across the country. SNAP, which provides essential food assistance to millions of low-income Americans, served 42.1 million people on average each month in fiscal year 2023, making up 12.6% of the U.S. population. A significant portion of these recipients includes tens of thousands of Dominicans nationwide. To remain eligible, individuals between the ages of 18 and 54 without dependents or disabilities must work at least 80 hours per month (20 hours per week). However, as SNAP benefits and requirements vary by state, beneficiaries should consult the specific policies of the state they reside in.
New SNAP Work Requirements Could Lead to Loss of Benefits
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), new changes to SNAP could lead to 750,000 people aged 50 to 54 losing access to benefits. The proposal, which introduces stricter work requirements, doesn’t take into account the realities of the low-wage labor market, such as unpredictable work schedules and the lack of paid sick leave. If a beneficiary deemed able to meet the work requirement fails to do so for three months, their benefits will be cut off unless they can provide a legitimate reason or meet the labor requirement for 30 days to regain eligibility.
The program allows for an extension of benefits for an additional three months once every three years, giving beneficiaries some relief if they can demonstrate need during difficult times. However, it remains important to understand that this extension is not guaranteed and can only be applied under specific circumstances.
Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts Per Household
The amount a household receives in SNAP benefits depends on the number of people in the household and the state in which they live. Here’s a breakdown of the monthly payment amounts for households based on size:
- 1 member: $292
- 2 members: $536
- 3 members: $768
- 4 members: $975
- 5 members: $1,158
- 6 members: $1,390
- 7 members: $1,536
- 8 members: $1,756
It’s important to note that these amounts are the national averages, and individual states may issue higher payments based on the cost of living in their areas. For example, the maximum amount for a family of four could range from $1,258 to $1,953 for residents of Alaska, $1,254 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and $1,437 for people living in Guam. In contrast, Hawaii will see a slight reduction, with the maximum amount for a household of four set at $1,723.
SNAP Benefit Adjustments for 2024–2025
The revised benefit amounts will be in effect from October 2024 through September 2025, with a new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to be implemented afterward. Beneficiaries who have questions or concerns about how the COLA will impact their benefits should reach out to their regional SNAP agency, which can provide specific information on adjustments based on regional cost-of-living variations.
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September SNAP Benefit Distribution Dates by State
| State | Payment date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | September 4-23 |
| Alaska | September 1 |
| Arizona | September 1-13 |
| Arkansas | September 4-13 |
| California | September 1-10 |
| Colorado | September 1-10 |
| Connecticut | September 1-3 |
| Delaware | September 2-23 |
| District of Columbia | September 1-13 |
| Florida | September 1-28 |
| Georgia | September 5-23 |
| Guam | September 1-10 |
| Hawaii | September 3-5 |
| Idaho | September 1-15 |
| Illinois | September 1-20 |
| Indiana | September 5-23 |
| Iowa | September 1-10 |
| Kansas | September 1-10 |
| Kentucky | September 1-19 |
| Louisiana | September 1-23 |
| Maine | September 10-14 |
| Maryland | September 4-23 |
| Massachusetts | September 1-14 |
| Michigan | September 3-21 |
| Minnesota | September 4-13 |
| Mississippi | September 4-21 |
| Missouri | September 1-22 |
| Montana | September 2-6 |
| Nebraska | September 1-5 |
| Nevada | September 1-10 |
| New Hampshire | September 5 |
| New Jersey | September 1-5 |
| New Mexico | September 1-20 |
| New York | September 1-9 |
| North Carolina | September 3-21 |
| North Dakota | September 1 |
| Ohio | September 2-20 |
| Oklahoma | September 1-10 |
| Oregon | September 1-9 |
| Pennsylvania | September 3-14 |
| Puerto Rico | September 4-22 |
| Rhode Island | September 1 |
| South Carolina | September 1-19 |
| South Dakota | September 1-9 |
| Tennessee | September 1-20 |
| Utah | September 5, 11, and 15 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | September 1 |
| Vermont | September 1 |
| Virginia | September 1-7 |
| Washington | September 1-20 |
| West Virginia | September 1-9 |
| Wisconsin | September 1-15 |
| Wyoming | September 1-4 |
