Beginning Oct. 1, changes to benefits, standard deductions and housing limits for the food assistance program will be implemented nationwide
Beginning October 1, 2024, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, will undergo several changes impacting millions of Americans. These changes include increases in benefits and adjustments to standard deductions and housing limits.
Increased Benefits
Recipients in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia will see an increase in their benefits. The new allocations for these areas are as follows:
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Households of 1 to 3 members: $204
- Households of 4 members: $217
- Households of 5 members: $254
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Households of 6 or more members: $291
Residents of Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will also benefit from increases:
- Alaska: $348 (up to 5 members), $364 (6 or more members)
- Guam: $409 (1-3 members), $432 (4 members), $507 (5 members), $581 (6 or more members)
- U.S. Virgin Islands: $180 (1-2 members), $217 (3 members), $254 (4 members), $291 (5 or more members)
In contrast, Hawaii will see a reduction in benefits due to a cost-of-living adjustment for 2025:
- Hawaii: $287 (1-4 members), $292 (5 members), $335 (6 or more members)
New Standard Deductions for SNAP
Standard deductions will also be updated on October 1, 2024, with amounts varying based on the state or territory and household size:
- 48 states and DC: $204 (1-3 members), $217 (4 members), $254 (5 members), $291 (6 or more members)
- Alaska: $348 (up to 5 members), $364 (6 or more members)
- Hawaii: $287 (1-4 members), $292 (5 members), $335 (6 or more members)
- Guam: $409 (1-3 members), $432 (4 members), $507 (5 members), $581 (6 or more members)
- U.S. Virgin Islands: $180 (1-2 members), $217 (3 members), $254 (4 members), $291 (5 or more members)
Housing Limits
The USDA has announced new maximum limits for excess housing deductions through September 30, 2025:
- 48 states and DC: $712
- Alaska: $1,137
- Hawaii: $959
- Guam: $835
- U.S. Virgin Islands: $561
Maximum deduction limits for shelters for the homeless will be uniform across all states and territories, set at $190.30.
Following the 2025 COLA increase, the maximum asset limit will be $3,000 for most households. However, for households with at least one member aged 60 or older, or a qualifying disabled person, this limit will be increased to $4,500.
These updates aim to better align SNAP support with current living costs and needs across different regions, providing additional relief to low-income families.