The United States plans to significantly change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2024. The changes will result from the farm bill, a law that affects agriculture and SNAP benefits.
The changes may impact the program’s beneficiaries, and it is essential to understand them. In this discussion, we will explore the expected changes in SNAP and how they will affect the program’s beneficiaries who rely on it for daily sustenance.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program that helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy food. The program uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP is important because it helps people afford nutritious food, which is good for their health. It also gives them more money to spend on other health-related expenses.
Farm Bill Delays and Minimum Monthly Benefit Increase
The passage of the farm bill is currently delayed, which is a common occurrence due to the complex negotiations involved. The bill covers various issues, from agricultural subsidies to nutrition assistance programs.
One proposed change in the new farm bill is to increase the minimum monthly benefit for SNAP recipients. This change aims to improve the purchasing power of low-income individuals and families, allowing them to afford healthier and more nutritious food.
Work Requirements for SNAP Benefits
The new legislation is expected to gradually increase work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who receive SNAP benefits. Expanding the age bracket to 54 by October 2024. Previously, individuals aged 18 to 50 were mandated to meet specific work criteria to qualify for SNAP benefits.
It is important to note that certain age thresholds exempt individuals from these work requirements. Certain groups are exempted from the ABAWD work mandates, including individuals with physical or mental impairments, pregnant women, veterans, the homeless, and those aged 24 or younger who were in foster care at 18.
Income Eligibility
The program requires that the applicant’s gross monthly income not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level. This standard varies based on the household size and location, considering the varying cost of living across different regions of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
SNAP Benefit Allotments for 2024
The USDA has announced cost of living adjustments for 2024 that will increase the maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits across 48 states, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, Hawaii will experience a decrease in the maximum allotments for a family of four.
The maximum SNAP benefits for households between October 2023 and September 2024 will vary according to household size and location. The allotments for households with members ranging from one to eight are given below. The minimum benefit of $23 will be maintained for the 48 states and D.C.
| Household Size | 48 States, D.C., Guam, Virgin Islands | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,973 | $1,817 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $2,670 | $2,457 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $3,366 | $3,098 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $4,063 | $3,738 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $4,760 | $4,378 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $5,456 | $5,018 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $6,153 | $5,659 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $6,849 | $6,299 |
| Each Additional Member | +$557 | +$697 | +$64 |
I'm 73yrs old, I receive windows pension. I'm diabetic, need special dietary foods. I only receive 23.00 a month in food stamps. Food is so high and steady going up. I need more stamps.
We help all these other countries but help should start at home. Look at people who are homeless, living on streets in tents, card board boxes. Let's help our own first.
He is right in NC a senior only get $23.00 income 1700 received but count what they deduct from check as income don't count bills light water rent gas and medicine insurance not anything do they count so how are they suppose to eat my grocery bill is $145.00 a week for 1 myself about 20 items if than many Senior need So Help
Why does a single individual only get $23.00 when they are on disability that barely buys milk butter and bread
We'll I stay in TOPEKA KANSAS. I get 789.00 in social security income. I only get 142.00 in food stamps they lowered my stamps to 62 a month has meeting with a case worker around the 13th of match and she raised my stamps to 142.00 but did not give me what was owed to me for the mouth of March and Feb. She told me she couldn't. Butt if I was to be applying as a n saveew snap member then I would of got prorated. They don't count all of what I pay for my phone bill. Or any other income or bills I had