According to Vibes.okdiario , The USDA has recently implemented important updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, which will continue into 2025. With inflation and rising prices putting pressure on households, understanding these changes is crucial for SNAP recipients to make the most of their benefits.
No New Changes in January 2025
While there will be no new changes to SNAP benefits in January 2025, the recent updates will still apply throughout the year. So, what are the key updates that have been made to SNAP benefits?
2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for SNAP
While Social Security benefits will see their 2025 COLA increase in January, SNAP recipients have already benefited from this adjustment as of October 1, 2024. This COLA boost will continue until September 30, 2025, helping beneficiaries in the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive extra dollars each month. However, Hawaii experienced a reduction after the COLA adjustment.
Here are the maximum SNAP amounts for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia:
- 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 person: $220
Changes to SNAP Work Requirements
The work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) have been extended to include individuals aged 18-54, up from the previous age limit of 18-52. This means that SNAP recipients in this age range must now work at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits for more than 3 months over a 3-year period.
Updated Net Monthly Income Eligibility
USDA has also updated the income eligibility standards for SNAP. These figures will remain in place through September 30, 2025. For a family of four, the new income limits are:
- 48 contiguous states, District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Guam: $2,600
- Alaska: $3,250
- Hawaii: $2,990
These updated income limits reflect an increase from the previous figures, which were $2,500 for the contiguous states, $3,125 for Alaska, and $2,875 for Hawaii, as of September 30, 2024.
With these changes, SNAP recipients can plan ahead for the year, understanding both the adjustments in benefit amounts and the updated work requirements.
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