Food stamps, also well-known as the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), is a government program in the US designed to help low-income individuals and families afford food. This program provides benefits in two phases, effective from 1st Oct 2023 & 1st Oct 2024.
Around 41 million people depend on SNAP (Food Stamp Program) benefits. Every year, the United States Department of Agriculture changes the amount of food benefits households receive to match the cost of living. This year, the SNAP payment will go up by about 12.5%, starting in October, according to an article published by Forbes Advisor.
In this blog, we are going to discuss “Will Food Stamps Increase in 2024?” the latest updates to the SNAP program, and how these changes can impact recipients. So, let’s discuss this topic in detail!
Understanding Food Stamps Benefits Increase in 2024
Food Stamps benefits provide essential support to millions of Americans, helping them secure the necessary nutrition for healthy and productive living. Some of the advantages of SNAP are listed below:
- SNAP provides individuals with monthly funds to purchase essential food.
- The program allows low-income U.S. residents to buy nutritious food at reduced prices.
- Beyond food, SNAP benefits help cover crucial expenses such as utilities, rent, and medical bills.
- It is the largest initiative aimed at decreasing hunger among U.S. citizens.
- Benefits are calculated based on your household income and expenses to ensure adequate support.
- The USDA updates benefit amounts annually to match inflation rates, ensuring benefits keep pace with living costs.
- A 3.6% increase in SNAP benefits has been implemented for 2024.
- For a family of four, monthly benefits have increased to $973 from $939, boosting their capacity to buy more and better-quality food at lower costs.
SNAP Benefit Increases to Change Under New Plan
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is adjusted annually to provide Americans with increased benefits due to inflation. However, upcoming legislation could change how these increases are determined. The House Committee on Agriculture is reviewing a new farm bill that proposes altering the method for calculating SNAP benefit increases.
This change would rely on a revised version of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which is the most economical food plan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is designed to create affordable, nutritious meals for a family of four. Traditionally, the TFP updates were based on the prevailing market conditions, including food prices, dietary guidelines, and consumption patterns, and remained cost-neutral.
The last significant update to the TFP rules was in 2018, although updates before that were in 1983, 1999, and 2006. In 2021, President Joe Biden revised the TFP rules, approving a substantial $256 billion increase in SNAP benefits over ten years. This shift allowed for SNAP increases to be determined by the approved government budget each year rather than sticking to traditional market price calculations.
Eligibility for SNAP Benefits in 2024
Considering “Will Food Stamps Increase in 2024?” is important in determining eligibility. Here are the key criteria and considerations:
- Eligibility primarily depends on household income, which must fall below certain thresholds and generally must be at or below 130% of the poverty line. For example, in the federal fiscal year 2023, the poverty line for a three-person household was set at $1,778 per month. Consequently, 130% of this figure is $2,311, marking the maximum income limit for such households to qualify for SNAP benefits.
- Allowable deductions for expenses such as housing costs, utilities, childcare, medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, and others can also influence SNAP benefits.
- Adults between 18 and 59 who are able-bodied and without dependents are generally required to meet specific work requirements. These include accepting suitable employment, registering for work, and not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours.
- The household’s total monthly income before any deductions are made should be considered. Households without members who are elderly (aged 60 and older) or disabled must possess assets of $2,500 or less. However, families that include elderly or disabled members should have assets totaling no more than $3,750.
- Some states impose asset tests, where the total value of certain resources (like bank accounts, stocks, etc.) may not exceed specified limits, excluding a primary home, personal belongings, and retirement savings.
- Generally, U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present non-citizens (like refugees and green card holders who have been in the country for five years) are eligible.
- Certain groups, such as elderly individuals, disabled persons, and homeless people, may be subject to different eligibility criteria or exceptions.
How Can You Claim Food Stamps Increase Payments in 2024?
To claim an increase in Food Stamp (SNAP) payments in 2024, you need to understand a few important things related to the query “Will Food Stamps Increase in 2024?” as listed below.
- People who receive food stamps don’t need to apply for the increased amount; it happens automatically.
- Each month, the state agency adds the money to the recipients’ SNAP accounts through electronic benefit transfer (EBT).
- With the EBT card, which works like a debit card, recipients can buy approved food items at stores that accept SNAP.
- Although SNAP doesn’t pay for all food costs, it still provides significant help.
- For most people in the USA, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has raised the maximum benefits and shelter caps for 2024.
- A family of four in Hawaii can receive up to $1759.
- The same family can get up to $1937 in Hawaii and Alaska.
- Not everyone will get the full amount from the SNAP increase; it depends on their income, age, health, and other factors.
Conclusion
As we have explored the question, “Will Food Stamps increase in 2024?” through this blog, it’s clear that the SNAP program plays a crucial role in supporting millions of Americans. With adjustments made annually to reflect inflation and living costs, recipients can expect some changes. While the exact rate of increase can vary, the focus remains on providing necessary assistance to those in need. Understanding these benefits and how they are adjusted ensures that individuals & families can continue to access essential resources for their well-being.