By Marielis Acevedo
Sep 30, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT
The maximum amounts for the new increase in the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) checks, better known as “food stamps”, based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) start at $291 for the next fiscal year 2024 that begins on October 1.
The 3% increase is made through an update by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Thrifty Food Plan to align it with the cost of living.
The maximum allocation that beneficiaries will receive will depend on the composition of the household and the number of members in the family, as well as the level of income.
“The USDA calculates the Thrifty Food Budget Plan using a mathematical model or equation based on food costs, nutrition guides, and what Americans eat,” the USDA explains on its website. The Thrifty Budget Food Plan is one of four the agency is developing to estimate the cost of a healthy diet at various price points. The Thrifty plan is the lowest cost of all.
“By law, the cost of the ‘Thrifty Food Plan’ in June establishes the maximum SNAP benefit for a household of four for the next fiscal year (October 1 to September 30),” the USDA details on its website. .
In summary, program recipients will be receiving between $291 dollars and $1,751 dollars per month starting next week as a result of the adjustment.
In the case of Alaska, for example, the sum could rise to $1,937 for a family of four.
The USDA confirmed the new cost-of-living increase early last August in a memo.
Below are the maximum allocations depending on the home configuration:
Household with 1 person – $291
Household with 2 people – $535
Household with 3 people – $766
Household with 4 people – $973
Household with 5 people – $1,155
Household with 6 people – $1,386
Household with 7 people – $1,532
Household with 8 people – $1,751
For each additional person, $219 is added. The minimum benefit amount remains the same: $23 per month.
New work requirements for eligibility starting October 1
Aside from the increase in maximum SNAP allocations, more changes to the work requirements for program eligibility go into effect this week.
Starting October 1, under the Fiscal Responsibility Act passed in the U.S. Congress over the summer, the age range for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) applying for SNAP will increase from 18- 50 years to 18-52 years.
The first adjustment in the chain of increases in age groups came into effect on September 1. From that date, those (ABAWD) up to age 50 must demonstrate that they work at least 80 hours a month or are enrolled in an education or job training program to receive food funds. If they do not prove the above, they will only be able to receive allowances for three months in a period of 36 months or three years.
Keep reading:
USDA Memo Confirms Increase in SNAP Food Stamps Starting October 1
Increase in SNAP food stamps starting October 1: How is the amount of the increase determined?
SNAP Food Stamps: The Two Key Changes Going into Effect October 1