Important Changes to the SNAP Program for Next Year! We'll tell you right away.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will undergo significant changes in 2024. The changes, largely resulting from the implementation of work requirements, have impacted the number of people who can retain their eligibility. Further adjustments to this vital food aid are planned for next year.
Oversight of SNAP lies with the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USD).
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), this program plays a critical role in improving food security by providing low-income families with access to healthier food.
SNAP program benefits and food stamps
The CBPP highlights that SNAP succeeds in reducing food insecurity by up to 30%, which is particularly effective among children and those with dependents.
Beginning each fiscal year, which occurs in October for SNAP, the USDA adjusts federal allocations, directly impacting beneficiary families. Additionally, deductions and eligibility requirements will be reassessed based on cost of living.
These changes are supported by the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), signed by President Joe Biden last June. Some of the changes already implemented and others planned for next year are as follows:
Changes to the SNAP program in 2024
1.- Changes in Age and Eligibility The FRA is gradually increasing the age limit for what the USDA calls “healthy adults without dependents” (ABAWD). From October 2023, the age limit will be extended to 52 for people aged 18 to 50 and will continue to be raised to 54 for people aged 54 and over.
2.- Income Requirements Eligibility for SNAP requires not exceeding gross monthly income limits, which are set at 130% of the federal poverty level in the United States. Below you will find the income limits for different household sizes and locations.
Household size: 1
- 48 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $1,580
- Alaska: $1,973
- Hawaii: $1,817
Household size: 2
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $2,137
- Alaska: $2,670
- Hawaii: $2,457
Household size: 3
- 48 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $2,694
- Alaska: $3,366
- Hawaii: $3,098
Household size: 4
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $3,250
- Alaska: $4,063
- Hawaii: $3,738
Household size: 5
- 48 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $3,807
- Alaska: $4,760
- Hawaii: $4,378
Household size: 6
- 48 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $4,364
- Alaska: $5,456
- Hawaii: $5,018
Household size: 7
- 48 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $4,921
- Alaska: $6,153
- Hawaii: $5,659
Household size: 8
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $5,478
- Alaska: $6,849
- Hawaii: $6,299
For each additional member
- 48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $557
- Alaska: $697
- Hawaii: $641
These changes are intended to adapt the program to the changing needs of the population and ensure that SNAP continues to be an effective tool for combating food insecurity in the United States.