SNAP: These are the new requirements to receive food stamps in 2024
The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 establishes new requirements to apply for SNAP or food stamp benefits. Here’s what program beneficiaries need to know.
The federal government has several food programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a federal program that, in coordination with state governments, provides financial assistance to low-income families to purchase certain foods.
These benefits are delivered on an electronic benefits transfer card, which works like a debit card to buy groceries at certain approved retailers.
To receive SNAP benefits, it is necessary to meet certain requirements such as meeting gross and net income limits, resources, among others. Despite being a federal scheme, each state administers its program, and the requirements may vary in different areas.
The Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture establishes certain general criteria, which usually change each year, taking effect each October. Benefit amounts also change annually.
After the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 was signed into law, some requirements to be able to receive SNAP benefits have changed and will go into effect very soon.
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SNAP: These are the new requirements to receive food stamps in 2024
The household resource limit will remain unchanged for the 48 contiguous United States, DC, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands at $2,750. The resource limit for households with at least one person age 60 or older or disabled will also remain unchanged at $4,250.
As for the income limit, this usually varies from state to state due to variations in the cost of living.
On the other hand, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 imposes new work requirements on Americans who want to receive SNAP benefits.
Are there people exempted from the new work requirements for SNAP recipients?
The new rules require adults up to age 49 to work or participate in a training program for at least 80 hours per month. However, there are certain exceptions, including people who are pregnant, have mental or physical limitations, or live with children.
As of September 1, able-bodied workers without children who are 50 years old must also meet these work requirements to receive SNAP benefits. As of October 1, the age requirements will be extended to 52 years. In October 2024, the age requirement will be extended to 54 years.
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Under the law, veterans, the homeless, and adults ages 18-24 who were previously in foster care will be exempted from the work requirement in order to claim SNAP benefits.
For more information, visit or contact the agency in charge of administering SNAP in your state.