Welfare
Will SNAP benefits increase in January 2025? Here's what we know
Social Security benefits are set to go up in January 2025, but what about SNAP payments? Find out if financial assistance for food will increase next month.
Social Security recipients will see more money in 2025 thanks to the cost-of-living adjustment or COLA, but what about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP payments? Here’s what you need to know.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly financial assistance to low-income families to purchase certain foods through an electronic benefits transfer or EBT card, which works like a debit card to purchase groceries at certain approved establishments.
The amount sent each month depends on the size of the household, as well as its gross and net income and other requirements.
Although Social Security benefits increase in January, the maximum amounts for SNAP change each year at the beginning of the fiscal year; that is, they go into effect on October 1.
The last increase took place in October 2024 and there will not be another one in January 2025.
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How much SNAP money is sent each month?
Last October, the maximum SNAP benefit allocations increased for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, as well as Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, the amounts decreased.
These are the confirmed maximum SNAP amounts for the 48 states and the District of Columbia, effective Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025.
- 1 household member: $292
- 2 members: $536
- 3 members: $768
- 4 members: $975
- 5 members: $1,158
- 6 members: $1,390
- 7 members: $1,536
- 8 members: $1,756
- Additional member: +$220
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The maximum allowances for a family of four in Alaska are between $1,258 and $1,953. The maximum allowance for a family of four in Hawaii decreased to $1,723, while in Guam it is $1,437. In the Virgin Islands, the amount is $1,254.
The minimum benefit for the 48 states and the District of Columbia remains at $23. The minimum monthly payment in Alaska ranges from $30 to $47, while in Hawaii it is $41.
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