The maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, more colloquially known as Food Stamps, set by the USDA beginning on August 1, 2024, range from $291 to $581. This increase is a part of the cost-of-living adjustment by the USDA, which increases the compensation to account for inflation and assures that SNAP recipients will be able to afford nutritionally adequate food.
Benefits for SNAP are based on a variety of factors, which include household size, income, and expenses. Following is a maximum SNAP benefit amount scale by household size:
- Single-member households: $291
- Two-member households: $535
- Three-member households: $766
- Four-member households: $973
- Five-member households: $1,155
- Six-member households: $1,386
- Seven-member households: $1,532
- Eight-member households: $1,751
- Additional members: +$219 per person
States issuing SNAP Benefits on August 1
While most states issue SNAP benefits at some point during the month, a few states and territories will disburse funds on August 1, 2024:
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Alaska will see the highest SNAP benefit payments, with single-member households in the Rural 2 area receiving a maximum of $581. The maximum payment for families of eight or more in this area is $3,487.
SNAP eligibility criteria
In general, to qualify for SNAP, one must:
- Be a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident,
- Live in that state,
- Have annual incomes below 130 percent of the poverty line set by the federal government,
- Have assets not in excess of $2,500 for single people and $3,750 for families.
Applicants are also required to verify their identity, their income, their expenses, and composition of the household.
Any interested applicants may apply for SNAP either through the state’s SNAP office or through the USDA’s website. The general process involves the following steps:
- An application form, completed with information that is correct
- Eligibility proof through proper documentation
- Conducting an interview with a SNAP caseworker
- A decision on the application
The benefits received under SNAP, upon approval, will be utilized through an EBT card, which can be used at participating food stores and markets to purchase eligible food products.
The augmented SNAP benefits, effective August 2024, are purposed to assist low-income households in the purchase of food that is at best affordable and nutritious during these hard economic times. Knowing the eligibility criteria and the application procedure will go a long way in ensuring one gets assistance in having a healthy diet. The following information is accurate and is subject to change. Applicants should confirm all details via official USDA sources and their state SNAP office.
