With less than a month to go before October begins, millions of households that count on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be able to bask in the glory of higher monthly assistance benefits. Due to the rise in the cost of living, SNAP can be adjusted upwards to mitigate the effects of inflation on the consumers that it serves. This increase will be in effect up to September 30, 2025, which will come as a great relief to most households living below the poverty line.
Supplemental nutrition assistance, previously referred to as food stamps, offers economic assistance to eligible households for the purchase of basic healthy food supplies. A monthly benefit for the qualified participants is provided through the use of a specialized electronic device commonly known as the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card which is used like a debit card and is accepted in certain grocery stores. On the flip side, this COLA adjustment comes in very handy for larger families, with new maximum benefit amounts offering increased support.
Benefit Increases for Different Regions
The maximum monthly allotment for a family of 4 in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia will rise to $975. This is a substantial increase, however, there are differences in the benefit amounts in various areas. In the case of Alaska, the maximum allotment varies between $1,258 to $1,953, based on the state’s geographic regions. Families who qualify for benefits in Guam, will receive up to $1,437; in the U.S. Virgin Islands up to $1,254 monthly.
On the contrary, Hawaii will experience a slightly unfriendly change in the SNAP benefits. A maximum allotment for the family of four will be $1,723 and this is the only state that will be reducing the amount.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits by Household Size
The COLA increase provides a breakdown of the maximum monthly SNAP benefits based on household size for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.:
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
Each additional member: +$220
Families with larger households will especially benefit from these adjustments, with significant increases ensuring they can afford essential groceries each month.
SNAP Eligibility and Income Requirements
In order for households to enjoy these increased benefits, they have to comply with certain requirements. The number of people in the family, their gross and net income, and other factors such as residence or citizenship determine how much exactly a family is entitled to.
SNAP’s main purpose is to help people at low-income levels in ensuring their most basic needs are met. The COLA adjustment is also essential for such families due to the fact that food prices continue to go up.
Items That Can Be Purchased with SNAP Benefits
The increase in SNAP benefits means that families can better afford essential food items. Benefits can be used to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
There are limitations on what SNAP benefits can be used for. Items such as alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medications, and supplements are excluded. Hot foods and any non-food items, like cleaning supplies or pet food, are also ineligible for purchase using the EBT card.
Approved Grocery Stores Accepting SNAP Benefits
EBT cards can be used within numerous grocery outlets ranging from big chain stores to small non-chain ones. Among the most preferred shops where EBT is applicable, are:
- Walmart
- Target
- Aldi
- Costco
- Publix
- Safeway
- Kroger
- Trader Joe’s
Other grocery chains such as Piggly Wiggly, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Food Lion, and Sprouts also accept SNAP benefits. You can check the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website to find all approved establishments in your area.
Impact of the COLA Increase
Because of the COLA increase effective this October, families who rely on SNAP will receive an increased assistance to buy the necessary food items. The adjustment is essential in supporting low-income households due to increasing costs caused by inflation and without having to stop providing food for the family.
For families qualifying by income these new amounts of benefits will be a welcome respite. Every dollar matters, and with this increase, many families in the United States will suffer less stress in purchasing the food for their families.
