Starting in October 2024, families benefiting from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will notice an increase in their monthly payments, driven by the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment, regulated by the USDA, aims to offset inflation and reflect updated Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The COLA adjustments for 2024 slightly increase benefits for households, with the most notable change being for families that qualify for the maximum SNAP payment. For example, a household of three will see their monthly SNAP allotment increase from $766 to $768, while a household of four will receive $975, up from $973. These changes came into effect on October 1 and will impact the most vulnerable families, particularly those with little to no income, ensuring their ability to purchase necessary food items despite rising costs of living.
Maximum monthly SNAP benefits Adjusted
The table below summarizes the changes in SNAP payments by household size:
| Household Size | Old Amount | New Amount: Effective October 2024 |
| 1 | $291 | $292 |
| 2 | $535 | $536 |
| 3 | $766 | $768 |
| 4 | $973 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,155 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,386 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,532 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,751 | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | +$219 | +$220 |
The minimum monthly benefit remains at $23.
Income eligibility changes
SNAP’s eligibility is based on gross and net income limits tied to the federal poverty level. Along with benefit increases, the income thresholds that determine eligibility are also rising. A single-person household now has a gross monthly income limit of $1,632, up by $52 from last year. For a three-person household, the gross income limit is increasing by $104, setting the new limit at $2,798. Broad-Based Categorically Eligible (BBCE) households, which have access to benefits like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). will see their income limits rise, too. For example, a three-person BBCE household can now have a gross monthly income of up to $4,304, a $160 increase from the previous limit.
Who will benefit the most?
The primary beneficiaries of this COLA adjustment will be families with minimal income who qualify for the maximum benefit. These families, particularly those with disabled members or elderly individuals, will experience a notable improvement in their ability to afford basic food items.
Families living in high-cost areas such as Hawaii, Alaska, and U.S. territories like Guam may also see higher adjustments due to regional cost-of-living variations.
How to check your updated benefits
SNAP recipients can check their updated benefit amounts by logging into the DTA Connect app or calling the number on the back of their EBT card. States may also send out text notifications to inform families of any changes, provided they haven’t opted out of receiving such messages.
