As of October 1, 2024, there will be some significant updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for various regions in the U.S. While recipients in the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia can expect a slight increase, Hawaii will see a decrease for the second consecutive year.
But before we look into the details, it’s important to note that the September payments will remain unchanged. Now, let’s look into the annual changes in Food Stamps and what this means for different households.
SNAP Changes
If you were hoping for a substantial boost to your benefits, the news might be a bit underwhelming. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that SNAP benefits will only increase by about $1 per month for some households. Here’s a breakdown of the new maximum amounts and the incremental boosts based on household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit | Monthly Boost | Yearly Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 members | $1,756 | $5 | $60 |
| 7 members | $1,536 | $4 | $48 |
| 6 members | $1,390 | $4 | $48 |
| 5 members | $1,158 | $3 | $36 |
| 4 members | $975 | $2 | $24 |
| 3 members | $768 | $2 | $24 |
| 2 members | $536 | $1 | $12 |
| 1 member | $292 | $1 | $12 |
| Each additional person | $220 | – | – |
As you can see, households with 8 members can receive a maximum boost of $60 per year, while smaller families, such as those with only 2 members, will only see a modest $12 increase over 12 months. For individuals living alone, the annual boost also maxes out at $12.
Though these increases may seem minimal, they still represent some relief for households managing their food budgets. However, for those in Hawaii, this won’t be the case, as SNAP benefits are set to decrease again.
October Dates
Now that we’ve covered the upcoming changes in benefits, let’s look at the SNAP payment schedule for October 2024. Whether you qualify for the maximum benefit or not, knowing the exact dates your SNAP payment will arrive can help you plan your month better. Here’s the payment schedule for October across different states and territories:
| State/Territory | Payment Date Range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4-23 |
| Alaska | October 1 |
| Arizona | October 1-13 |
| Arkansas | October 4-13 |
| California | October 1-10 |
| Colorado | October 1-10 |
| Connecticut | October 1-3 |
| Delaware | October 2-23 |
| Florida | October 1-28 |
| Georgia | October 5-23 |
| Hawaii | October 3-5 |
| Idaho | October 1-10 |
| Illinois | October 1-10 |
| Indiana | October 5-23 |
| Iowa | October 1-10 |
| Kansas | October 1-10 |
| Kentucky | October 1-19 |
| Louisiana | October 1-23 |
| Maine | October 10-14 |
| Maryland | October 4-23 |
| Massachusetts | October 1-14 |
| Michigan | October 3-21 |
| Minnesota | October 4-13 |
| Mississippi | October 4-21 |
| Missouri | October 1-22 |
| Montana | October 2-6 |
| Nebraska | October 1-5 |
| Nevada | October 1-10 |
| New Hampshire | October 5 |
| New Jersey | October 1-5 |
| New Mexico | October 1-20 |
| New York | October 1-9 |
| North Carolina | October 3-21 |
| North Dakota | October 1 |
| Ohio | October 2-20 |
| Oklahoma | October 1-10 |
| Oregon | October 1-9 |
| Pennsylvania | Over the first 10 business days |
| Rhode Island | October 1 |
| South Carolina | October 1-10 |
| South Dakota | October 10 |
| Tennessee | October 1-20 |
| Texas | October 1-28 |
| Utah | October 5, 11, and 15 |
| Vermont | October 1 |
| Virginia | October 1-7 |
| Washington | October 1-20 |
| West Virginia | October 1-9 |
| Wisconsin | October 1-15 |
| Wyoming | October 1-4 |
These dates should help you track when your benefits will be deposited into your EBT account. Keep in mind that specific payment schedules vary by state, with some distributing funds across a wide range of dates, while others issue payments more quickly.
Even though the benefits increase may not be as large as expected, these payments continue to provide essential support for millions of families.
In the end, every little bit counts, and while the increase in SNAP benefits is modest, it will still contribute to household food budgets across the nation.
FAQs
How much will SNAP benefits increase in 2024?
The maximum monthly increase is just $5 for large families.
Why are SNAP benefits decreasing in Hawaii?
Hawaii is facing a second consecutive year of reductions.
When will SNAP benefits be updated?
The updated benefits will take effect on October 1, 2024.
What is the annual boost for a household of 4?
A household of 4 will receive up to $24 more annually.
When will October SNAP payments be issued?
Payment dates vary by state, ranging from October 1 to October 28.
