In Fiscal Year 2024, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continue to provide nutritious, fresh food to low-income individuals and families. From October 1, 2023, and on, the SNAP benefits witnessed a 3.5% increase, aiming to ensure that vulnerable households can access the necessary resources to purchase nutritious food, despite the inflation.
This program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and formerly known as food stamps, just raised its maximum payments: for single-person households, the maximum benefit amount will rise to $291 in Fiscal Year 2024, up from $281 in the previous fiscal year. The maximum allotments also raised for the rest of households, regardless of the size of the household.
Snap Benefits Increased: Things to Consider to Still Be Eligible
Since 1996, specific eligibility criteria have been put in place for able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 50 who do not have dependents, known as ABAWDs. These individuals are only eligible to receive SNAP benefits for three months within a three-year period unless they are engaged in gainful employment or enrolled in a training program for at least 20 hours per week.
However, the USDA has issued a noteworthy caveat: only households without net income will be eligible for the maximum benefit. In essence, the benefits will be means-tested, ensuring that the assistance is targeted towards those who need it most. The precise amount each household receives will depend on their net income, but on average, single-person households can expect to receive approximately $202 per month.
It’s easy: If you’re in the ABAWDs category, you must be working or training for some work-related skill, if you want to be still considered as eligible for the food stamps program.
What About a Single-Person Household Requesting Food Stamps?
For a single-person household receiving SNAP benefits in Fiscal Year 2024, the maximum assistance amount stands at $291. Meanwhile, the estimated average for the same period of time is set to be fixed at $202.
As household size increases, so do the maximum benefits, as seen below:
- 2 people: $535
- 3 people: $766
- 4 people: $973
- 5 people: $1,155
- 6 people: $1,386
- 7 people: $1,532
- 8 people: $1,751
- Each additional household member: $219
And these are the average values to be expected for 2024:
- 1 person: $202
- 2 people: $372
- 3 people: $598
- 4 people: $713
- 5 people: $852
- 6 people: $1,052
- 7 people: $1,091
- 8 people: $1,196
What if You Disagree With the Allotment You’ve Been Entitled To?
Taking these charts into account, you must imply so far that the maximum allotment is not secured to be received, and that number is just the cap. Every single case is different and will be entitled to different amounts.
Now, if you have a disagreement with a decision related to your case, you have the option to request a fair hearing. During this process, an authorized individual, mandated by the law, will thoroughly review the details of your case in an impartial and unbiased manner. To initiate a fair hearing, you must make your request within 90 days from the date of the decision you are disputing, as issued by your local SNAP office. You have the flexibility to request a fair hearing through various means, whether it’s over the phone, in writing, or in person at your local SNAP office.