In fiscal year 2023, more than 42 million people have been benefiting from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will have changes in its amounts as of October, due to the cost of living adjustments (COLA) for fiscal year 2024. Find out how much the deposits will be, through the EBT card .
Although new requirements will apply to access the program that helps low-income people buy their food from September 1, this subsidy will have an increase from October 1 because the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA, for its acronym in Spanish) in English) will average 3%. In 2023 it was 8.7% and in 2021 5.9% (the highest since 1980), which helps raise the amounts of Social Security, SSI and social programs, such as SNAP. In this way, income is not diminished by inflation.
WHAT IS SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps people with limited incomes and economic resources buy nutritious food.
It is the largest federal nutrition assistance program, but it is administered by state agencies through local offices.
Payment is made through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card. It’s accepted like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers’ markets, including some online retailers. Your card number is the 16-digit number that appears on the front of your card.
WHAT WILL THE PAYMENT OF THE COUPONS BE LIKE FROM OCTOBER 1, 2023?
According to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, COLAs are effective as of October 1, 2023, mentions the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) by disclosing maximum monthly allotments for the 48 states and DC, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. These amounts, which range between 3.5% and 3.7% on the allocations of 2023, They will be maintained until September 30, 2024. Below, find out how much each beneficiary family will get:
- The maximum allowance for a family of four in the 48 states and DC will be $973. At present it is $939.
- Maximum allowances for a family of four will range from $1,248 to $1,937 in Alaska, depending on whether it is urban or rural.
- The maximum allowance for a family of four in Guam will be $1,434
- The maximum allowance for a family of four in the US Virgin Islands will be US$1,251.
- The maximum allowances for a family of four in Hawaii will drop to $1,759.
- NOTE: The minimum benefit for the 48 states and DC will remain the same at $23.
WHAT ARE THE NEW SNAP REQUIREMENTS AS OF SEPTEMBER 1?
The Department of Agriculture pointed out that, as of September 1, the changes to access the SNAP program are coming.
- Healthy adults with no dependents will no longer be eligible if they are age 50 or younger.
- As of October 1, 2023, the age limit will increase to 52 years and from October 2024 it will increase again to 54 years.