SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are getting adjustments across the United States, but not all states will see an increase. While 49 states and territories are set to receive a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) boost, Hawaii is an important exception. Unlike most other areas, Hawaii’s SNAP recipients will face another benefit decrease in the coming months.
Hawaii’s Decrease
Unfortunately for Hawaii’s residents, their SNAP benefits will decrease starting October 1, 2024. Despite receiving a similar reduction last year, Hawaii will see another drop in the maximum benefit amounts. The new maximum allowances, adjusted according to household size, are listed below:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Amount (October 2024) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $517 |
| 2 people | $948 |
| 3 people | $1,357 |
| 4 people | $1,723 |
| 5 people | $2,046 |
| 6 people | $2,456 |
| 7 people | $2,714 |
| 8 people | $3,102 |
| Each additional person | $388 |
While other states benefit from SNAP increases, Hawaii stands out as the only state facing reductions despite the nationwide COLA adjustments.
Reduction in Hawaii
This decrease is tied to a complex formula that considers the cost of living in Hawaii, which has been higher than the U.S. average. While COLA adjustments typically result in increased benefits for states with rising living costs, Hawaii’s benefit formula points to a reduction this time around. Even though Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—states with similarly high living costs—will continue to receive COLA boosts like the rest of the country, Hawaii’s SNAP adjustments are moving in the opposite direction.
The new benefit rates for Hawaii will come into effect starting next month, leaving many SNAP recipients in the state with a lower maximum allowance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed this change, despite the scheduled national COLA increase for other regions.
Other States
In contrast, the rest of the nation will enjoy a COLA increase, which adjusts benefits to keep up with inflation. From October 2024 onward, 49 states and territories will see their SNAP benefits increase. For most of these states, the COLA adjustment for 2025 will take effect during October, as listed below:
| State/Territory | SNAP Pay Dates for October 2024 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | 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, 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 |
| Guam | October 1-10 |
| Puerto Rico | October 4-22 |
| The District of Columbia | October 1-10 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | October 1 |
Expectation
If you live in Hawaii, it’s important to prepare for the reduced benefit amounts starting in October 2024. Elsewhere, SNAP recipients in other states should expect increased benefits, thanks to the 2025 COLA adjustments, which take into account the rising cost of living in most regions.
The changes to SNAP benefits highlight the differences in cost-of-living impacts across the country. While most states will see a modest boost, Hawaii remains a unique case. If you’re uncertain about your benefits, you can always contact your local SNAP office or check online for further updates.
FAQs
Will Hawaii’s SNAP benefits decrease in October 2024?
Yes, Hawaii will see a reduction starting October 1, 2024.
Will other states see a decrease in SNAP benefits?
No, 49 other states and territories will receive a COLA boost.
How much will a single person in Hawaii get in SNAP benefits?
A single person can get up to $517 per month.
When will SNAP benefits increase in other states?
Most states will see increases between October 1 and 28, 2024.
Why is Hawaii seeing a SNAP decrease while other states get increases?
Hawaii’s cost-of-living formula led to a reduction despite the COLA boost.
