SNAP COLA Benefits Increase in October – States Issuing $292 Food Stamps This Month

Starting from October 1 through October 28, 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will distribute payments to eligible recipients across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These payments will include benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which has seen a slight boost in 2024 due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). If you’re wondering what this means for you and when your state’s payments will arrive, let’s dive into the details.

SNAP Benefits Overview

If you qualify for SNAP benefits, the maximum amount for a single-person household will be $292 as of October 2024. This is a slight increase of $1 compared to the previous year, thanks to the COLA. While it may seem modest, any increase is certainly better than a reduction, especially when you compare it to regions like Hawaii, which have experienced cuts.

SNAP Maximum Benefit

These increases apply to the 48 contiguous states and D.C., but Alaska, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, and Guam have higher maximum benefit amounts due to higher food costs in those areas.

Payment Schedule

SNAP payments will follow a set schedule throughout October, with different states issuing benefits on specific dates. Below is a summary of when you can expect to receive your benefits in your state:

• Alabama: October 4-23
• California: October 1-10
• Florida: October 1-28
• Texas: October 1-28
• New York: October 1-9
• Ohio: October 2-20
• Puerto Rico: October 4-22
• And More: Each state and territory follows a unique distribution pattern.

You can check the exact payment schedule for your state in the list above. Payment dates typically range from the 1st to the 28th of October, depending on your location.

ABAWD Rules for 2024

Starting in October 2024, SNAP recipients aged 52 to 54 who are classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will be subject to stricter work requirements. ABAWDs are now required to work or engage in a work-related activity (such as training or education) for at least 80 hours a month to maintain their benefits beyond three months in a three-year period.

Who Is Exempt?

There are certain exceptions to this rule. Exemptions apply to veterans, the homeless, individuals with disabilities, and those caring for children under 18. If you fall under one of these categories, the work requirement does not apply.

Impact of COLA

The COLA adjustment for 2024 resulted in a small but notable increase in SNAP benefit amounts across different household sizes. Although the difference might seem minimal—just a $1 increase for single-person households—it’s a positive change, especially when you consider the broader context of inflation and rising food costs.

The maximum benefit amounts have been raised to reflect these costs, ensuring households receive support that is at least partially aligned with the increasing cost of living.

ABAWD Update

As of October 2024, the ABAWD rule will extend to individuals aged 53 and 54, expanding the pool of people required to meet work-related conditions. If you’re in this age bracket and do not meet the minimum work requirements, you could lose your benefits within three months. This change emphasizes the USDA’s ongoing focus on encouraging work participation among able-bodied recipients.

Ultimately, while the increase in benefits might seem modest, the expanded work requirements for ABAWD recipients reflect broader policy trends aimed at promoting self-sufficiency among SNAP recipients. Keeping track of these changes is essential for ensuring you don’t miss out on your benefits.

In the coming months, more changes could be on the horizon, especially as inflation rates fluctuate. Make sure to stay updated on SNAP policies to maintain your eligibility and receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

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