14,000 additional citizens may be eligible for SNAP worth $3,200 per year in this State thanks to new rules
Governor Josh Green, M.D., has announced plans to seek an additional $45 million in welfare relief for families in Hawai‘i, aiming to enhance support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative is expected to provide significant assistance to struggling families, potentially benefiting between 13,000 and 14,000 households, with an average annual SNAP benefit of about $3,200.
Who Will Benefit from the SNAP Program Enhancements?
Governor Green emphasized that this measure will offer “huge relief for our working-class families” in a state that faces the highest cost of living in the United States. The funding will be allocated to assist families in managing their food expenses more effectively. Under the current SNAP framework, a family of four can receive up to $1,759 per month; however, this amount will decrease to $1,723 starting October 1, 2024, due to the upcoming Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Changes to SNAP Rules to Increase Eligibility
Recent adjustments made in 2000 have granted states greater flexibility in modifying eligibility rules for SNAP benefits. In Hawaii, this includes the implementation of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which allows the state to eliminate asset limits. Previously, families with substantial savings were ineligible for SNAP benefits; this change will enable more families to access the program.
Additionally, BBCE permits states to raise income limits, expanding the number of households that can qualify for SNAP. By removing the “net income limit,” Hawaii could potentially include an additional 13,000 to 14,000 low-income households in the SNAP program, though this would require a significant financial commitment from the state.
Governor Green’s proposed funding and modifications aim to alleviate food insecurity and provide crucial support to families navigating economic challenges in Hawaii.
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