BIG UPDATE: Total Change in SNAP Benefits Beginning in October – List of People Who Will Be Affected
According to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), significant changes will take effect starting October 1st, impacting millions of beneficiaries. SNAP benefits are delivered to tens of thousands of Dominicans nationwide, serving an average of 42.1 million people each month in fiscal year 2023, which accounts for 12.6% of the U.S. population.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SNAP, individuals aged 18 to 54 without dependents or disabilities must demonstrate that they work a minimum of 80 hours per month (20 hours per week). It’s crucial to note that SNAP benefits vary by state; therefore, beneficiaries should consult the policies and guidelines specific to their state of residence.
Potential Impact on Older Adults
As reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), approximately 750,000 individuals aged 50 to 54 may lose access to SNAP due to the proposed changes, which overlook the realities of the low-wage labor market, including erratic work schedules and a lack of paid sick leave. After three months, benefits will be withheld from individuals deemed capable of meeting the work requirement who fail to do so. To regain eligibility, they must provide a legitimate justification or fulfill the labor requirement for 30 days. Additionally, beneficiaries should be aware that benefits can be extended for an additional three months after three years have passed.
Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts
SNAP provides varying payment amounts each month based on household size. According to this year’s guidelines, households that meet income thresholds could receive the following benefits:
- 1 member: $292
- 2 members: $536
- 3 members: $768
- 4 members: $975
- 5 members: $1,158
- 6 members: $1,390
- 7 members: $1,536
- 8 members: $1,756
However, some states may issue larger SNAP benefits, as each state has the authority to manage these benefits as they see fit.
Special Considerations by State
Due to varying costs of living, the maximum benefit amount for a family of four will increase for certain locations:
- Alaska: Between $1,258 and $1,953
- U.S. Virgin Islands: $1,254
- Guam: $1,437
- Hawaii: Reduced to $1,723
These revised benefit amounts will be effective from October 2024 through September 2025, at which point a new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be implemented.
The USDA advises beneficiaries to address any concerns regarding the potential impact of the COLA directly with the regional SNAP agency overseeing their area.
When will beneficiaries receive their SNAP benefits in September per state?
| State | Payment date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | September 4-23 |
| Alaska | September 1 |
| Arizona | September 1-13 |
| Arkansas | September 4-13 |
| California | September 1-10 |
| Colorado | September 1-10 |
| Connecticut | September 1-3 |
| Delaware | September 2-23 |
| District of Columbia | September 1-13 |
| Florida | September 1-28 |
| Georgia | September 5-23 |
| Guam | September 1-10 |
| Hawaii | September 3-5 |
| Idaho | September 1-15 |
| Illinois | September 1-20 |
| Indiana | September 5-23 |
| Iowa | September 1-10 |
| Kansas | September 1-10 |
| Kentucky | September 1-19 |
| Louisiana | September 1-23 |
| Maine | September 10-14 |
| Maryland | September 4-23 |
| Massachusetts | September 1-14 |
| Michigan | September 3-21 |
| Minnesota | September 4-13 |
| Mississippi | September 4-21 |
| Missouri | September 1-22 |
| Montana | September 2-6 |
| Nebraska | September 1-5 |
| Nevada | September 1-10 |
| New Hampshire | September 5 |
| New Jersey | September 1-5 |
| New Mexico | September 1-20 |
| New York | September 1-9 |
| North Carolina | September 3-21 |
| North Dakota | September 1 |
| Ohio | September 2-20 |
| Oklahoma | September 1-10 |
| Oregon | September 1-9 |
| Pennsylvania | September 3-14 |
| Puerto Rico | September 4-22 |
| Rhode Island | September 1 |
| South Carolina | September 1-19 |
| South Dakota | September 1-9 |
| Tennessee | September 1-20 |
| Utah | September 5, 11, and 15 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | September 1 |
| Vermont | September 1 |
| Virginia | September 1-7 |
| Washington | September 1-20 |
| West Virginia | September 1-9 |
| Wisconsin | September 1-15 |
| Wyoming | September 1-4 |
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