For American families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides vital benefits for those struggling to make ends meet.
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In April 2023, it was calculated that over 22 million households in the U.S received SNAP benefits, highlighting its importance to helping those from underprivileged backgrounds.
SNAP benefits – formerly known as food stamps – are sent out in all 50 states and are deposited each month to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like a debit card in certain stores.
The amount that you receive varies depenading on the number of household members and your income.
The EBT card can be used to purchase essential items such as fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, and other foods such as snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
As the summer months approach, a new Summer EBT is launching to assist families in participating states, giving them more money during the summer to cover food costs for children who lose access to free school meals.
Last month, SNAP benefits increased, yet, eligibility requirements are also set to change, following the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) signed by President Joe Biden in June.
Eligibility and Age
The FRA gradually increases the age of what the USDA calls “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD) time limit and adds new groups of individuals who are excepted from the ABAWD time limit.
Prior to September, ABAWDs’ 18 to 50 had work requirements, which included working at least 80 hours a month, participating in a work program at least 80 hours a month or participating in a combination of work and work program hours for a total of at least 80 hours a month.
As of Oct. 1, these work requirements expanded to age 52, and requirements will expand to age 54 starting in October 2024, according to the USDA.
There are some exemptions to the ABAWD work requirements, according to the USDA.
For instance, you are excused if you are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation, if you are pregnant, if you are a veteran, are homeless, or age 24 or younger and in foster care on your 18th birthday.
Income Eligibility
You are eligible for SNAP benefits if you do not exceed the following gross monthly income limit — 130% of the federal poverty level — qualifications:
Household Size: 1
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $1,580
Alaska: $1,973
Hawaii: $1,817
Household Size: 2
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $2,137
Alaska: $2,670
Hawaii: $2,457
Household Size: 3
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $2,694
Alaska: $3,366
Hawaii: $3,098
Household Size: 4
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $3,250
Alaska: $4,063
Hawaii: $3,738
Household Size: 5
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $3,807
Alaska: $4,760
Hawaii: $4,378
Household Size: 6
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $4,364
Alaska: $5,456
Hawaii: $5,018
Household Size: 7
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $4,921
Alaska: $6,153
Hawaii: $5,659
Household Size: 8
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $5,478
Alaska: $6,849
Hawaii: $6,299
Each Additional Member
48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands: $557
Alaska: $697
Hawaii: $641
What is the Summer program for SNAP benefits?
SNAP‘s Summer program offers an extra 40 dollars per eligible child for each month of the summer season – from July through August – on a prepaid card.
A number of states and tribal nations have submitted a notice of intent to implement Summer EBT in 2024, with the final list of participating states to be released in the spring.
Abt Global and its partners, Mathematica Policy Research and MAXIMUS, conducted an evaluation. Among the findings:
The $60 monthly per child benefit reduced very low food security among children — the most severe form of food insecurity — by 33 percent;
Children in households receiving SEBTC benefits ate more nutritious foods than those who did not receive the benefit, including fruits and vegetables and whole grains; and
Households used about 75 percent of their SEBTC benefits.
How to Qualify?
There is a list of criteria which you are required to meet in order to qualify for the benefits, which includes:
Your child receiving free school meals
Your household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level by the 2023-2024 school year
Your household is already receiving SNAP or TANF benefits
And/or that your children attend Head Start, which is administered by the school district.
There is no specific deadline for when to apply for these benefits is, but it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Applications are available online through your child’s school district’s website.
