The month of October marked a significant event for SNAP recipients, as it is the time when annual benefit adjustments take place. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal assistance program designed to provide eligible low-income individuals and families with funds to purchase nutritious, good quality food. The program aims to reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition among its beneficiaries.
The primary reason for the October increase is the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), that impacts not only the food stamps but also some other Social Security benefits and payments. This adjustment is based on the rise in the cost of living, which affects various aspects of daily life, including the cost of food. As the prices of goods and services rise, individuals and families require additional assistance to maintain their purchasing power.
Food Stamps New Maximum Income Limits to Qualify
“(Food and Nutrition Service) annually evaluates SNAP’s income eligibility standards, the maximum thrifty food plan, and the minimum benefit amount. These mass grant changes will benefit all SNAP recipients; SNAP benefit levels may increase as a result of these updates, and no one will experience a decrease in benefits,” a statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services said.
To determine eligibility, the program sets specific income limits that vary depending on the number of people in your household. As of the most recent update, the new SNAP income limits are as follows:
- 1-person household: Maximum gross monthly income: $2,430
- 2 People household: Maximum gross monthly income: $3,288
- 3 People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $4,144
- 4 People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $5,000
- 5 People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $5,858
- People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $6,714
- 7 People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $7,570
- 8 People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $8,428
- 9 People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $9,286
- 10 People household size: Maximum gross monthly income: $10,144
- Each additional member: Add $858 to the maximum gross monthly income.
Maximum Thrift Food Plan Amounts to Affect Food Stamps
The Thrift Food Plan is part of the USDA’s Food Plans and Cost of Food reports, which are used for various purposes, such as setting the maximum benefit levels for the SNAP benefits. The maximum amounts are the highest allowable limit for this federal initiative, which is one of the food plans used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine the cost of a nutritious diet.
- 1-person household: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $291
- 2 People household: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $535
- 3 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $766
- 4 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $973
- 5 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $1,155
- 6 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $1,386
- 7 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $1,532
- 8 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $1,751
- 9 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $1,970
- 10 People household size: Maximum Thrifty Food Plan: $2,189
- Each additional member: add $219 to the Maximum Thrifty Food Plan