SNAP shake-up: Three major changes to benefits this year–See how they affect you
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Attention, valued members of The GrayVine community!
If you're one of the over 40 million Americans who benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you'll want to stay informed about the significant changes coming to the program in 2023.
These updates could have a direct impact on your monthly benefits, and we're here to help you navigate these changes so you can maximize your assistance.
Before we delve into the upcoming changes, let's take a moment to understand the importance of SNAP. This federal nutrition assistance program, used to be known as the Food Stamp program, is a lifeline for low-income households, providing essential support to purchase groceries.
Recipients receive funds on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at participating grocery stores and farmers markets. SNAP helps cover the cost of nutritious food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, and snacks monthly.
However, it's important to note that SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot foods, or non-food items like cooking utensils.
The USDA handles SNAP and provides an average payment of $199 per person in 48 states. The agency also adjusts SNAP maximum benefits, deductions, and income requirements at the beginning of each federal fiscal year. In 2025, the fiscal year began last October 1, 2024.
The 2023 SNAP changes: What you need to know
Some states will see increased benefits due to cost-of-living adjustments, which varies with inflation. Now, let's explore the three major changes to SNAP that are set to roll out this year:
1. Eligibility and age adjustments
One of the key eligibility criteria for SNAP is age, particularly for the group known as “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD).
The USDA has been gradually increasing the age limit for ABAWDs and expanding the categories of individuals exempt from ABAWD work requirements.
Previously, ABAWDs aged 18 to 50 were subject to work requirements, such as working or participating in a work program for at least 80 hours each month. In 2023, the USDA extended these work requirements to age 52. Now, it’s individuals up to age 54, starting in October 2024.
The agency also extended its exceptions to the ABAWD work requirements, including for veterans, homeless individuals, and pregnant women.
Those who are unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, or individuals aged 25 and under who were in foster care on their 18th birthday, are also not included in the ABAWD work requirements.
Recommended for you: Is your state sending SNAP benefits directly to your EBT this month? Check the schedule now!
2. Maximum SNAP allotments
Income limits play a crucial role in determining SNAP eligibility, with households required to have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the poverty line to qualify.
While benefits are typically based on net income, the amount can vary depending on location and family size.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has increased the maximum SNAP payments and shelter caps for most US states and territories this year.
This adjustment takes into account the higher cost of living in certain regions, so the maximum SNAP payment for Alaska was raised to $586 per person, while citizens of Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands can get up to $376.
3. March SNAP Schedule
The USDA has also released the schedule for March's round of SNAP payments, with specific dates varying by state. It's essential to check the schedule for your state to know when to expect your benefits.
Keep in mind that the minimum monthly SNAP payment remains at $23 in the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC, with slightly higher minimums in Alaska and Hawaii due to the increased cost of living.
In Washington DC, the maximum benefit for a one-person household is $292, while minimum monthly payment in Alaska ranges from $30 to $47, while in Hawaii, it is $41.
In addition to these changes, SNAP recipients should be aware of potential future adjustments. The new USDA chief is considering a junk food boycott, which could lead to purchase bans on popular items.
Furthermore, there's a plan in motion that could cut SNAP benefits by billions of dollars, affecting shoppers at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.
What scam has been brewing that’s causing a delay? Protect your benefits! Find out if EBT card fraud is behind your delayed refill!
Have you experienced any changes to your SNAP benefits recently? Do you have tips for managing your EBT funds effectively? Share your insights and questions in the comments below!
If you're one of the over 40 million Americans who benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you'll want to stay informed about the significant changes coming to the program in 2023.
These updates could have a direct impact on your monthly benefits, and we're here to help you navigate these changes so you can maximize your assistance.
Before we delve into the upcoming changes, let's take a moment to understand the importance of SNAP. This federal nutrition assistance program, used to be known as the Food Stamp program, is a lifeline for low-income households, providing essential support to purchase groceries.
Recipients receive funds on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at participating grocery stores and farmers markets. SNAP helps cover the cost of nutritious food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, and snacks monthly.
However, it's important to note that SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot foods, or non-food items like cooking utensils.
The USDA handles SNAP and provides an average payment of $199 per person in 48 states. The agency also adjusts SNAP maximum benefits, deductions, and income requirements at the beginning of each federal fiscal year. In 2025, the fiscal year began last October 1, 2024.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the United States will see three major changes in 2025 that could impact over 40 million Americans. Image source: 11Alive / Youtube.
The 2023 SNAP changes: What you need to know
Some states will see increased benefits due to cost-of-living adjustments, which varies with inflation. Now, let's explore the three major changes to SNAP that are set to roll out this year:
1. Eligibility and age adjustments
One of the key eligibility criteria for SNAP is age, particularly for the group known as “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD).
The USDA has been gradually increasing the age limit for ABAWDs and expanding the categories of individuals exempt from ABAWD work requirements.
Previously, ABAWDs aged 18 to 50 were subject to work requirements, such as working or participating in a work program for at least 80 hours each month. In 2023, the USDA extended these work requirements to age 52. Now, it’s individuals up to age 54, starting in October 2024.
The agency also extended its exceptions to the ABAWD work requirements, including for veterans, homeless individuals, and pregnant women.
Those who are unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, or individuals aged 25 and under who were in foster care on their 18th birthday, are also not included in the ABAWD work requirements.
Recommended for you: Is your state sending SNAP benefits directly to your EBT this month? Check the schedule now!
2. Maximum SNAP allotments
Income limits play a crucial role in determining SNAP eligibility, with households required to have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the poverty line to qualify.
While benefits are typically based on net income, the amount can vary depending on location and family size.
Adjustments will be made to eligibility and age requirements, with the age for able-bodied adults without dependents slowly increasing. Image source: WGN News / Youtube.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has increased the maximum SNAP payments and shelter caps for most US states and territories this year.
This adjustment takes into account the higher cost of living in certain regions, so the maximum SNAP payment for Alaska was raised to $586 per person, while citizens of Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands can get up to $376.
3. March SNAP Schedule
Source: The US Sun.
The USDA has also released the schedule for March's round of SNAP payments, with specific dates varying by state. It's essential to check the schedule for your state to know when to expect your benefits.
Keep in mind that the minimum monthly SNAP payment remains at $23 in the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC, with slightly higher minimums in Alaska and Hawaii due to the increased cost of living.
In Washington DC, the maximum benefit for a one-person household is $292, while minimum monthly payment in Alaska ranges from $30 to $47, while in Hawaii, it is $41.
In addition to these changes, SNAP recipients should be aware of potential future adjustments. The new USDA chief is considering a junk food boycott, which could lead to purchase bans on popular items.
Furthermore, there's a plan in motion that could cut SNAP benefits by billions of dollars, affecting shoppers at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.
What scam has been brewing that’s causing a delay? Protect your benefits! Find out if EBT card fraud is behind your delayed refill!
Have you experienced any changes to your SNAP benefits recently? Do you have tips for managing your EBT funds effectively? Share your insights and questions in the comments below!
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