Beneficiaries in the United States have their maximum SNAP benefits updated annually by the federal government to account for rising costs.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a welfare program run by the government that helps people and families that are experiencing food insecurity. In the fiscal year 2021, the program was utilized by up to 41.5 million Americans or around 1 in 8 people in the country.
Each year on October 1, new Cost-Of-Living-Adjustments (COLA) become effective and remain in place for the entire following year.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service received an increase in funding for the Fiscal Year 2023, benefiting the lower 48 states plus DC, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. As a result of inflation, budget and access restrictions were tightened.
What Is The Maximum SNAP Benefit For 2023?
The USDA’s website reports the following increases to the maximum SNAP benefits for a family of four:
- $939 for 48 states plus D.C.
- $1,172 to $1,819 in Alaska
- Hawaii: $1,794
- Guam: $1,385
- U.S. Virgin Islands: $1,208
Read more: SSA, USDA will soon allow SSI beneficiaries to apply for SNAP benefits
Maximum Shelter Deductions
The amount of money SNAP beneficiaries can deduct from their income before their benefits are reduced has also increased, by $27, to $624 in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. The following are examples of regions with higher maximum shelter deductions:
- Alaska: $996
- Hawaii: $840
- Guam: $732
- Virgin Islands: $492
The increase in the maximum allowable household assets from $2,750 to $4,250 is only applicable to homes that include a senior citizen or disabled person. Any monthly increase or decrease in household income of more than $125 should be reported.
