Upcoming Changes to SNAP – Standard Deductions, Shelter Cap and More

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamps program, will see significant changes starting in the fall of 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service have announced new adjustments to SNAP deductions and shelter caps, which will affect millions of Americans who rely on these benefits. These changes will be implemented from October 1, 2024, and will remain in effect until September 30, 2025.

Deductions

One of the key changes in SNAP benefits is the increase in standard deductions. These deductions reduce the countable income of applicants, making more people eligible for benefits or increasing the benefit amounts for those already enrolled. The amount of the deduction varies based on the state or U.S. territory where you live and the size of your household.

Here’s a breakdown of the new deduction amounts:

State or Territory	Household Size	Deduction Amount
48 States and DC	1-3 members	$204
	4 members	$217
	5 members	$254
	6+ members	$291
Alaska	1-5 members	$348
	6+ members	$364
Hawaii	1-4 members	$287
	5 members	$292
	6+ members	$335
Guam	1-3 members	$409
	4 members	$432
	5 members	$507
	6+ members	$581
Virgin Islands	1-2 members	$180
	3 members	$217
	4 members	$254
	6+ members	$291

These increases are designed to better reflect the cost of living and inflation, ensuring that households can continue to meet their basic food needs.

Shelter Caps

In addition to the standard deductions, the USDA has also announced new maximum excess shelter deductions. These caps are critical for households that spend a significant portion of their income on housing, as they can reduce the amount of income counted when determining SNAP benefits. As with deductions, shelter caps vary by region:

State or Territory	Maximum Shelter Cap
48 States and DC	$712
Alaska	$1,137
Hawaii	$959
Guam	$835
Virgin Islands	$561

These adjustments are vital for families in high-cost areas, helping to ensure they do not lose out on SNAP benefits due to high rent or mortgage payments.

Other Adjustments

Other significant changes include new maximum homeless shelter deductions, which will remain uniform across all regions at $190.30. Additionally, there are changes to the asset limits for SNAP applicants. Following the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), the maximum asset limit is set at $3,000 for most households. However, for households with at least one member aged 60 or older, or with a qualifying disability, the asset limit is higher at $4,500.

These asset limits are crucial in determining eligibility for SNAP benefits, especially for seniors and disabled individuals who may have higher medical expenses or savings.

Impact

While most regions will see an increase in benefits, Hawaii stands out as an exception. Due to adjustments following the 2025 COLA, residents in Hawaii will experience a reduction in the maximum benefit amounts. On the other hand, residents in Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will benefit from a boost, reflecting the higher costs of living in these areas.

For the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, the minimum SNAP allotment will remain unchanged at $23 for households with one or two members until September 30, 2025.

These changes are part of the USDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure that SNAP benefits are responsive to the economic realities faced by low-income households across the country. The adjustments aim to provide more targeted assistance, particularly to those in high-cost living areas or those with special needs.

As these changes take effect in October 2024, it is essential for current and prospective SNAP recipients to stay informed and know how these adjustments may impact their benefits.

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