SNAP benefits increase Oct. 1: report

(WHNT) — If you or a family member receives help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, your benefits will soon increase.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said benefits would automatically increase to reflect recent changes in the cost of living due to high inflation. Benefit changes will be based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for June 2022.

According to a report from Forbes Advisor, SNAP benefits will increase 12.5% ​​for 12 months starting in October, compared to the previous year.

Below you can see the breakdown of the new benefit amounts based on USDA family size:

• Household size 1 – $291
• Household size 2 – $535
• Household size 3 – $766
• Household size 4 – $973
• Household size 5 – $1,155
• Household size 6 – $1,386
• Household size 7 – $1,532
• Household size 8 – $1,751

Each additional person adds $219.

Monthly income eligibility has also changed. The new amounts are:

• Household size 1 – $1,580
• Household size 2 – $2,137
• Household size 3 – $2,694
• Household size 4 – $3,250
• Household size 5 – $3,807
• Household size 6 – $4,364
• Household size 7 – $4,921
• Household size 8 – $5,478

For those receiving SNAP benefits, no additional documentation is required to receive the increase because they will be automatic, according to Forbes Advisor.

The recent increase in benefits comes after the age requirements to qualify for SNAP were expanded on September 1. From that day on, childless workers under the age of 50 had to prove they were working 80 hours or more per month, pursuing an education or training program to qualify for SNAP.

From October 1, not only will benefits increase, but age requirements will also increase. SNAP will extend to people up to age 52, then expand to age 54 on October 1, 2024.

Homeless people, veterans, or youth ages 18 to 24 who are no longer in foster care are exempt from these requirements. People who cannot work due to a physical or mental limitation, who are pregnant, or who have a child aged 18 or younger living in their home will also be exempt.

If you don’t meet the work requirements, you will only be eligible for SNAP for three months of benefits over a three-year period, according to the report.

To learn more about upcoming changes to SNAP benefits starting October 1, click here.