Some states will issue SNAP payments on October 1, 2024, reflecting the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment aims to keep SNAP benefits aligned with inflation and the rising cost of living. States such as Alaska will offer the highest benefits, with eligible households in rural areas potentially receiving up to $3,516 for a family of eight. In contrast, the maximum benefit in the 48 contiguous states is capped at $1,751 for a similarly sized household.
Several states and territories will distribute SNAP payments on a single payday, including Alaska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the United States Virgin Islands. This single-payment approach affects the timing of benefit distribution for residents in these areas. Other states will spread out payments across multiple days throughout October.
The USDA adjusts SNAP benefits annually based on changes in living costs. The agency’s adjustments include increasing the maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deduction amounts. This process ensures that SNAP benefits maintain their purchasing power in the face of inflation. The USDA determines these adjustments through a multi-step process linked to the Thrifty Food Plan, which calculates the cost of a nutritious diet for low-income households.
For fiscal year 2024, the maximum SNAP benefit for an eight-member household in the 48 contiguous states is $1,751. In contrast, Alaskan households in certain rural areas will receive up to $3,516, demonstrating a significant disparity due to the higher cost of living in Alaska. The adjustments reflect the USDA’s commitment to ensuring that SNAP benefits meet the evolving needs of beneficiaries.
