This month, millions of households across the United States will receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with some families getting up to $1,800. Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP is a vital program designed to help low-income families access nutritious food, improving their overall health and well-being. By offering financial assistance for groceries, SNAP also serves as a critical tool in the federal government’s fight against food insecurity.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP benefits, households must meet specific income and resource requirements:
- Gross Income: A household’s gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. For example, this translates to $2,072 per month or $32,328 annually before any deductions. This threshold adjusts based on household size, increasing for larger families and decreasing for smaller ones.
- Net Income: After allowable deductions, a household’s net income must be at or below the federal poverty line.
- Asset Limits: Households without a member who is 60 years of age or older must have assets below $2,750. For households with an elderly member, the asset limit rises to $4,250.
SNAP Benefit Payments
SNAP benefits vary depending on the number of individuals in a household. Below is a breakdown of the monthly benefit amounts based on household size:
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 member | $291 |
| 2 members | $535 |
| 3 members | $766 |
| 4 members | $973 |
| 5 members | $1,155 |
| 6 members | $1,386 |
| 7 members | $1,532 |
| 8 members | $1,751 |
| Each additional member | +$219 |
In 2023, the USDA’s SNAP program accounted for 67.8% of food and nutrition assistance spending, amounting to more than $80 billion. As of April 2023, 41 million Americans—approximately 12.6% of the U.S. population—were receiving SNAP benefits.
SNAP Benefit Distribution Schedules
SNAP benefits are loaded onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards according to specific schedules, which vary by state. For August 2024, the following states have outlined their distribution dates:
New Mexico
In New Mexico, SNAP benefits are distributed between August 1 and August 20, depending on the beneficiary’s Social Security Number (SSN):
- SSN ending in 17, 37, 57, 77, 97: August 13
- SSN ending in 07, 27, 47, 67, 87: August 14
- SSN ending in 18, 38, 58, 78, 98: August 15
- SSN ending in 08, 28, 48, 68, 88: August 16
- SSN ending in 19, 39, 59, 79, 99: August 17
- SSN ending in 09, 29, 49, 69, 89: August 18
- SSN ending in 10, 30, 50, 70, 90: August 19
- SSN ending in 00, 20, 40, 60, 80: August 20
Tennessee
In Tennessee, SNAP benefits are distributed based on the last two digits of the beneficiary’s SSN:
- 60-64: August 13
- 65-69: August 14
- 70-74: August 14
- 75-79: August 16
- 80-84: August 17
- 85-89: August 18
- 90-94: August 19
- 95-99: August 20
Ohio
In Ohio, SNAP benefits are distributed based on the last digit of the case number:
- Case number ending in 5: August 12
- Case number ending in 6: August 13, and so on.
These schedules ensure that beneficiaries receive their assistance at regular intervals, helping them manage their monthly grocery needs effectively.
SNAP continues to play a crucial role in supporting millions of Americans by providing the resources needed to purchase healthy foods, thereby promoting better health and reducing food insecurity across the country.
FAQs:
How are SNAP benefit amounts determined?
SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size, income, and certain expenses. The more members in a household, the higher the benefit amount.
What can I buy with SNAP benefits?
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and non-alcoholic beverages. They cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or hot prepared foods.
Can I receive SNAP benefits if I’m working?
Yes, employed individuals can receive SNAP benefits as long as their income meets the program’s eligibility criteria.