SNAP Benefits and COLA Adjustments in October : It is vital that low-income households have access to nutritious food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Millions of Americans will receive updated SNAP benefits as a result of the upcoming Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in October 2024.
Benefits will be adjusted to keep pace with inflation and the rising costs of essential items, so that families can remain food secure.
This article will discuss the upcoming changes to SNAP benefits in October, including the impact of the COLA, payment schedules, and eligibility requirements.
Additionally, we’ll provide you with a table of payment schedules by state, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), and all the information you need.
How Does COLA Affect SNAP Benefits?
SNAP beneficiaries receive the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) each year to help them cope with rising living costs. As of October 1, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) will adjust SNAP benefits to reflect current inflation rates, which means households will receive higher monthly SNAP benefits.
According to estimates, the COLA percentage for 2024 will be around 3.5% due to last year’s inflation.
The modest increase is crucial to ensure that low-income households remain able to afford essential food items, especially in light of the rising price of food.
October 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule
The SNAP payment schedule varies from state to state. Generally, payments are deposited throughout the month based on your case number, birth date, or another unique identifier. Here is the expected payment schedule by state for October 2024:
| State | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4 – October 23 |
| Alaska | October 1 |
| Arizona | October 1 – October 13 |
| Arkansas | October 4 – October 13 |
| California | October 1 – October 10 |
| Colorado | October 1 – October 10 |
| Connecticut | October 1 – October 3 |
| Delaware | October 2 – October 23 |
| Florida | October 1 – October 28 |
| Georgia | October 5 – October 23 |
| Hawaii | October 3 – October 5 |
| Illinois | October 1 – October 10 |
| Texas | October 1 – October 28 |
| New York | October 1 – October 9 |
| Pennsylvania | October 3 – October 14 |
| Tennessee | October 1 – October 20 |
| Wisconsin | October 1 – October 15 |
| And more states… | (varies by location) |
Payment schedules vary significantly based on where you live. Residents of Florida may have to wait until the 28th of the month to receive their benefits, while residents of Alaska and New York receive their payments much sooner.
In order to qualify for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain requirements
There are certain criteria that households must meet in order to qualify for SNAP benefits. The following are among them:
- Your household income must not exceed 130% of the federal poverty line. A family of four would have to earn no more than $36,900 annually to qualify in 2024.
- Savings and other assets are subject to resource limits for households. A household with an older or disabled member can have resources up to $2,750 and a household with no elderly or disabled members can have resources up to $4,250.
- ABAWDs must meet specific employment requirements in order to qualify for SNAP. The minimum number of hours they must work per week is 20.
- In order to qualify for SNAP benefits, you must be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present non-citizen.
In October, COLA will increase your SNAP benefits
SNAP households should benefit significantly from the COLA adjustment. The increase could affect your benefits in the following ways:
- Households received an average of $230 per month in SNAP benefits in 2023.
- With a projected 3.5% COLA increase for 2024, households may see an average increase of $8 to $10 per month.
Even though it may not seem like a substantial increase on a month-to-month basis, it adds up over time, providing additional resources to families facing rising food costs.
The upcoming SNAP benefits for October: What you need to know
Families across the country can expect to see an increase in SNAP benefits in October due to the COLA adjustment. What you need to know:
- Payment schedule: Payments will be made according to the state’s schedule. EBT cards can be used at participating retailers to access these benefits.
- Your benefits will be automatically loaded onto your EBT card if you have set up Direct Deposit. Funds are accessible in a timely and secure manner as a result.
- SNAP supplements and emergency allotments may be available in some states. More information can be found at your local USDA office.
Final thoughts
SNAP Benefits and COLA Adjustments in October : Millions of American households will be affected by the COLA adjustment to SNAP benefits in October 2024. Families relying on SNAP for their nutritional needs will see a much-needed relief with the projected 3.5% increase because of inflation.
Making the most of your benefits and ensuring timely access to resources is possible by staying informed about payment schedules, eligibility requirements, and the impact of COLA.
