SNAP payments increased in October 2023, not in 2024

The most recent SNAP benefit increase happened on October 1, 2023, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture raised the maximum monthly benefit amounts. This increase was tied to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which the government calculates each year based on inflation data from the previous 12 months.

In 2024, SNAP benefits did not increase further. The COLA for 2024 was lower than the previous year because inflation slowed between mid-2022 and mid-2023. The maximum benefit amounts that took effect in October 2023 remained in place through 2024.

Your actual SNAP payment depends on your household size, income, and expenses — not on a fixed amount everyone receives. The maximum benefit is a ceiling, not a may provide. If you want to know whether your specific benefit changed, you can check your account through your state's SNAP portal or call your local SNAP office.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP benefits increased on October 1, 2023, based on inflation data, but did not increase again in 2024.
  • The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, and certain expenses, not on a standard payment everyone gets.
  • Maximum benefit amounts are set by the federal government but vary by state and household size.
  • You can check your current benefit amount through your state's SNAP portal or by contacting your local SNAP office.

How COLA determines SNAP benefit changes each year

The Cost of Living Adjustment is a yearly calculation that measures how much prices rose over the past 12 months. The USDA uses this number to adjust the maximum SNAP benefit amounts. When inflation is high, COLA is higher and benefits increase more. When inflation is low, COLA is lower and benefits increase less or stay flat.

The COLA calculation uses data from the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, which tracks the cost of food, housing, transportation, and other goods. The USDA applies this percentage to the current maximum benefit and rounds down to the nearest dollar. This means the increase is never as large as the raw inflation number.

COLA adjustments take effect every October 1st. This timing is fixed by law, so there is no flexibility to increase benefits at other times of year, even during economic hardship.

Why your individual benefit might not have changed

Even when maximum SNAP benefits increase, your personal benefit amount might stay the same or change for a different reason. SNAP calculates your benefit using a formula: the maximum amount for your household size, minus 30 percent of your net income (after deductions for work expenses, child care, medical costs, and shelter costs).

If your income increased during the year, your benefit could have gone down even though the maximum went up. If your income stayed the same or decreased, and you had no other changes to your case, your benefit would have increased by the same percentage as the maximum.

Your state SNAP office recalculates your benefit when you renew your case, when you report a change in income or household size, or sometimes during periodic reviews. If you are unsure why your benefit changed, contact your local SNAP office with your case number.

Maximum SNAP benefit amounts vary by state and household size

The federal government sets a national maximum benefit amount for each household size, but states can choose to provide less. Most states provide the full federal maximum. A few states provide slightly less, and a handful provide more using state funds.

The maximum benefit for a single person in 2024 ranged from roughly $280 to $291 per month, depending on the state. For a family of four, the maximum ranged from roughly $1,018 to $1,063 per month. These amounts reflect the October 2023 increase and remained stable through 2024.

Your state SNAP office can tell you the exact maximum for your household size. You can also find this information on your state's SNAP website or by calling your local office.

When the next SNAP benefit increase will happen

The next scheduled SNAP benefit increase will take effect on October 1, 2025, based on the COLA calculation for that year. The USDA will announce the 2025 COLA in September 2024, so the exact increase amount will not be known until then.

If inflation remains low, the 2025 increase could be small. If inflation rises, the increase could be larger. There is no way to predict the exact amount until the USDA publishes the official COLA figure.

SNAP benefits do not increase at any other time during the year, even if inflation spikes or economic conditions worsen. The October 1st timing is set by federal law.

How to check your current SNAP benefit amount

The fastest way to see your current benefit is through your state's online SNAP portal. Most states have a website where you can log in with your case number and view your benefit amount, transaction history, and balance. Some states call this portal "EBT Online" or use the name of your state plus "SNAP."

If you do not have online access or prefer to call, contact your local SNAP office directly. You will need your case number or Social Security number. The office can tell you your current benefit, explain any recent changes, and answer questions about your specific situation.

You can also check your balance by calling the customer service number on the back of your EBT card. This will show you how much money you have available, though it will not explain how your benefit is calculated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did SNAP benefits go up in 2024?

No. The most recent increase was October 1, 2023. Benefits remained at that level through 2024. The next increase is scheduled for October 1, 2025, based on that year's inflation data.

Why did my SNAP benefit amount change if there was no increase?

Your benefit can change for reasons other than the annual COLA increase. If your income changed, your household size changed, or your expenses changed, your benefit would be recalculated. Contact your local SNAP office to find out why your specific amount changed.

Can SNAP benefits increase before October?

No. The annual COLA adjustment always takes effect on October 1st. Benefits do not increase at other times of year. If you experience a hardship, you may be able to request a case review to see if your benefit calculation changes based on new circumstances.

How much will SNAP benefits increase in 2025?

The exact amount depends on inflation data that will not be finalized until September 2024. The USDA will announce the 2025 COLA in September, and the increase will take effect on October 1, 2025. You can check back then for the specific amount.

Does every state give the same maximum SNAP benefit?

Most states provide the federal maximum, but a few provide slightly less or slightly more. Your state SNAP office can tell you the exact maximum for your household size. The amount you actually receive depends on your income and expenses, not just the maximum.