AIexpress – We are just a few hours away the arrival of the new year, so it is necessary to review the personal budget, since changes in income or expenses affect financial planning. In the United States, the Food and Nutrition Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes adjustments to maximum food stamps allocations, deductions, and eligibility standards each beginning of the federal fiscal year (FY)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) implements annual cost-of-living adjustments, commonly known as COLA (cost of living adjustment). This increase is made to ensure that the level of assistance is aligned with the money needed to maintain a basic standard of living. For current or future SNAP recipients, here are some key points to consider for FY 2025.
Increases in SNAP allotments and qualifying limits
In fiscal year 2025, the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNS) has increased maximum allocations and housing limits to most states and territories. These adjustments took effect on October 1, 2024, and will be valid up to September 30, 2025. Maximum allocations will increase for the lower 48 states and Washington D.C., as well as Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For a family of four in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, the maximum allowance will be $975. However, in Hawaii, this figure will be different, as it will decrease to $1,723. Figures also vary in Alaska, where the maximum allowances for a family of four will be between $1,258 and $1,953.
The maximum SNAP benefits in 2025 for households of different sizes are (48 contiguous states and DC):
- 1 person: $292 per month
- 2 people: $536 per month
- 3 people: $768 per month
- 4 people: $975 per month
- 5 people: $1,158 per month
- 6 people: $1,390 per month
- 7 people: $1,536 per month
- 8 people: $1,756 per month
- Each additional person: $220 per month
Variations depending on location and family size
Additionally, the maximum allowance for a family of four will be $1,437 in Guam and $1,254 in the United States Virgin Islands. On the other hand, the minimum benefit in the lower 48 states and DC will remain unchanged at $23. In Alaska, the minimum ranges between $30 and $47, while in Hawaii it is $41.
Although benefit allocation often depends on net income, which is calculated from gross income minus deductions, the numbers can vary markedly depending on location and household size. Below are the maximum SNAP allocations for the lower 48 states and DC, applicable from October 2024 to September 2025.
Income limits for eligibility
Monthly income eligibility standards have also changed in all 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. The maximum monthly gross income limit, which is 130% of the federal poverty level for the lower 48 states and DC, is relevant for families wishing to apply for assistance.
The monthly gross income limits for a household with one member are $1,580; for two, $2,137; for three, $2,694; and for four, $3,250. For a household with five members, the limit is $3,807; with six, $4,364; with seven members, $4,921; and with eight, $5,478. For each additional member, it will increase by $557.
