(NEXSTAR) – As inflation continues to drive grocery prices higher, food assistance benefits are going up, as well – but not by much.
On Oct. 1, 2024, several changes with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are kicking in, including new maximum benefit amounts.
SNAP, which used to be called the Food Stamp Program, is designed to help low-income people and families pay for groceries. Starting next month, recipients may see the amount they receive alter slightly as the maximum allotments go up by a few dollars.
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As of Oct. 1, 2024, the maximum SNAP benefits in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. will be:
- Household size 1 – $292
- Household size 2 – $536
- Household size 3 – $768
- Household size 4 – $975
- Household size 5 – $1,158
- Household size 6 – $1,390
- Household size 7 – $1,536
- Household size 8 – $1,756
Each additional person would add another $220 to the monthly total. Last year’s cost-of-living adjustments were more substantial, as inflation was higher. Food prices in August 2024 were about 2% higher than they were a year prior.