Check changes to SNAP benefits, food stamps

There are 2 Important Changes to SNAP BenefitsThe first change will apply to all beneficiaries, as it concerns the Cost of living adjustment. The COLA may be good news for most food stamp recipients, but that is not always the case.

Last year’s COLA brought a reduction of SNAP benefits in Hawaii. So it is still uncertain whether there can be a reduction in some places. In the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, there may be an increaseBut this boost may not be as high as beneficiaries desire.

New ABAWD Term Ages for SNAP Recipients

In addition to a COLA boost, there will soon be a change in the age for the physically healthy adults without dependents time limit. This time limit currently prevents people between the ages of 18 and 52 from receiving food stamps for more than 3 months in a 3-year period unless they work 80 hours per month.

So there will be more SNAP recipients who have to meet these specific employment conditions to receive money for a longer period. In fact, if you are 53 or 54 years oldare you affected by this new measure?

Therefore, the ABAWD term will apply to individuals ages 18-54. Fortunately, there are exceptions if you have a child, are pregnant, are a veteran, are 18-24 and have been in foster care, or have a disability.

What exemptions are available to SNAP recipients facing the new ABAWD deadline?

Here are the key exemptions available to SNAP recipients affected by the new ABAWD Time Limit:

• Unable to work due to a physical or mental disability
• Pregnant
• Have someone under 18 in your SNAP household
• Exempt from general work requirements
• A veteran
• Experiencing homelessness
• 24 years or younger and in foster care on your 18th birthday

Some more important points:

1. As of October 1, 2024, the ABAWD age limit increasing from 49 to 54.
2. States may exempt certain vulnerable individuals. These including survivors of domestic violence. They can use individual hardship exemptions. However, the debt ceiling agreement reduces the percentage of these exemptions that states receive from 12% to 8%. It also limits the carryover of unused exemptions to the following year.
3. Many adults of 50-54 will soon have to deal with the time limit. They are not veterans or homeless. They may have difficulty meeting the requirements if they have health barriers to work but have not received disability benefits.
4. USDA is in the process of finalizing a rule to limit exemptions from the ABAWD term. They would only be allowed in areas that clearly meet the legal conditions. These are more than 10% unemployment or a lack of sufficient jobs. Currently, about half of ABAWDs live in areas where exemptions have been granted.

When will SNAP benefits change?

According to USDA and the Food and Nutrition Service, the new COLA comes into effect on October 1, 2024Therefore, eligible recipients do not have to wait until 2025 to receive additional money.

In the same way, the new ABAWD ages go into effect October 12024 as well. So make sure you get an exemption or meet all the specific work requirements.

Do this to avoid losing your SNAP benefits in the United States. Remember that payments can be up to $973 when you are 4, and they can be slightly higher after the COLA boost.