Some changes could potentially affect SNAP benefits in the United States, as various states are actively contemplating measures for the national welfare program. The most significant program in the country to combat hunger is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, which served 38 million individuals in the country in 2019.
All low-income and non-income households in the United States and its territories get monthly payments through SNAP benefits. In general, recipients receive the funds via an electronic benefit transfer card (EBT), which they can use to buy food and beverages at participating businesses. Although SNAP is administered at the state level, each state is free to establish its qualifying requirements, notwithstanding federal funding. States, for instance, have the authority to determine the income levels required for eligibility and the dates of payment.
This has resulted in a wide variety of SNAP-related measures that are presently being considered in many US states. Although the following measures are still in the legislative process, they could soon have an impact on SNAP beneficiaries, even though they have not yet become law.
Proposed bills that could change SNAP benefits in these states
- Arizona: Arizona is proposing House Bill 2502, which requires able-bodied SNAP beneficiaries aged 18 to 60 to participate in work and training programs, and House Bill 2503, which prohibits Department of Economic Security waivers.
- Iowa: Iowa lawmakers are working on a bill to restrict SNAP benefits to be purchased with the EBT, notably restricting the purchase of candy and non-sugar-free beverages.
- Kentucky: Kentucky lawmakers approved House Bill 367, which establishes a financial asset test and raises income standards for SNAP applications. The measure reinstates maximum asset limits and lowers the gross income cap from 200 percent to 130 percent.
- Nebraska: If Republican-sponsored LB 1381 passes, Nebraskans receiving SNAP benefits may be required to participate in a labor and training program. The law would exclude anyone with three or more felony convictions for controlled substance possession or use, as well as those with one or two offenses, from receiving SNAP benefits.
- Ohio: Ohio SNAP benefits could be increased for older claimants under House Bill 428, which gives extra payments to people receiving less than $50 per month in food stamps. Jay Edwards, a Republican State Representative, and 20 Democrats co-signed.
- West Virginia: West Virginia SNAP recipients may participate in a work and training program similar to those in Arizona, Kentucky, and Nebraska, potentially raising the age limit to 59 for able-bodied persons with no dependents.
How much will households in these states receive in SNAP benefits?
The maximum monthly SNAP benefit amount in April 2024 varies based on household size. Here’s a breakdown according to family size:
- A single person: $291
- 2 people: $535
- 3 people: $766
- 4 people: $973
- 5 people: $1,155
- 6 people: $1,386
- 7 people: $1,532
- 8 people: $1,751
SNAP benefits confirmed for April
State | SNAP benefits |
Alabama | April 4 to 23 |
Alaska | April 1 |
Arizona | April 1 to 13 |
Arkansas | April 4 to 13 |
California | April 1 to 10 |
Colorado | April 1 to 10 |
Connecticut | April 1 to 3 |
Delaware | April 2 to 23 |
District of Columbia | April 1 to 10 |
Florida | April 1 to 28 |
Georgia | April 5 to 23 |
Guam | April 1 to 10 |
Hawaii | April 3 to 5 |
Idaho | April 1 to 10 |
Illinois | April 1 to 10 |
Indiana | April 5 to 23 |
Iowa | April 1 to 10 |
Kansas | April 1 to 10 |
Kentucky | April 1 to 19 |
Louisiana | April 1 to 23 |
Maine | April 10-14 |
Maryland | April 4 to 23 |
Massachusetts | April 1 to 14 |
Michigan | April 3 to 21 |
Minnesota | April 4 to 13 |
Mississippi | April 4 to 21 |
Missouri | April 1 to 22 |
Montana | April 2 to 6 |
Nebraska | April 1 to 5 |
Nevada | April 1 to 10 |
New Hampshire | April 5 |
New Jersey | April 1 to 5 |
New Mexico | April 1 to 20 |
New York | April 1 to 9 |
North Carolina | April 3 to 21 |
North Dakota | April 1 |
Ohio | April 2 to 20 |
Oklahoma | April 1 to 10 |
Oregon | April 1 to 9 |
Pennsylvania | April 3 to 14 |
Puerto Rico | April 4 to April 22 |
Rhode Island | April 1 |
South Carolina | April 1 to 10 |
South Dakota | April 10 |
Tennessee | April 1 to 20 |
Texas | April 1 to 28 |
Utah | April 5, 11 and 15 |
Virgin Islands | April 1 |
Vermont | April 1 |
Virginia | April 1 to 7 |
Washington | April 1 to 20 |
West Virginia | April 1 to 9 |
Wisconsin | April 1 to 15 |
Wyoming | April 1 to 4 |