There are 4 changes that are expected to affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2023. Read the list to learn about these changes!
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a welfare program by the government that offers assistance to individuals and families who suffer from food security. It is previously known as ‘food stamps’. In 2021, 1 out of 8 Americans or around 41.5 million U.S. citizens have joined the program. This year, the major features of the program remained the same as every other year. However, there are specific details that have changed in SNAP this 2023, as reported by Csiszar.READ ALSO: 2022 IRS Tax Audit: Low-Income Taxpayers Affected While Most High Earners Were Not
Cost-of-Living Adjustment
According to Csiszar, the amount of benefits in SNAP is adjusted yearly depending on the rate of inflation. In 2023, an increase in benefits has been announced. The increase began on October 1, 2022 by 12.5%. This means that eligible households received $500 in SNAP benefits since October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. In 2023, an increase of $562.50 is expected to be received.
Higher Top Payouts
The amount of SNAP benefits differ based on the size of the eligible household. The following numbers are the amount received last October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 versus the amount received last October 1, 2022 that will continue until September 30, 2023:
- 1 person: $250 to $281
- 2 persons: $459 to $516
- 3 persons: $658 to $740
- 4 persons: $835 to $939
- 5 persons: $992 to $1,116
- 6 persons: $1,190 to $1,339
- 7 persons: $1,316 to $1,480
- 8 persons: $1,504 to $1,691
- Each additional person: $188 to $211
Easier Eligibility Limits
To be eligible for the SNAP benefits, households must make net monthly incomes lower than the limits declared. However, on October 1, 2022, the limits were increased to the following:
- 1 person: $1,133
- 2 persons: $1,526
- 3 persons: $1,920
- 4 persons: $2,313
- 5 persons: $2,706
- 6 persons: $3,100
- 7 persons: $3,493
- 8 persons: $3,886
- Each additional member: $394
Maximum Asset Limits
The allowed maximum asset limits for SNAP have increased for 2023 as follows:
- Households with at least one member who is disabled or aged 60 and older: $4,250 (from $3,750 in 2022)
- All other households: $2,750 (from $2,500 in 2022)