Great news for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients! Starting this month, you’ll notice a slight boost in your benefits, thanks to the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Along with this benefit increase, there’s also a change in the age definition for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD), moving the cutoff from 52 to 54 years old.
These changes are part of broader reforms included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which suspended the debt ceiling until 2025 and made notable impacts on SNAP eligibility.
SNAP Benefits
As of this month, most SNAP households will see a small increase in their benefits, typically a few extra dollars per month. This adjustment helps account for rising costs of living, such as increased food prices, to ensure that beneficiaries can still afford basic groceries.
Specific Adjustments
While the increase is modest for most U.S. households, residents in Alaska, the Virgin Islands, and Guam will receive higher adjustments due to the significantly higher food costs in these regions. On the other hand, Hawaii recipients will see a slight reduction, though their payments remain higher than those in the 48 contiguous states.
How Much Are the Increases?
The exact increase varies depending on your household size, income, and location. For most, this boost will make a small but noticeable difference when it comes to stretching their monthly grocery budgets. Be sure to check your EBT account or SNAP benefit notice to see the exact amount of your adjustment.
ABAWD Time Limit Age Rises to 54
In addition to the benefit increase, the Fiscal Responsibility Act raised the age limit for SNAP recipients categorized as able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) from 52 to 54. This shift is a significant change that affects many SNAP users.
ABAWD
If you are classified as an ABAWD, you must meet certain work requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits for more than three months. These requirements include:
- Working at least 80 hours per month
- Participating in an education or training program
Failing to meet these requirements may result in a time limit on receiving benefits, typically three months in a three-year period.
Duration of These Changes
These ABAWD requirements will remain in effect until 2030, meaning individuals up to 54 years old must comply with the work or education rules to maintain their benefits.
Broader Implications
The Fiscal Responsibility Act, which led to these changes, was a pivotal piece of legislation. It helped suspend the U.S. debt ceiling until 2025, preventing a default on the national debt and making adjustments to various federal programs, including SNAP.
These changes also played a part in the political landscape, contributing to the removal of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. The reforms, particularly regarding SNAP, were seen as necessary steps toward fiscal responsibility, but they also stirred significant political debate.
SNAP Recipients
For most SNAP recipients, these adjustments are positive. The small COLA increase provides a little extra help with rising grocery prices, while the raised ABAWD age limit brings more individuals under the work requirement rules. Though it may seem like a minor shift, the age change could impact many people who previously didn’t need to meet work or education requirements to qualify for ongoing SNAP benefits.
If you are unsure whether these changes affect you, it’s a good idea to review your SNAP eligibility status or contact your local SNAP office for more details.
Summary of Changes
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| COLA Benefit Increase | Small increase in monthly benefits |
| ABAWD Age Limit | Raised from 52 to 54 |
| Work/Education Requirements | Must work 80 hours/month or enroll in training |
| Duration of ABAWD Rule | Effective until 2030 |
| Regions with Higher Adjustments | Alaska, Virgin Islands, Guam |
| Hawaii Adjustment | Slight reduction but higher than the 48 states |
Looking Ahead
These adjustments to SNAP benefits and eligibility reflect the federal government’s ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with support for low-income households. As food prices continue to rise, small increases like the COLA adjustment can help ease the burden for millions of Americans. However, the extension of the ABAWD rules means some recipients will need to make sure they comply with the work requirements to continue receiving benefits.
For now, SNAP recipients can expect these changes to provide some additional financial relief, while also paying attention to the new rules to avoid potential disruptions in their benefits.
FAQs
How much will my SNAP benefits increase?
The increase varies, but most recipients will see a small boost in their monthly benefits due to COLA.
What is the new ABAWD age limit?
The age limit for ABAWD recipients has been raised from 52 to 54.
What are the work requirements for ABAWD recipients?
ABAWD recipients must work 80 hours per month or participate in an education/training program to keep receiving benefits.
Are any regions receiving higher COLA adjustments?
Yes, Alaska, Guam, and the Virgin Islands will see larger adjustments due to higher food costs.
When will these changes take effect?
The changes, including the COLA increase and ABAWD age adjustment, are already in effect as of this month.
