Food Stamps 2025 COLA – Which States Are Sending the Largest SNAP Benefits for Families of 4 or More?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as Food Stamps, has announced an increase in benefits for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia (DC). However, this increase is not limited to these areas. SNAP benefits have also risen in Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This boost is thanks to the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which will take effect from October 1, 2024. While these changes offer more support, Hawaii is an exception, where benefits will decrease. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

SNAP Benefit Increases

Starting October 1, 2024, recipients in the contiguous 48 states, DC, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will see an increase in their SNAP benefits due to the 2025 COLA. This adjustment is intended to help families cope with rising food costs, ensuring they have adequate resources to meet their nutritional needs.

Alaska

Alaska stands out as the state with the most generous SNAP benefits. For a family of four, the maximum benefit is currently $1,937, but this amount will increase to $1,953 after the COLA adjustment. Larger families will also see significant increases:

• Family of 5: Up to $2,319
• Family of 6: Up to $2,783
• Family of 8: Up to $3,516

To put this in perspective, a family of eight in the 48 contiguous states and DC will receive a maximum of $1,756, highlighting just how much higher Alaska’s benefits are.

Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Both Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands offer higher benefits than the 48 contiguous states, reflecting the higher cost of living in these territories. After the 2025 COLA, families in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands can expect the following maximum benefits:

Guam

• Family of 4: Up to $1,437
• Family of 5: Up to $1,707
• Family of 6: Up to $2,049
• Family of 8: Up to $2,588

U.S. Virgin Islands

• Family of 4: Up to $1,254
• Family of 5: Up to $1,489
• Family of 6: Up to $1,787
• Family of 8: Up to $2,257

These increases are a substantial relief for families in these regions, helping them afford the cost of groceries despite higher living expenses.

Hawaii

In contrast to the increases elsewhere, Hawaii will see a reduction in SNAP benefits starting from October 2024. The maximum benefit for a family of four will decrease from $527 to $517. Larger families will also see reductions:

• Family of 5: Up to $2,046
• Family of 6: Up to $2,456
• Family of 7: Up to $2,714
• Family of 8: Up to $3,102

This decrease comes as a result of adjustments based on the cost of living and other economic factors specific to Hawaii.

Why These Changes Matter

The 2025 COLA increases reflect the government’s response to rising food prices and the cost of living across different regions. These changes are particularly important for families in Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the cost of living is substantially higher than in the contiguous 48 states. By increasing SNAP benefits, the government aims to ensure that all families, regardless of where they live, have access to the resources they need to maintain a healthy diet.

For residents of Hawaii, however, the decrease in benefits may present new challenges, as the reduction could strain already tight budgets. It’s crucial for SNAP recipients in Hawaii to plan accordingly and seek additional resources if necessary.

The 2025 COLA adjustments bring increased SNAP benefits to many parts of the United States, providing much-needed support to families facing high food costs. While most regions will see a boost in benefits, Hawaii will experience a decrease, which could impact households relying on these payments. Staying informed about these changes and planning ahead can help families make the most of their SNAP benefits.

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