Starting October 1, 2024, some SNAP recipients in Hawaii will face a reduction in their maximum benefits. This comes as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, adjusts its payments due to the new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025. While most states and territories will see an increase in SNAP benefits, Hawaii will experience a notable exception.
Let’s break down what’s happening with SNAP benefits in Hawaii, the changes for other states, and the upcoming payment schedules for October.
SNAP Decrease
Hawaii’s SNAP recipients will see a reduction in their maximum food assistance benefits starting in October 2024. This decrease follows a similar trend from last year, despite the nationwide COLA boost for 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that the maximum amounts for Hawaii will drop, even though other areas like Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which have higher maximum benefits than the 48 contiguous states, will still receive the COLA increase.
Here are the updated maximum benefit amounts for Hawaii:
Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (Hawaii) |
---|---|
8 members | $3,102 |
7 members | $2,714 |
6 members | $2,456 |
5 members | $2,046 |
4 members | $1,723 |
3 members | $1,357 |
2 members | $948 |
1 person | $517 |
Each additional person | $388 |
This reduction is part of an effort to adjust Hawaii’s SNAP benefits to more accurately reflect local economic conditions and cost-of-living differences. However, this change may still come as a disappointment to many recipients who rely on these benefits for their basic food needs.
SNAP Increases
While Hawaii sees a reduction, the majority of states and territories will benefit from the SNAP COLA increase starting in October 2024. The COLA adjustment helps ensure that SNAP benefits keep pace with rising inflation and living costs, providing more financial assistance to households across the country.
For families in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, the maximum monthly benefit for a household of four will be $973. Larger households, such as those with eight members, can receive up to $1,751, while single-person households are eligible for up to $291.
Payment Dates
If you’re wondering when your state will distribute the next round of SNAP benefits, here’s a list of payment dates for October 2024:
State | Payment Dates |
---|---|
Alabama | October 4-23 |
Alaska | October 1 |
Arizona | October 1-13 |
Arkansas | October 4-13 |
California | October 1-10 |
Colorado | October 1-10 |
Connecticut | October 1-3 |
Delaware | October 2-23 |
Florida | October 1-28 |
Georgia | October 5-23 |
Idaho | October 1-10 |
Illinois | October 1-10 |
Indiana | October 5-23 |
Iowa | October 1-10 |
Kansas | October 1-10 |
Kentucky | October 1-19 |
Louisiana | October 1-23 |
Maine | October 10-14 |
Maryland | October 4-23 |
Massachusetts | October 1-14 |
Michigan | October 3-21 |
Minnesota | October 4-13 |
Mississippi | October 4-21 |
Missouri | October 1-22 |
Montana | October 2-6 |
Nebraska | October 1-5 |
Nevada | October 1-10 |
New Hampshire | October 5 |
New Jersey | October 1-5 |
New Mexico | October 1-20 |
New York | October 1-9 |
North Carolina | October 3-21 |
North Dakota | October 1 |
Ohio | October 2-20 |
Oklahoma | October 1-10 |
Oregon | October 1-9 |
Pennsylvania | Over the first 10 business days |
Rhode Island | October 1 |
South Carolina | October 1-10 |
South Dakota | October 10 |
Tennessee | October 1-20 |
Texas | October 1-28 |
Utah | October 5, 11, 15 |
Vermont | October 1 |
Virginia | October 1-7 |
Washington | October 1-20 |
West Virginia | October 1-9 |
Wisconsin | October 1-15 |
Wyoming | October 1-4 |
Territories
Territory | Payment Dates |
---|---|
Guam | October 1-10 |
Puerto Rico | October 4-22 |
U.S. Virgin Islands | October 1 |
District of Columbia | October 1-10 |
SNAP Benefit
While the COLA increase will boost SNAP benefits in most states, the amount each household receives varies based on several factors:
- Income Tests: Households must pass both gross and net income tests. Gross monthly income must be below 130% of the federal poverty line, and net income (after deductions) must be below 100%.
- Assets: Households without elderly or disabled members must have assets of $2,750 or less, while those with elderly or disabled members can have assets up to $4,250.
- Deductions: SNAP benefits are calculated after applying several deductions from gross income, including:
- Standard deduction (e.g., $193 for households with 1-3 members in 2024)
- 20% earned income deduction
- Dependent care, child support, and medical expense deductions
- Excess shelter cost deductions
- Household Size: SNAP benefits also depend on household size, with larger families receiving higher benefits to account for increased food costs.
Changes
If you are a SNAP recipient in Hawaii, it’s important to plan for the reduction in benefits starting October 2024. Households should review their budgets and consider other forms of assistance, such as local food banks, to offset the decrease.
For recipients in other states, the COLA increase will offer additional financial support. Make sure to verify your payment dates and ensure your information with your local SNAP office is up to date to avoid any delays in receiving benefits.
Final Thoughts
While most states will see a boost in SNAP benefits thanks to the COLA increase, Hawaii will face another reduction starting in October 2024. Knowing these changes is key to planning your finances and ensuring you make the most of your benefits.
FAQs
Why are SNAP benefits decreasing in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s benefits are being adjusted to reflect local economic conditions and cost of living, resulting in a decrease.
When will the COLA increase take effect for other states?
The COLA increase will take effect on October 1, 2024, in most states and territories.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states?
For a family of four, the maximum SNAP benefit is $973 per month.
How do income tests impact SNAP eligibility?
Households must meet both gross and net income tests, with gross income below 130% of the poverty line and net income below 100%.
How can I check my state’s SNAP payment schedule?
You can check your state’s SNAP payment schedule on the USDA’s official monthly issuance website.