SNAP Update – What to Expect from October’s Food Stamps After the 2025 COLA

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:

1. 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%.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.

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