In October 2024, $535 will be available for new food stamps. Find out who is eligible, and how to apply. EBT card guidelines, income limits, and household requirements are all explained in our detailed guide.
$535 New Food Stamps in October 2024: Families eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, can receive up to $535 New Food Stamps per month beginning October 2024. In this program, nutritious food is provided to low-income households.
In this guide, we’ll explain how you can apply for these benefits, and more importantly, whether or not you are eligible. The SNAP information we provide is relevant to everyone, regardless of their level of familiarity with the program.
Food Stamps to increase to $535 in October 2024
Millions of low-income households in the United States will benefit from $535 new SNAP benefits starting in October 2024.
You can ensure your family has access to healthy, nutritious food without straining your budget by understanding your eligibility, utilizing your EBT card effectively, and understanding how to apply. You can find more information on the USDA SNAP website or by contacting your state’s SNAP office.
What is the SNAP Program? Why is it so important?
As a federal program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers food stamps to low-income households to alleviate food insecurity. A family’s monthly assistance varies depending on their income, the size of their family, and their expenses under SNAP.
Several individuals have become dependent on food assistance since the pandemic has caused economic challenges. As well as providing families with access to food, SNAP stimulates the local economy by expanding demand for food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores.
What will be changed in October 2024?
COLA is a cost-of-living adjustment that adjusts SNAP benefits each year to keep up with inflation and rising living costs. A weekly benefit increase will begin in October 2024 for households eligible for the program.
In the contiguous United States, for example, a family of four will receive $975 in benefits. SNAP households’ purchasing power is kept in line with current market conditions thanks to this increase, which may seem small.
A New Food Stamp increase of up to $535 is likely to result for those in the highest payment bracket, such as larger households or those with high shelter costs.
Who is eligible for SNAP benefits worth $535?
SNAP eligibility is based on several factors, but household income and size are the most important. It works like this:
1. Income Limits
SNAP eligibility begins with having a gross monthly income (before taxes) of at least 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Approximately, as of October 2024:
- $1,580 per month for a single person.
- $3,250 for a family of four.
As the number of people in the household increases, so does the income limit. As well as this, some states have higher income limits, especially if they use broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) that allows higher income thresholds for families with higher expenses.
2. Household Size
As a result of having higher food needs, households with larger sizes receive higher benefits. However, they are also subject to higher income limits. Based on household size, the following benefits are expected:
3. Deductible Expenses
A deduction of certain expenses may increase your benefit if they are deducted from your income during the eligibility process. Included in this are:
- Rent or mortgage.
- Utility bills.
- Families with elderly or disabled members may have medical expenses.
- Childcare costs.
How to Apply for $535 New Food Stamps in October 2024?
1. Locate Your State Agency
A state agency administers SNAP, so you must apply through that agency. In most states, you can now apply online using a portal that simplifies the process. Your state’s SNAP office contact details can be found on the USDA’s SNAP website.
2. Complete the Application
The application process is usually straightforward, although you will need to provide detailed information about your household including:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
- Social Security numbers for all household members.
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement).
- Expense documentation, such as rent, utilities, and childcare costs.
3. Interview Process
If you’ve submitted an application, you will be required to conduct an interview (usually over the phone) to verify the information you provided. If you have recently been unemployed or have incurred medical expenses, you can discuss them during the interview.
4. Receive Your EBT Card
A (EBT) card will be mailed to you once you have been approved. In participating stores, you can use this debit card like a debit card to load your $535 New Food Stamps every month.
How Does an EBT Card Work?
Family members with SNAP benefits are able to purchase nutritious, essential food. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy the following items according to USDA rules:
Eligible Food Items:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry, and fish.
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt).
- Grains (bread, pasta, cereal).
- Non-alcoholic beverages (juice, soda, coffee).
- Seeds and plants that grow food.
Ineligible Items:
- Alcohol and tobacco products.
- Hot, prepared meals (such as those from restaurants).
- Vitamins and supplements.
- Non-food items (toilet paper, cleaning supplies).
For a full list of eligible items, check the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is SNAP available to college students?
Students must meet additional criteria, such as working 20 hours per week or having a child under six. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some states have also increased their eligibility for students.
2. How do I find out if I’m late with my application?
SNAP benefits are usually retroactive to when you applied. Renewing benefits after the deadline may require reapplying and a delay in receiving them.
3. What are the benefits of using SNAP online?
Yes! In some states, SNAP recipients can now shop for groceries online through Amazon, Walmart, and local supermarkets.
