SNAP food benefits are a lifeline for millions of low-income American families. All the more so in recent years, as high living costs have squeezed people’s checking accounts even more. If you are worried about keeping food on the table, you are not alone.
According to the USDA, almost 13% of Americans — around 17 million households — went hungry in 2022.
Every year, the USDA increases food benefits to keep up with inflation. Unfortunately, SNAP households will only see a tiny change for the 2025 fiscal year. Even though inflation continues to impact prices, the new maximum monthly allotment for a family of four will increase by just $2 to $975.
Minuscule increase in SNAP food benefits for 2025
The new SNAP payments will come into effect this October — the start of the new fiscal year. Sadly, the planned increase of around 0.2% (or 0.3% depending on your family size) will not come close to covering higher food costs. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the cost of food has increased by 2% in the last year.
Here are the maximum food benefit payments for SNAP households for 2024 and 2025 in the majority of U.S. states. Payments are higher in certain states, such as Alaska and Hawaii.
To claim SNAP benefits, a household needs to meet certain income criteria. There’s also a limit on how much a family can have in their bank account. Benefits are calculated by taking the maximum amount for that household size and making deductions based on things like income, child support, and medical expenses.
How to maximize your SNAP benefits
The tiny monthly increase in SNAP benefits will come as a blow to many families. A couple of dollars extra might buy an extra couple of cans of beans, but it won’t go very far in feeding a family of four. While it is worth looking to see if you qualify for any other benefits or assistance, it is also important to think about how you’ll get by on the payment you receive.
Here are some ways to make your SNAP benefits go further.
Use cash back apps
Several top cash back apps work with EBT payments and can be a good way to get some money back on your shopping. Combine apps with coupons and in-store discounts. The more you can stack those discounts, the better.
Look for double-up food programs
More than 25 states have Double Up Food Bucks programs right now, so see if there’s anything locally. It essentially means SNAP recipients can get two-for-one deals on fruit and vegetable purchases at participating farmers markets and stores.
Always shop with a list
It can be difficult to plan meals for a busy household when time is tight. But if you want to stretch $975 a month to feed a family of four, planning is essential. The USDA has some free budget recipe ideas that are worth checking out.
Buy in bulk
Bulk buying can translate into serious savings, but it can be difficult if you don’t have much cash to spare. See if you can club together with friends and split the costs of a Costco run. Or perhaps try to set aside a few dollars a month from your grocery budget until you’ve got enough to bulk buy a few items.
Seek emergency help if you need it
If you don’t have enough food right now, help is available. Find out how your local soup kitchens and food pantries work in terms of timing and what documents staff might need to see (if any). You may need to show some form of ID, and it’s often worth arriving early to beat lines.
Don’t expect big changes to SNAP for 2025
The USDA’s announcement will be beyond disappointing for families who are already struggling to make ends meet. You may feel like you’ve already used every trick in the book, but try not to despair. Look for even small steps you can take to stretch your food budget a little more. Not only that, but the U.S has a network of food banks whose mission is to stop people from going hungry.
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