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SNAP October Eligibility and Budgeting Changes

With the start of each new federal fiscal year on October 1, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) adjusts the standards and deductions that determine the monthly benefit amount an eligible household will receive. In fiscal year 2023, SNAP maximum benefit amounts under USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan — the formula that is used to set SNAP benefits — will increase to reflect the annual inflation rate of 12.4 percent. With this update, the maximum SNAP benefit, for example, will increase from $250 to $281 for a one-person household and from $835 to $939 for a four-person household.

Our SNAP October 1 Toolkit reflects these changes and provides resources to help community organizations that work with SNAP applicants. Toolkit resources include:

Although this increase will provide some relief from rising food prices, it is still $75 below the level calibrated to the more realistic Low-Cost Food Plan. A growing number of stakeholders agree that the Low-Cost Food Plan is the more appropriate basis for determining SNAP benefits. For more information about this needed policy action, visit our toolkit webpage or see Food Research and Action Center’s (FRAC) blog Annual Inflation Adjustment Will Increase SNAP Allotments but Fundamental Change is Needed to Close Meal Affordability Gap.

 

SNAP Assistance to Ukrainians

Several provisions allow some Ukrainians in the United States to meet immigration-related eligibility requirements to enroll in federally funded benefits such as SNAP. Visit our website to learn more about immigration statuses being granted to Ukrainians and the SNAP eligibility rules for each status.

 

Updated Checklist for SNAP Student Eligibility

SNAP rules limit the eligibility of certain groups of people, including students. Under these rules, students who are 18 to 49 years old and enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher learning cannot get SNAP unless they meet an exemption, such as working at least 20 hours per week, caring for a child, or being unable to work, among others. Our updated student eligibility checklist now includes information on acceptable documentation for each student exemption and can be used to determine if an applicant meets the criteria of an eligible student under SNAP rules. For more information and resources for working with students, visit our SNAP and students webpage.

 

USDA Adds New Retailers to SNAP Online Shopping

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved online purchasing with SNAP benefits at additional retailers in New York State. Online purchasing can improve food access for many and is a vital tool to address food security. Visit USDA’s webpage for more information and a list of approved retailers in New York State.

Hunger Solutions New York
14 Computer Drive East | Albany, New York 12205
518-436-8757 | info@hungersolutionsny.org

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