BATON ROUGE, LA – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will provide higher monthly household benefits to over 300,000 Louisiana households beginning October 1, 2023, thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) cost-of-living adjustment for Federal Fiscal Year 2024.
These changes are expected to impact those with little to no income who are currently receiving the maximum benefit amount.
To address the impact of inflation on SNAP recipients’ benefits, the USDA annually adjusts SNAP monthly allotments in accordance with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends, as rising costs can potentially lead to a decline in the ability to afford vital, nutritious foods essential to health and well-being.
For Fiscal Year 2024, maximum monthly food allotments will see an increase according to household size. For example, the maximum benefit for a single-member household will rise from $281 to $291 per month. Meanwhile, a household of three will experience an increase from $740 to $766 per month.
Income Thresholds and Deductions Adjusted
Changes in income thresholds and deductions will also lead to an increase in monthly benefits for some SNAP households starting October 1, 2023.
Income eligibility standards, tied to inflation and the federal poverty level, are being adjusted, with increased gross and net monthly income limits for households. A single-person household will now have a gross monthly income limit of $1,580 (up $107), and a net monthly income limit of $1215 (up $82), while a single-person Broad-Based Categorically Eligible (BBCE) household will now have a gross monthly income limit of $2,430 (up $165). A household of three, on the other hand, will be limited to a gross monthly income of $2,694 (up $199) and a net monthly income of $2,072 (up $152), with a BBCE household having a gross monthly income limit of $4,144 (up $305). A household is considered a BBCE household if they qualify for non-cash benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or State maintenance of effort (MOE) funded assistance.
To see the complete adjustment table for click here.
Work eligibility requirements now more strict
In the USDA’s June 30 statement regarding the implementation of SNAP provisions, the department goes into greater detail about the temporary increase to SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) — and the new exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals and youth aging out of foster care.
Previously, adults aged 18 to 49 were subject to the ABAWD time limit, which says that ABAWDs can receive SNAP for only three months in a three-year period if they do not meet certain work requirements. As of October 1st, 2023 the age of those subject to ABAWD increases to 52. On Oct. 1, 2024 the age of those subject to AVAWD increases to 54.
To Qualify for ABAWD Work Requirements, ABAWD recipients must:
1. Work at least 80 hours a month. Work can be for pay, for goods or services (for something other than money), unpaid, or as a volunteer;
2. Participate in a work program at least 80 hours a month. A work program could be SNAP Employment and Training or another federal, state, or local work program;
3. Participate in a combination of work and work program hours for a total of at least 80 hours a month;
4. Participate in workfare for the number of hours assigned to you each month (the number of hours will depend on the amount of your SNAP benefit.)
You are excused from the ABAWD work requirement and time limit if you are any one of these things:
Unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation;
Pregnant;
Have someone under 18 in your SNAP household;
Excused from the general work requirements (see above);
A veteran;
Experiencing homelessness;
Age 24 or younger and in foster care on your 18th birthday.
