The United States offers a range of economic relief programs to its citizens. One of the most notable is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, which provides food assistance to over forty million people in the United States. SNAP beneficiaries are provided with a pre-paid debit card that can be used to purchase food and is distributed to low-income individuals and families who face difficulties keeping food on the table. SNAP benefits are accepted at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers’ markets.
Although SNAP is a federal program, the states distribute and administer aid. This means that amounts and eligibility requirements may vary from state to state. In 2024, the maximum amount to receive for an individual is $291 per month, with the benefit amount rising based on the number of people in the household. However, some beneficiaries may receive extra money thanks to the ‘Giva SNAP a Raise.’
Increase in SNAP coupons: In which states does it apply?
Give SNAP a Raise’ is an initiative active in the District of Columbia, severely limiting those who will see an increase in their benefit amounts. Around 140,000 people claim benefits in the country’s capital, and over the weekend, the DC Department of Human Services has already added the extra benefits for January and February.
How much is the increase?
The Local State Supplement (LSS) program states that the grant increase can be up to 10 percent of the regular amount and a maximum of $30 per month. For individuals who receive the maximum amount of $291, the increase would be $29 per month. This means the maximum monthly payment for an individual will be $320 from March to September.
- 1 member: $291 dollars + additional $29 dollars
- 2 members: $535 dollars + additional $53 dollars
- 3 members: $766 dollars + additional $76 dollars
- 4 members: $973 dollars + additional $97 dollars
- 5 members: $1,155 dollars + additional $115 dollars
- 6 members: $1,386 dollars + additional $138 dollars
- 7 members: $1,532 dollars + additional $153 dollars
- 8 members: $1,751 dollars + additional $175 dollars
The additional amount will be sent along with the regular benefit for the rest of the payments. However, the department also noted that since funding for the program is capped and the number of beneficiaries changes throughout the year, the benefit amounts may be adjusted down in September “if funds run short.” For payments in October, the amounts will return to their regular allocation. However, the exact amount of the increased benefits has not been specified.
Payments with increases will be issued automatically to existing EBT cards, so beneficiaries do not have to carry out any type of additional procedure to request the extra payment.
For more information, visit the official website of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services.
