November 3, 2024

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Health's Like Heaven.

How much extra is your state getting?

FOOD stamps will increase by an average of $36 per person later this year, but the overall rise varies by state.

Each state will get a different amount – we explain how the increase varies across the country.

Around 42million Americans will get extra support

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Around 42million Americans will get extra support

The increase in food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP), will help 42million Americans.

The average monthly per person benefit will jump from $121 to $157 in October – which is an extra $1.20 per day.

But the estimated total amount that will be available is different for each state.

For example, Florida will get an extra $1,449 for food stamps, taking its total to $6,768.

In comparison, Wyoming will get just $13 more, bringing the total to $62.

The aid was approved by President Joe Biden and was officially announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Monday.

It is hoped that the boost will allow poorer Americans to choose healthier food options.

The increase is part of a Biden administration effort to strengthen the US’ social safety net, which also includes boosted child tax credits.

Activists claimed the pre-pandemic level of food stamp support wasn’t enough, forcing many to choose cheaper, less nutritious options or go hungry as funds ran out.

Do you qualify for food stamps?

Eligibility criteria for food stamps also varies across the country, with different states setting their own rules.

The benefit is usually limited to people with gross incomes up to 130% of the federal poverty line.

This currently starts at $12,880 for a single-person household and increases depending on size of your family.

For example, the poverty threshold for a four-person household is $26,500.

There are also other requirements that states can set, such as how much you have in your bank account.

In Michigan, for example, you must have a bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001.

Alternatively, if you live with someone aged 60 or over or a person with a disability, you can have a bank balance of $3,251.

How much you can get also depends on your family size, with SNAP households expected to spend about 30% of their own cash on food.

You need to apply in the state where you live, which may be with your human services or social services center.

Find your local SNAP program and social services agency.

More households could also be due food stamps in future to help them eat healthily under proposals.

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