If you are currently receiving food stamp benefits in your state, you may be aware that there is a yearly increase to SNAP benefits each year. This increase, also known as a cost-of-living increase effects the food stamps eligibility requirements and monthly benefits amounts.
In this article, we will cover all the changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) happening for fiscal year 2022. This includes the changes to the SNAP Income Limit Requirements, as well as the Maximum SNAP Allotment Benefit Amount.
In this article, we will cover:
- Annual Cost of Living Increase for 2021-2022
- 25% Increase to SNAP EBT Benefits
- Maximum Allotment Benefit Amount for 2021-2022
- SNAP Income Limits for 2021-2022
To learn more about the food stamps cost-of-living increase for fiscal year 2022 and how it effects you, continue reading below.
SNAP Cost of Living Increase for 2021-2022
Each year the USDA, conducts a blanket cost-of-living increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and food stamp benefits. This increase effects the Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment, as well as the SNAP Income Limit to qualify for food stamp benefits.
In addition to the annual cost-of-living increase, SNAP EBT recipients also saw an additional increase in benefits thanks to the reevaluation of the USDA Thrifty Food Plan (TFP).
This change to the Thrifty Food Plan resulted in an average increase of 25% to food stamp benefits.
To learn more about the changes to the Thrifty Food Plan and how it effected SNAP EBT recipients, continuing reading below.
SNAP EBT Benefits Increase 25%
On Monday, August 16th, the USDA approved a 25% increase to food stamp benefits nationwide. This is the largest food stamps increase in the history of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Food Stamp recipients were expected to receive an average increase of $36 per person in SNAP EBT benefits. This change went into effect on October 1, 2021.
The increase in SNAP benefits comes as a result of changes made to the USDA Thrifty Food Plan. This change will significantly help those recipients that have been receiving the Maximum SNAP Allotment (extra food stamp benefits) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, these changes to the plan will help reduce hunger, improve nutrition and lead to better overall health.
For more information on the changes made to the Thrifty Food Plan and 25% increase to food stamp benefits including how long the increase will last, read our full article here.
Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment for 2021-2022
The Food Stamps Program Maximum Allotment determines the maximum benefit amount a household can receive in a single month. Each year, the Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount incurs a cost-of-living increase.
For fiscal year 2022, the cost-of-living increase is higher than years in the past. This inflated increase is due to the changes made to the Thrifty Food Plan (highlighted above).
Use the chart below to find the new Maximum SNAP Allotment Amount for fiscal year 2022. The Maximum Allotment amount varies by household size and location.
With that said be sure to use the maximum SNAP benefit amount for your location and number of household members.
The maximum SNAP allotment for your household size for October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 is as follows:
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Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount by Household Size for Fiscal Year 2022 |
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Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 |
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| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment | ||||||
| 48 States & D.C. | Hawaii | Alaska | Virgin Islands | Guam | |||
| Urban | Rural 1 | Rural 2 | |||||
| 1 | $250 | $472 | $322 | $411 | $500 | $322 | $369 |
| 2 | $459 | $865 | $591 | $753 | $917 | $590 | $677 |
| 3 | $658 | $1,239 | $846 | $1,079 | $1,313 | $845 | $969 |
| 4 | $835 | $1,573 | $1,074 | $1,370 | $1,667 | $1,074 | $1,231 |
| 5 | $992 | $1,868 | $1,276 | $1,627 | $1,980 | $1,275 | $1,462 |
| 6 | $1,190 | $2,242 | $1,531 | $1,952 | $2,376 | $1,530 | $1,754 |
| 7 | $1,316 | $2,478 | $1,692 | $2,158 | $2,626 | $1,691 | $1,939 |
| 8 | $1,504 | $2,832 | $1,934 | $2,466 | $3,002 | $1,933 | $2,216 |
| Each Additional Household Member: | +$188 | +$354 | +$242 | +$308 | +$375 | +$242 | + $277 |
To learn more about how much you could receive in food stamp benefits or for help calculating your monthly SNAP benefit amount, read our complete Food Stamp Calculator article.
Food Stamps Income Limit 2021-2022
If you are applying or renewing your food stamp benefits, you are required to first meet certain eligibility requirements. The biggest factor when determining if you are eligible for food stamp benefits is your household income.
Each year, the USDA is responsible for setting the Income Eligibility Standards for SNAP. These standards are then used to perform an income test on all households that apply for food stamp benefits.
The income test is required for all households, unless your household is already receiving cash assistance benefits from the federal government or your state.
In addition, all households must meet both the gross and net income limits. With the exception of households with an elderly or disabled member. These households only have to meet the net income limit.
The Food Stamps Income Limit for 2021-2022 is based on your household’s total income and size. To see the new food stamps income limit for fiscal year 2022, use the chart below:
| SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2022 | ||
| Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 | ||
| Household Size | Monthly Net Income (100% of FPL) | Monthly Gross Income (130% of FPL) |
| 1 | $1,074 | $1,396 |
| 2 | $1,452 | $1,888 |
| 3 | $1,830 | $2,379 |
| 4 | $2,209 | $2,871 |
| 5 | $2,587 | $3,363 |
| 6 | $2,965 | $3,855 |
| 7 | $3,344 | $4,347 |
| 8 | $3,722 | $4,838 |
| Each Additional Household Member: | +$379 | +$492 |
NOTE: Food stamps gross and net income limits are higher for Alaska and Hawaii residents.
To determine if your household meets the food stamps income limit, you will need to calculate your gross and net income. For help calculating your household’s monthly gross and net income, continue reading below.
For step-by-step instructions on how to calculate your household gross or net income, read our complete Food Stamps Income Limit article.
In addition, if you are applying or renewing your food stamp benefits, check out our complete SNAP Eligibility Guide for more help.
SNAP EBT Standard Deductions for Fiscal Year 2022
As a result of these changes to the SNAP Maximum Allotment benefits and Income Limits, the standard deduction amount (used when calculating your net income) have also changed.
The new food stamps standard deduction amount for fiscal year 2022 are as follows:
| SNAP Standard Deductions for Fiscal Year 2022 | |||||
| Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 | |||||
| Household Size | Standard Deduction | ||||
| 48 States & D.C. | Alaska | Guam | Hawaii | Virgin Islands | |
| 1-2 | $177 | $303 | $356 | $250 | $156 |
| 3 | $177 | $303 | $356 | $250 | $156 |
| 4 | $184 | $303 | $367 | $250 | $184 |
| 5 | $215 | $303 | $430 | $250 | $215 |
| 6+ | $246 | $308 | $493 | $283 | $246 |
Apply for Food Stamp Benefits
If you are currently trying to apply for food assistance in your state, you must first use the income limit requirements to determine your eligibility.
If you believe you are eligible for food stamps and are ready for submit your application for benefits, there are three ways to apply for food stamps – online, in-person, or by mail.
To find out how to apply for food stamp benefits in your state, click here.
To apply for SNAP EBT benefits in-person at your local office or by mail, click here to find the food stamps office near you.
Please note, that when you apply for benefits, you have to visit your state specific website to submit an application. If you have questions about applying for food stamps, please let us know in the comments section below.
Food Stamps Cost-of-Living Increase Questions
We hope this post on the SNAP Cost-of-Living Increase and changes to the Food Stamps Program was helpful to you!
If you have any additional questions on the changes to the program and how they effect you, please let us know in the comments section below. We are happy to help!
In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles on the food stamp program and SNAP EBT benefits:
Food Stamps Income Limit for 2021-2022
Calculate how much you’ll receive in Food Stamps
Food Stamps Eligibility Guide