EBT Benefits Increase in October 2024: What You Need to Know

Will your EBT benefits increase in October 2024? Some households are expected to see their benefits increase as a result of this year’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases. Others may see their benefits reduced. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is COLA and How Does It Affect EBT?

The Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA, is an annual adjustment made to various federal benefits programs, including SNAP, to account for inflation. COLA is intended to ensure that benefits keep up with the rising costs of basic necessities like food and housing.

While many are familiar with COLA increases in Social Security, the USDA adjusts SNAP benefits differently. Instead of releasing a set percentage that benefits will increase by, the USDA instead gives us a new sheet of maximum and minimum benefit rates. This means that the changes affect different households in different ways.

What’s Changing with EBT Benefits?

After analyzing the new USDA allotments, it’s clear that this year’s COLA adjustment is modest. The increase is less than expected, especially considering the skyrocketing prices many are experiencing at grocery stores.

Based on the new numbers for the lower 48 states and Washington, D.C., here’s a breakdown of the maximum monthly benefit increase for different household sizes in 2025:

• 1-2 person households: +$1 per month
• 3-4 person households: +$2 per month
• 5 person households: +$3 per month
• 6-7 person households: +$4 per month
• 8+ person households: +$5 per month
• 9+ person households will receive an additional $1 for each person beyond eight.

This translates to an average increase of around 89 cents per person, a figure that falls short of what many had hoped for, given the current inflationary pressures.

Remember, this is a best case scenario for those who are receiving the maximum amount of benefits. The impact on your monthly benefits may be different, depending on your location, household size and income level.

Regional Variations in EBT Benefits

The increases vary depending on where you live. For example, residents of Guam and Alaska will see slightly larger increases than those in the continental U.S.

In Alaska, the benefit hike is determined by region:

• Urban areas: +$3.24 per person on average, depending on household size
• Rural 1: +$3.24 per person on average, depending on household size
• Rural 2: +$4.07 per person on average, depending on household size

In Guam, the increase is about $2.53 per person, while residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands will see a smaller boost of just 65 cents per person.

For those receiving the minimum SNAP benefit, the USDA has made no adjustments. The minimum benefit remains at $23 per month, except in Guam and Rural Alaska, where it will increase by $1. In Hawaii, however, the minimum benefit is actually decreasing from $42 to $41 per month.

Additional Changes to Income Limits and Deductions

While the maximum benefit increases may be underwhelming, there is some positive news for certain households. The USDA is raising the net income limits for SNAP eligibility, which could help more people qualify for benefits or increase the amount they receive.

For households in the lower 48 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the income limits will increase as follows:

• Household of 1: +$40 per month
• Household of 2: +$60 per month
• Household of 3: +$80 per month
• Household of 4: +$100 per month
• Household of 5: +$120 per month
• Household of 6: +$140 per month
• Household of 7: +$160 per month
• Household of 8: +$180 per month

In households with more than eight people, the income limit will increase by $20 for each additional person.

For elderly and disabled households, the news is even better. Their income limits are rising by more significant amounts—starting at $66 for a single person and increasing up to $297 for a household of eight.

Additionally, other important deductions, such as the standard deduction and the maximum Excess Shelter Deduction, are increasing as well. The standard deduction is increasing by $6 to $23 depending on household size, and the Excess Shelter Deduction is increasing by around $40 for most households. This means that less of a household’s income will count against them when determining their benefits, potentially leading to more aid.

Asset Limits Receive a Welcome Boost

The asset limits for SNAP eligibility are also increasing, which is good news for many families who have lost benefits due to their savings or assets exceeding the prior limits. For 2025, the asset limit is now $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with at least one elderly or disabled person. This is an increase of $250 across the board.

Relief Recap

While the maximum benefit increases may be smaller than expected, changes to income limits, deductions, and asset limits may help some households receive more aid or become newly eligible for SNAP benefits. However, those receiving the minimum benefit are unlikely to see any change, and the impact of these increases may feel like a small step in the face of continued inflation.

At Low Income Relief, we’re committed to helping you stay informed about all the ways you can maximize your benefits. Whether it’s through understanding SNAP, discovering EBT discounts, or learning how to get free food, we’re here to assist. Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to explore other articles and resources on our site to ensure you’re making the most of your available benefits.