The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is vital in assisting low-income individuals and families in the United States to secure essential food items.
Each month, state governments issue benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, allowing recipients to purchase food. The details of SNAP benefits, including the amounts provided, where the EBT card can be used, and what it can be used to purchase.
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SNAP Benefits Amounts
The amount of SNAP benefits an individual or household receives can vary based on factors like household size, income, and specific requirements.
For the period from October 1 to September 30, 2024, here are the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for the 48 contiguous states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia, depending on the number of family members:
- 1 household member: $291
- 2 members: $535
- 3 members: $766
- 4 members: $973
- 5 members: $1,155
- 6 members: $1,386
- 7 members: $1,532
- 8 members: $1,751
- Additional member: +$219
It’s important to note that the maximum allowances can vary by state. For example, in Alaska, the maximum allowances for a family of four range from $1,248 to $1,937, while in Hawaii, it’s $1,759 for a family of four.
Using the EBT Card
The EBT card, which functions like a debit card, allows recipients to purchase food at authorized retail stores that accept SNAP benefits.
According to the Food and Nutrition Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the EBT card can be used at any location that accepts food stamps or SNAP.
Some well-known supermarkets that accept EBT card purchases include:
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- City Market
- Food Lion
- Harris Teeter
- Kroger
- Market Basket
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Schwan’s Fine Food
- Sprouts
- Save A Lot
- Target
- Stop & Shop
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
To find a comprehensive list of SNAP-associated establishments that accept the EBT card in your state, you can visit the Food and Nutrition Service’s website.
Additionally, depending on your location, you can also use the EBT card for online purchases, including on Amazon.
SNAP benefits and the EBT card serve as a crucial resource for individuals and families struggling to afford the food they need.
Understanding the benefit amounts, where the card can be used, and what it can be used for can help recipients make the most of this essential program.
