Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments are going to go up in the 48 states that are next to each other, Alaska, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hawaii will get less of these perks, though. Beneficiaries, especially those who live in Hawaii, need to know about these changes.
Decrease in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the few states and territories that will not see a rise in their SNAP benefits. It has been revealed by the USDA that Hawaii’s maximum SNAP amounts will go down after the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2025. Families and people who depend on SNAP benefits for their daily food needs will be affected by this change.
Amounts for Hawaii
The new SNAP amounts in Hawaii will show this drop as of October 1, 2024:
Household Benefits
- Single Recipient: A single recipient will receive up to $517 per month, down from $527. This $10 monthly reduction results in $120 less annually.
- 2-Member Families: Couples or families with two members will receive up to $948 per month, down from $967. This $19 monthly reduction totals $228 less per year.
- 3-Member Families: Families with three members will receive up to $1,357.
- 4-Member Families: A family of four will receive up to $1,723, down from $1,759. This $36 monthly reduction amounts to $432 less annually.
- 5-Member Families: Families with five members will receive up to $2,046.
- 6-Member Families: Families with six members will receive up to $2,456.
- 7-Member Families: Families with seven members will receive up to $2,714.
- 8-Member Families: Families with eight members will receive up to $3,102.
- Additional Members: Each additional member will receive up to $388.
The first of October 2024 and ending on September 30, 2025, these new numbers will be used.
Impact of Reductions
Hawaii’s SNAP payments will be cut, which will have big effects on families and individuals:
Financial Impact
- Monthly Reductions: The monthly reductions may seem small, but they accumulate significantly over a year. For instance, a single recipient will miss out on $120 annually, while a family of four will lose $432.
- Budget Adjustments: Households will need to adjust their budgets to accommodate these reductions, potentially impacting their ability to purchase sufficient groceries.
Application Process
People and families in Hawaii with low incomes can still apply for SNAP benefits, even though the amounts are less. The application process hasn’t changed, and people who are qualified can still get money to buy food and improve their health.
Why the Reduction?
Hawaii’s SNAP benefits will be cut by the USDA because of the 2025 COLA changes, which are meant to match benefits with changes in the cost of living. This change is meant to reflect the current state of the economy, but it will be hard for people who depend on these benefits a lot.
Hawaii’s SNAP users need to know about these changes and make plans based on that information. Even with the cuts, SNAP is still an important program for helping low-income families and people meet their nutritional needs.
You can get SNAP benefits if you live in Hawaii or any other state and have a low income. These perks give you money to buy food, which is good for your health and well-being.
FAQs
How much will a single recipient in Hawaii get after the 2025 COLA?
A single recipient will receive up to $517 monthly.
What will a family of four receive after the reduction?
A family of four will receive up to $1,723 monthly.
When will the new SNAP amounts take effect?
The new amounts will take effect on October 1, 2024.
Why are Hawaii’s SNAP benefits decreasing?
The reduction is due to the 2025 COLA adjustments by the USDA.
Can I still apply for SNAP benefits in Hawaii?
Yes, low-income individuals and families can still apply for SNAP benefits.