The USDA has announced that on October 1, 2022, there will be an increase in all food stamp benefits. The increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is an effort to reflect changes in the cost of living due to inflation. The food stamps increase in October 2022 will help SNAP households better meet their food and nutritional needs.
In this article, we will breakdown everything you need to know about the SNAP benefits increase happening on October 1st. In addition, we will provide you with changes to the SNAP income limit, eligibility, standard deduction, shelter deduction, and resource limit for fiscal year 2023. Plus, how much a family of 4 can expect to get in food stamp benefits.
To learn more about the food stamps increase in October 2022, continue reading below.
Inflation and the Rising Cost of Food in 2022
For several months, food stamps recipients have been experiencing increased financial insecurity due to the rapid rise in food and grocery prices caused by inflation. As a result, monthly SNAP benefits are no longer yielding the same amount of food.
Inflation has had a significant impact on low income families that rely on monthly food assistance to get by. In fact, the average cost of groceries has risen 12.2 percent in the last 12 months. That’s the largest 12-month increase in over 43 years (April 1979).
In addition, a survey conducted by the Urban Institute has found that food insecurity has risen back to peak-pandemic levels. In fact, about one in five adults have reported experiencing food insecurity in the last 30 days.
Due to the increase in food insecurity, food banks are becoming overwhelmed with people that need help again. According to Elaine Waxman, food insecurity expert at the Urban Institute, the end of enhanced unemployment, stimulus checks, and monthly child tax credit payments, combined with inflation means that problems at food banks are starting to appear again. However, this time around, donations are down just as the need is rising.
Food Stamps Increase in October 2022
The USDA’s annual food stamps increase is timely given the unstable economic climate caused by inflation.
SNAP EBT recipients can expect to receive an average of 12.5% increase in their food stamps benefits this October 2022.
This year’s annual cost-of-living increase is significantly higher than years in the past. That’s because the SNAP Maximum Allotment Benefits increase is directly tied to food inflation.
The 12.5% increase in food stamp benefits for 2022 will help offset the rising cost of food caused by inflation.
In addition, this will also help to return some purchasing power to SNAP recipients that has been diluted over the last year.
To find out how much more in benefits you can expect to receive from the food stamps increase in October 2022, then continue reading below.
Food Stamps Maximum Benefit Increase for 2022-2023
SNAP recipients will receive a 12.5% increase in their food stamp benefits. A household of three can expect their SNAP maximum benefit amount to increase $82 per month – from $658 to $740. The new maximum SNAP benefit amounts will go into effect on Saturday, October 1st, 2022.
The food stamps maximum benefit increase for fiscal year 2023 (October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023) is below.
| Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount by Household Size for 48 States & D.C. | |
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | |
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment |
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,691 |
| Each Additional Household Member: | +$211 |
How much will a Family of 4 get in Food Stamps?
A family of four can expect their maximum food stamp benefits to increase $104 per month – from $835 to $939.
To calculate exactly how much a family of 4 will get in food stamps, follow the steps below.
- Add up your total household income for one month.
- Calculate your household net income (income minus allowable deductions).
- Multiply your monthly net income by 0.3 (30 percent).
- Subtract your net income from SNAP Maximum Benefit Amount for a household of 4 ($939).
- This number is your expected monthly SNAP benefit amount for a family of 4.
Food Stamp Income Limit Increase for 2022-2023
In addition to the October 2022 SNAP maximum benefit increase, the USDA also announced their annual increases to reflect inflation for the food stamps income limit.
For a household of 3, the food stamps income limit has increased $116 for gross monthly income – from $2,379 to $2,495 and $90 for net monthly income from $1,830 to $1,920.
For a household of 4, the food stamps income limit has increased $136 for gross monthly income – from $2,871 to $3,007 and $104 for net monthly income from $2,209 to $2,313.
To find out if your income will still qualify for food stamps in fiscal year 2023, use the chart provided below.
The food stamp income limit increase will go into effect on Saturday, October 1, 2022.
| SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2023 (48 States & D.C.) | ||
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | ||
| Household Size | Monthly Net Income (100% of FPL) |
Monthly Gross Income (130% of FPL)
|
| 1 | $1,133 | $1,473 |
| 2 | $1,526 | $1,984 |
| 3 | $1,920 | $2,495 |
| 4 | $2,313 | $3,007 |
| 5 | $2,706 | $3,518 |
| 6 | $3,100 | $4,029 |
| 7 | $3,493 | $4,541 |
| 8 | $3,886 | $5,052 |
| Each Additional Household Member: | +$394 | +$512 |
The Food Stamp Income Limit for 2022-2023 is based on your household’s total income and size.
To learn more about the food stamp income limit for fiscal year 2023 and SNAP Eligibility Requirements, read our Eligibility Guide or Income Limit article.
Other Food Stamp Changes in 2022-2023
In addition to the Food Stamps maximum benefit amount and income limit increase, the USDA also increased the SNAP standard deduction, excess shelter deduction, homeless shelter deduction, minimum benefit amount, and asset limits.
We have provided all the new food stamps increases for 2022-2023 below. These will go into effect on Saturday, October 1st.
SNAP Minimum Benefit Amount Increase for 2022-2023
The minimum benefit for the 48 States and D.C. will increase to $23 from $20 for a household size of 1-2. That’s a $3 increase in the minimum SNAP benefit amount for 2022-2023.
SNAP Standard Deduction Increase for 2022-2023
The minimum standard deduction for households with 1 to 4 members will increase to $193 a month for the 48 States and District of Columbia.
| SNAP Standard Deductions for Fiscal Year 2023 (48 States & D.C.) | |
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | |
| Household Size | Standard Deduction |
| 1-2 | $193 |
| 3 | $193 |
| 4 | $193 |
| 5 | $225 |
| 6+ | $258 |
SNAP Shelter Deduction Increase for 2022-2023
The maximum shelter deduction has increased by $27 to $624 for the 48 States and District of Columbia.
| SNAP Maximum Shelter Deduction for Fiscal Year 2023 | |
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | |
| Area | Maximum Amount |
| 48 States & District of Columbia | $624 |
| Alaska | $996 |
| Hawaii | $840 |
| Guam | $732 |
| Virgin Islands | $492 |
SNAP Homeless Shelter Deduction for 2022-2023
The maximum homeless shelter deduction increased to $166.81 for the 48 States, District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgins Islands.
| SNAP Maximum Homeless Shelter Deduction for Fiscal Year 2023 | |
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | |
| Area | Maximum Amount |
| 48 States & District of Columbia | $166.81 |
| Alaska | $166.81 |
| Hawaii | $166.81 |
| Guam | $166.81 |
| Virgin Islands | $166.81 |
SNAP Resource Limit Increase for 2022-2023
The resource limit for households will increase by $250 to $2,750 for the 48 States and the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The resource limit for households where at least one person is age 60 or older, or is disabled, will increase by $500 to $4,250.
2022-2023 Food Stamps Increase Summary
We hope this article on the SNAP and Food Stamps increase in October 2022 was helpful to you.
f you have additional questions about the annual increase to food stamp benefits going into effect on October 1st, please let us know in the comments section below.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles on the SNAP/Food Stamps Program:
Number of People on SNAP Benefits in Florida
Extra Food Stamps for 2022
Food Stamp Income Limits for 2022
SNAP Eligibility Guide for 2022
Stores that Accept EBT Online
Discounted Internet for EBT Cardholders
