States Eligible for Extra SNAP Benefits This Month – See If You Qualify

Beginning November 1, 2024, the USDA will distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits across 33 states, supporting millions of Americans in accessing essential food resources. Through SNAP, eligible families receive funds on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used at approved retailers to purchase groceries.

For November, the USDA projects an average SNAP benefit of $535 per household, though actual amounts vary by household size, location, and specific eligibility factors. Let’s look at these details to know what recipients can expect.

Amounts

While the average national SNAP benefit for November is $535, families of four often receive more, with a typical benefit of $1,258. However, in Alaska, these numbers are considerably different due to the higher cost of living, especially in rural areas.

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Benefits

Alaska’s unique geographic and logistical challenges mean higher SNAP benefits for rural residents. The state categorizes rural areas as rural 1 and rural 2, with benefits increasing according to the remoteness of the area. Here’s a breakdown of SNAP benefits in Alaska based on location and household size:

Rural households receive significantly more SNAP benefits due to the challenges in transporting food and essentials. For example, a household of seven in rural 2 can receive up to $3,516, whereas the same household in other states would typically receive $2,265.

Minimum Benefit

For smaller households, SNAP benefits include a minimum amount to ensure some basic assistance. Nationwide, one- or two-person households receive a minimum benefit of $23. In Alaska, however, this minimum varies by location:

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• Urban Alaska: $30
• Rural 1 Alaska: $39
• Rural 2 Alaska: $47

These amounts reflect the additional cost of living in remote Alaskan regions, ensuring even smaller households get the support they need to cover food basics.

Distribution

In Alaska, all SNAP benefits for November are scheduled for release on November 1. This is different from many other states where SNAP benefits are distributed throughout the month. Distribution schedules often depend on criteria like the recipient’s last name or case number, which can stagger payments to avoid overwhelming local stores.

Overlapping Payments

For some Alaskans, the SNAP payment date of November 1 will coincide with the distribution of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This coordination means that some recipients will receive multiple types of benefits on a single day, which can help with household budgeting by consolidating resources at the start of the month.

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Amounts

SNAP benefits are calculated based on factors such as household size, income, and geographic location. Alaska’s higher allocations address specific needs for rural residents, accounting for increased food costs, transportation challenges, and limited accessibility to grocery stores.

For households outside Alaska, SNAP amounts remain fairly consistent, with adjustments for larger household sizes. Adding a new member to a household can increase the benefit amount, with additional funds ranging from $220 in other states to $440 in Alaska’s rural 2 zones.

The USDA’s adjustments to SNAP benefits demonstrate the agency’s commitment to addressing varied living costs across the country, particularly in Alaska’s remote areas. With SNAP benefits being distributed on November 1, many families can plan their monthly food needs with financial support. For Alaskan residents, these higher benefit amounts are tailored to the higher costs of living and logistical challenges, ensuring equitable food access for all SNAP recipients.

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