Find out which states offer the most food stamps and how to qualify
In the current U.S. food assistance landscape, the amount of money provided to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, varies greatly by state. Below, we discuss the states that offer the highest benefits.
For 2024, the maximum benefit for a family of four in the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia is $973. However, in Alaska, the amount varies between $1,248 and $1,937 depending on the region. In Hawaii, the benefit, while larger, will be slightly reduced to $1,759.
States with the highest benefits
Hawaii: Topping the list, Hawaii will have the highest average monthly benefit per household member, reaching $385 in 2023. This amount is significantly higher than many other states and reflects the high cost of living on the islands.
Alaska: Coming in second, Alaska offers an average of $271 in benefits per household member. Like Hawaii, the high cost of living and remote location contribute heavily to these amounts.
Factors that affect profits
The amount of benefits a household receives through the SNAP program depends on several factors, including:
Household income: Both your household’s gross and net income affect the amount of assistance you can receive. To qualify, your income must be below certain thresholds. Household size: The more people in your household, the higher the total benefit you will receive. Deductible expenses: Certain expenses, such as housing and medical expenses, can be deducted from your gross income to determine your net income and therefore your benefit amount.
Percentage of population benefiting
In addition to individual benefit amounts, it is important to look at the percentage of the population participating in the SNAP program in each state. For example, while California has the highest number of participants in absolute terms, states such as New Mexico have a higher percentage of their population relying on these benefits, making up 25% of the total population.
It’s important to stay informed about changes to SNAP benefits and how they affect your personal situation. Annual updates, such as cost-of-living adjustments, can have a big impact on the amount of benefits you receive, so staying up to date on these changes is essential to making proper plans.
