Louisiana – Starting October 1, 2023, more than 300,000 households in Louisiana will receive an increase in their monthly benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the cost-of-living adjustment made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. This adjustment is made annually to address the impact of rising costs on SNAP recipients’ ability to afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being. The adjustment is based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends.

For Fiscal Year 2024, the maximum monthly food allotments will be increased based on the size of the household. For instance, a single-member household’s maximum benefit will increase from $281 to $291 per month, while a three-member household will experience an increase from $740 to $766 per month. This adjustment will positively impact families who rely on SNAP to meet their basic food needs.

It has been determined that the minimum monthly allotment will continue to be $23.

These changes are predicted to have a significant effect on individuals who have low to no income and are presently receiving the maximum benefit amount.

Changes in income thresholds and deductions

Effective October 1, 2023, select households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may experience a rise in their monthly allocations. This will follow modifications to the income thresholds and deductions that determine SNAP eligibility requirements. Such changes can help alleviate food insecurity and provide additional support to families in need.

The standards for income eligibility have recently undergone adjustments in order to better reflect changes in inflation and the federal poverty level. These changes include increased limits for gross and net monthly income for households. For example, a single-person household can now earn up to $1,580 in gross monthly income (an increase of $107) and up to $1,215 in net monthly income (an increase of $82), while a single-person household that is categorized as Broad-Based Categorically Eligible (BBCE) can earn up to $2,430 in gross monthly income (an increase of $165). On the other hand, a household of three is now limited to a gross monthly income of $2,694 (an increase of $199) and a net monthly income of $2,072 (an increase of $152), with a BBCE household having a gross monthly income limit of $4,144 (up $305).

A household can be designated as a BBCE household if it meets certain criteria for receiving non-monetary benefits. These benefits include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or State Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funded assistance. By qualifying for these benefits, the household is recognized as a BBCE household and may be eligible for additional resources and support.

The resource limit for households with a senior citizen aged 60 or above or a disabled member to qualify for resources remains at $4,250. Meanwhile, for other eligible households, the limit remains at $2,750. In addition, the monthly standard deduction has had a modest increase of $5 to now stand at $198.

The maximum amount of money that can be allotted for shelter expenses, also known as the shelter cap, has increased to $672, indicating an increment of $48. Under the new rules, households that have all members who are homeless and have qualifying shelter expenses can now claim a shelter deduction of $179.66, which is greater than the previous amount of $166.81.

Follow this link or visit www.dcfs.la.gov/snap for more information.