Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries in Mississippi will soon get an increase in funds they receive to cover costs for food and other necessities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that beginning Sunday, October 1, SNAP benefits will automatically increase to account for the recent changes in the cost of living due to inflation.
As of September 1, workers under the age of 50 who do not have children are required to show proof that they were working 80 hours or more a month, pursuing an education, or training program to qualify for SNAP. The maximum age will also be changed to 52 on October 1.
Homeless individuals, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who aged out of foster care are exempt from the requirements. Individuals unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation, pregnant women, or a parent with a child 18 years or younger living at home will also receive exemption status.
Those who don’t meet the employment qualifications will only be eligible for benefits for three months in a three-year period.
The new maximum SNAP allotment for each Mississippian will be:
- 1 person household — $291
- 2 person household — $535
- 3 person household — $766
- 4 person household — $973
- 5 person household — $1,155
- 6 person household — $1,386
- 7 person household — $1,532
- 8 person household — $1,751
Monthly income eligibility has also been altered. Those who post net earnings below the following on a monthly basis will qualify for aid:
- 1 person household — $1,215
- 2 person household — $1,644
- 3 person household — $2,072
- 4 person household — $2,500
- 5 person household — $2,929
- 6 person household — $3,357
- 7 person household — $3,785
- 8 person household — $4,214
