There is no doubt that SNAP Food Stamps is a very important type of benefit for United States citizens. With the coming of 2025, Social Security beneficiaries will get an increase in their payments thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), a measure designed to offset the effects of inflation. However, for those who also get SNAP benefits, this adjustment could have negative side effects. While the increase may seem positive, some may find themselves excluded from this crucial program due to their increased income. It is essential to understand how these two programs interact and how the Social Security increase could cause some Americans to lose their food assistance.
The SNAP (Food Stamps) program has been a safety net for millions of people, helping them meet their food needs. However, to qualify for this program, recipients must meet certain income requirements. Thus, an increase in Social Security payments, especially in 2025, may push some households over the SNAP eligibility threshold, forcing them to forego these benefits.
Eligibility to get SNAP
There are two main criteria for eligibility to get SNAP benefits: income and assets. Households with incomes that exceed the threshold established by the government, or with assets that exceed the allowable limits, are ineligible for SNAP benefits.
- Household income: A household’s gross monthly income must not exceed a certain limit to qualify for SNAP. This limit is adjusted depending on household size and state of residence.
- Assets: Aside from income, households must meet a limit on the assets they can own, although this limit also varies.
If Social Security payments increase significantly, as expected in 2025, some people could see their monthly income rise above these thresholds, making them ineligible to get SNAP. It also recalls that the timing of payments of this benefit is different in each State.
Comparison of SNAP payments in 2024 and 2025.
The increase in Social Security payments in 2025 may put many people in an uncomfortable situation, where their total income exceeds the limit allowed to get SNAP help. This situation, while resulting in an increase in income, could result in the loss of essential benefits.
| Year | Maximum SNAP Payment for a Single Individual | Maximum SNAP Payment for a Couple |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 (until October) |
$291 per month | $535 per month |
| 2025 (starting October 2024) |
$292 per month | $536 per month |
Remember that each citizen gets a different amount on their EBT card depending on their individual situation. SNAP Food Stamps has a maximum check but no minimum check.
How the Social Security increase could cause some to lose their SNAP
The adjustment in Social Security payments not only affects beneficiaries’ ability to meet their basic needs, but also impacts their eligibility for other assistance programs such as SNAP. An increase in Social Security payments, however small, could raise a household’s income above the Food Stamp program eligibility threshold. This would mean that, even if a person is earning more money due to the adjustment, he or she would lose food benefits, which could be detrimental if other living costs have not increased proportionately.
For example, for an individual household, the approximately $24 increase in the maximum SNAP payment could be offset by a person’s increased income due to the Social Security adjustment. The decision, in this case, is based on which of these payments is greater, which could jeopardize access to food benefits for those who need it most.
In conclusion, while the adjustment in Social Security payments in 2025 represents an improvement for many, the impact on SNAP recipients could be significant. For those who fear losing their food benefits, it is important to be aware of eligibility requirements and prepare to make adjustments to their personal finances as anticipated.