A mom carrying her baby while her daughter walks next to her through the produce section of a grocery store.

The image source is the same as the one pictured.

Food benefits are going to go up.

Key points

  • The 2023 SNAP food benefit increase takes effect on Oct. 1, 2022.
  • The maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four will increase by $104 in most of the country.
  • Double up schemes and cash back apps may help you stretch your SNAP benefits further.

You can check out our pick for the best cash back card.

The cost of groceries has gone up a lot in the last year. Many people have had to stretch their budgets because they haven't seen a corresponding increase in their income. Lower income families have been hardest hit by the price hikes.

The payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will increase in October. The maximum payment for a family of four who qualifies for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is $939 in most of the country. A couple could get as much as $516, which is $57 more than they currently get.

SNAP benefits will increase from Oct. 1

SNAP benefits are managed by individual states, so the process can vary depending on where you live, particularly as some states still have pandemic exceptions in place. But generally speaking, eligibility depends on your income, as well as any assets you have. As a rule of thumb, a household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the poverty line to qualify.

There is a new maximum benefit for different households. Every month, the money will be loaded onto the EBT cards. Residents of Hawaii, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Alaska are able to get higher payments if they have enough money.

Maximum SNAP benefits for 2023 fiscal year

Household size Maximum benefits for 48 States and DC
1 $281
2 $516
3 $740
4 $939
5 $1,116
6 $1,339
7 $1,480
8 $1,691
Each additional person $211

The benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are adjusted for cost-of-living changes each year.

Stretching your food budget

It's possible to feed a family on a budget. Less than $8 per person per day is how much a family of four would cost. You can make your food money go further by using these methods.

1. Make a meal plan

If you work an irregular schedule or don't follow a set routine, meal planning can be hard. It can make a big difference if you want to feed a family on a budget. You can cut out a lot of last-minute runs to the store if you shop on a monthly basis. If you have a meal plan, you can buy certain items in bulk and cut food waste.

If you don't have a lot of time to cook, the freezer is your friend -- cook up double or triple batches of things like stew, pasta sauces, or soups and freeze them. Eggs and cheese can be frozen, as well as milk that's close to its sell by date. Buying fresh produce can be more expensive than buying frozen produce. Cut down on the amount of meat you eat by bulking out meals with oats, bread, or dried beans.

2. Double up SNAP benefits

Some states allow you to double up your benefits at farmers markets. All recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, get double up food bucks. If there are double up offers near you, you can get more produce for less.

3. Use cash back apps

You can use cash back apps and coupons if you pay with an EBT card. If you want to work with retailers that accept the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, look for ones that allow you to Scan the Receipt. Pick the app that works best for you. Too Good To Go and flash food are two food apps that help people buy food that is close to its sell by date and not thrown away.

4. Know that emergency food help is available

Some families will benefit from the extra benefits, but not everyone. You can get emergency food help by calling the United Way. You can get in touch with local resources by calling the phone line.

Additional help could be on the way

The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health was held this week. He wants to end hunger in America by the year 2030.

Extra food assistance can be given to those who need it the most. Increased benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could help low-income households keep food on the table despite rising costs.