Understanding SNAP Benefits: How Amounts Vary Across States

SNAP benefits are distributed monthly to recipients nationwide, but what one individual gets in one state can differ considerably from what another might receive elsewhere. This disparity in food assistance is not just a matter of state budgets; it reflects broader economic factors such as local cost of living, household size, and income levels. For many families, these monthly benefits are essential for purchasing groceries and ensuring that their nutritional needs are met.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program funded by the government and managed at the state level. Each month, eligible households receive a certain amount of funds loaded onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used in participating stores. The average benefit across the U.S. is $212 per person in an eligible household, but this figure can vary widely based on location and other demographic factors.

In 2023, Hawaii topped the list as the state with the highest average monthly food benefit at $445 per recipient. Close behind is Alaska, with an average of $376. In contrast, states like Iowa, Montana, and Nebraska offer much lower benefits, with Iowa providing just $162 on average. This stark contrast raises questions about why such differences exist and what factors influence these amounts.

What You Will Learn

The significant variation in SNAP benefits across different states.
Key factors influencing SNAP benefit amounts, including state demographics and local economy.
Insights into how food costs impact SNAP benefits, particularly in non-contiguous states.
Information about additional programs like SUN Bucks that provide extra support in summer months.

Why Do Recipients In Some States Get More Than Others?

One reason for the variation in benefit amounts is that they are largely determined by a recipient's income, accounting for necessary expenses. The Pew Research Center notes that household size also plays a crucial role in this calculation. Different states have varying demographics and economic conditions, affecting how much assistance residents can receive through SNAP.

In regions like Hawaii and Alaska, food prices are generally higher than in the continental U.S. Much of their food is imported, which drives up costs. According to the USDA, the average cost of food for a family of four was found to be 36 percent higher in Hawaii and 52 percent higher in Alaska compared to the mainland. This significant difference is a driving factor in the higher SNAP benefits offered in these states.

This summer, many states will see variations in SNAP benefits due to the SUN Bucks scheme. This initiative provides an additional $120 per qualifying child during the summer months when school is not in session. Over 30 states, along with Washington D.C., tribal nations, and U.S. territories like American Samoa and Puerto Rico, are participating in this program to help families cover food costs.