People who receive food stamps have gotten a boost in their monthly allotment.
Effective Oct. 1, monthly benefits went up 12.5% because of inflation, CNN reported.
However, groceries are about 13.5% higher on average for the year ending in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The levels are set in June based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Thrifty Food Plan cost. The adjustment then takes effect in October.
This is the largest cost of living adjustment since the food plan was launched in 1975, CNN reported.
The increase means that a family of four in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia saw their monthly benefit go up $104, from $835 to $939. For people in Alaska, their monthly benefits increased from $1,172 to $1,819. People living in Hawaii now get $1,794. Those living in Guam receive $1,385. Beneficiaries in the U.S. Virgin Islands are paid $1,208, the USDA said in a news release.
A single person receiving SNAP in most states now receives $281, according to Forbes.
The amounts above are all the maximum benefits but may be lower based on income levels and any deductions that you may get.
Almost 41 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, Forbes reported.