Millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits (food assistance) need to be aware of important changes coming soon. This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
These updates aim to tighten checks on applicants’ identity and immigration status, making it harder for ineligible people to receive benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about the new SNAP rules, payment amounts, and key dates.
What Are the New SNAP Rules About?
The new policy focuses on making sure only eligible citizens and legal residents get SNAP benefits.
Trump’s executive order, signed on February 19, directs federal agencies to improve verification systems. This means states must:
- Carry out stricter immigration checks.
- Cross-check applicants’ information with Social Security and immigration databases.
- Conduct mandatory in-person interviews for new applicants.
In addition, states must review the immigration status of current SNAP recipients every three months to catch any changes quickly.
According to USDA data, about $10.5 billion in SNAP benefits were improperly paid out in 2023. These mistakes include overpayments, underpayments, and benefits wrongly given to people who were not eligible.
Who Is Eligible for SNAP Under the New Rules?
SNAP benefits are only available to:
- U.S. citizens
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Certain categories of refugees and asylum seekers
Undocumented noncitizens are not allowed to receive SNAP, following long-standing federal rules.
Eligibility will now be checked more carefully. If you apply, you must bring documents proving your identity, immigration status, income, and household size.
Updated SNAP Benefit Amounts for 2024–2025
From October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the maximum SNAP monthly benefits for households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., are:
1 person: $291
2 persons: $535
3 persons: $766
4 persons: $973
5 persons: $1,156
6 persons: $1,388
7 persons: $1,534
8 persons: $1,753
For each additional person, $220 will be added to the household benefit.
Higher SNAP Benefits for High-Cost Living Areas
If you live in places where living costs are higher, like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, SNAP payments are also higher:
- Alaska: 4-person household gets between $1,258 and $1,953, depending on the region.
- Hawaii: 4-person household can get up to $1,723.
- Guam: 4-person household can receive up to $1,437.
- U.S. Virgin Islands: 4-person household eligible for up to $1,254.
The minimum monthly SNAP benefit is $23 in most states, but in places like Alaska and Hawaii, it’s higher due to living costs.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
If you want to apply for SNAP, you should:
- Find your nearest SNAP office using the USDA SNAP locator online.
- Check the list of documents you need to present.
- Fill out your application and attend an in-person interview, if required.
Benefits are reviewed and updated every year, so it’s important to stay informed about new rules and amounts.
The new SNAP changes introduced by Donald Trump aim to tighten rules around who can receive benefits, focusing on stricter immigration checks and identity verification. While millions of legal residents will still receive help, applicants must be ready with all required documents and go through a closer review process.
The new payment amounts, depending on family size and location, will stay in effect until September 30, 2025. If you plan to apply or are already receiving SNAP, make sure you understand the new rules to avoid any issues.
