Changes to SNAP benefits begin Thursday: Here’s what it means for your wallet

Major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program go into effect Thursday for millions of Americans. In the short term, most recipients will see a slight bump in payments to buy groceries. But in coming months, households could face stricter eligibility requirements. Every year on Oct. 1, the federal government adjusts its monthly SNAP benefits to account for inflation. In the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, the maximum monthly benefit for a single-person household rises to $306 from $298. For a family of four, the maximum increases to $1,023 from $994. Actual benefits vary based on household income, size and expenses, and the maximum amounts are higher in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The annual adjustments are intended to account for changes in food costs.