The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) increased its benefits levels in October. It automatically took effect to reflect changes in the cost of living in America and help low-income households to cover their food needs.

According to MARCA, prices for groceries and food to be prepared at home have increased 12.2% for the 12 months ending June 2022.

It was reportedly the largest 12-month increase since April 1979. As a result, SNAP maximum benefits have been increased since it has been tied to food inflation.

The maximum monthly food allotment for individual SNAP recipients increased to $281 from $250. On the other hand, the minimum monthly allotment had been increased from $20 to $23.

READ NEXT: Social Security Payments Update: When Will You Get Your Money This November 2022?

Will SNAP Benefits Last Until 2023?

SNAP benefits are automatically adjusted every October to be at par with the cost of food and other essential expenses for low-income families. The additional amount on the SNAP benefits payments will be available until September 2023.

The Thrifty Food Plan calculates the cost of the market for a family of four. It is an estimate done by the Agriculture Department regarding how much it would cost to provide low-cost yet nutritious meals.

Maximum SNAP benefits are calculated from the TFP estimates cost every June. The maximum allotment will be imposed from October 1, 2022, to September 23, 2023.

Alaska has a maximum allotment of $448, $415 for Guam, $538 for Hawaii, and $362 for the U.S. Virgin Islands for a household size of one.

Meanwhile, the maximum shelter deductions will be $624 for 48 states and D.C., while Alaska will have $996, $732 for Guam, $840 in Hawaii, and $492 for U.S. Virgin Islands.

The SNAP benefits payments can be used for food items but cannot be used to buy ineligible items such as cigarettes and alcohol.

SNAP Benefits

More than 41 million Americans rely on food stamps to meet their food needs. Benefits are distributed through the Electronic Benefits Transfer card, which can be used to buy food items.

Aside from physical stores, SNAP benefits recipients can also buy their groceries online with the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot.

It was originally created as a pilot test through the 2014 Farm Bill. Since then, the online business plan has seen growth. Major retailers also cater to their customers online, with some accepting SNAP benefits as their payment methods.

California has named Cardenas Markets, ExtraMile by Jacksons, Food 4 Less, FoodMaxx, Gong's IGA Market, and Lucky Supermarkets as stores accepting SNAP benefits payments online. It also named Pavilions, Rancho San Miguel Markets, Save Mart Supermarkets, and Stater Bros, among others.

In Florida, grocery shops such as Earth Fare, Freshfield Farm, Hitchcock's Markets, JC's Market and Food Kitchen, and Greer's Cash Saver accept SNAP benefits online payment.

Major retailers such as Amazon, Publix, Sam's Club, ALDI, Food Lion, ShopRite, Target, and Walmart are among the many offering to accept SNAP payments online.

READ MORE: Disaster SNAP Benefits Update: Are You Eligible for New Florida Payments?

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Social Security Benefit Bump Likely to Be Highest in Decades | Morning in America - From NewsNation