From October 1, 2025, tens of millions of Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a small but important increase in their monthly food stamp benefits. This adjustment, known as the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), reflects rising food prices and general inflation.
While the increase is modest — about 2% nationwide — it means extra help for families struggling to cover grocery bills. For example, a family of four in the 48 contiguous states will now receive $994 per month, up from $975.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, say the goal is to “ensure that benefits keep pace with food costs while maintaining program integrity.”
SNAP Benefits COLA Increase 2026
| Category | 2025 Value | 2026 Value (Effective Oct. 1, 2025) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family of 1 (Lower 48 states) | $291 | $297 | +$6 |
| Family of 2 | $535 | $547 | +$12 |
| Family of 3 | $766 | $783 | +$17 |
| Family of 4 | $975 | $994 | +$19 |
| Family of 5 | $1,155 | $1,178 | +$23 |
| Family of 6 | $1,386 | $1,413 | +$27 |
| Maximum Allotment (48 states) | $975 | $994 | +2% overall |
| COLA Adjustment | — | 2% average | — |
In Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, benefits are higher because of regional cost-of-living differences.
“For many households, even a $15 or $20 increase can mean an extra bag of groceries or a few days of food security,” said Dr. Michael Hensley, a policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
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Higher Income Limits for 2026
With food inflation continuing to challenge low-income families, the USDA has also raised the income eligibility thresholds, allowing more people to qualify for assistance.
| Household Size | 2025 Gross Income Limit | 2026 Gross Income Limit | 2026 Net Income Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,630 | $1,260 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $2,204 | $1,708 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,778 | $2,156 |
| 4 | $3,380 | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $3,967 | $4,085 | $3,204 |
These changes expand eligibility, especially for working families and seniors on fixed incomes.
“We expect roughly 400,000 new applicants to become eligible under the updated thresholds,” noted Erica Feldman, a senior economist at USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
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Adjustments to Deductions and Allowable Expenses
In addition to higher benefits and income limits, several deductions — used to calculate eligibility and benefit amounts — will also change.
| Deduction Type | 2025 Amount | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Deduction (4-person household) | $217 | $223 |
| Maximum Housing Deduction (48 states) | $743 | $744 |
| Alaska Housing Deduction | $1,172 | $1,189 |
| Homeless Shelter Deduction | $179.66 | $198.99 |
| Utility Allowance (non-elderly, non-disabled) | Standard | Removed |
The elimination of the Standard Utility Allowance for households without seniors or disabled members may reduce benefits for some. However, expanded deductions for housing and homeless accommodation help offset costs for vulnerable groups.
New Work Requirement Rules for 2026
The biggest policy change accompanying this COLA update is a stricter work requirement for certain SNAP recipients under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
These rules target Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) — individuals aged 18 to 64 who do not have dependents.
| Category | Previous Rule (2024–25) | New Rule (Effective 2025–26) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range for Work Rule | 18–54 | 18–64 |
| Work Requirement | 20 hrs/week or 80 hrs/month | Same, but expanded age range |
| Dependent Exemption | Caring for child under 18 | Now only under 14 |
| Veterans | Exempt | Removed |
| Homeless Individuals | Exempt | Removed |
| Former Foster Youth | Exempt | Now included under work rule |
These recipients must work or participate in an approved training or volunteer program to continue receiving SNAP benefits beyond three months in a three-year period.
“The change is expected to affect over 1.2 million ABAWDs, including older adults who were previously exempt,” said Dr. Lina Torres, senior researcher at the Urban Institute.
Who Remains Exempt from Work Rules?
Certain groups are still exempt from the work or training requirement, including:
- People aged 65 and older
- Those physically or mentally unable to work
- Pregnant individuals
- Primary caregivers of children under 14 years old
- People receiving disability benefits or similar support
These exemptions must be verified with documentation submitted to the local SNAP office.
Impact of the 2026 SNAP Adjustments
While the new COLA provides extra assistance, the simultaneous tightening of work rules creates a mixed picture for households.
Benefits:
- Higher payments and expanded income limits
- Updated deductions that reflect real-world living costs
- Broader eligibility for working families
Challenges:
- Stricter compliance requirements
- Removal of exemptions for vulnerable adults (veterans, homeless)
- Potential benefit loss for noncompliant recipients
Economists expect the net effect to be “moderately positive” for overall food security but warn that administrative burdens could increase.
“The COLA adjustment helps cushion inflation,” said Katherine Olsen, a food policy analyst at Feeding America. “But the new work rules could offset gains for some struggling adults, especially in rural labor markets.”
Checking Your SNAP Benefits
Beneficiaries can check updated payment details through:
- Their state EBT portal
- The USDA SNAP State Directory (fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory)
- Their local SNAP office or toll-free hotline
Payment dates continue to vary by state and are distributed throughout each month.
Example: 2026 Monthly Benefit Snapshot (48 States)
| Household Type | 2025 Benefit | 2026 Benefit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adult | $291 | $297 | +$6 |
| Senior Couple | $535 | $547 | +$12 |
| Single Parent + 2 Kids | $766 | $783 | +$17 |
| Family of 4 | $975 | $994 | +$19 |
| Family of 6 | $1,386 | $1,413 | +$27 |
Even small increases can ease the impact of rising grocery costs, especially with food inflation projected to stay around 3%–4% annually through 2026.
Why This Matters?
The 2026 SNAP COLA highlights the federal government’s ongoing effort to balance economic relief with workforce participation.
For millions of families, the modest boost will help offset food inflation. But for some — particularly older single adults and veterans newly subject to work rules — maintaining eligibility may now require additional documentation and effort.
“The next few months will be critical,” warned Angela Marin, executive director at the National Hunger Coalition. “States must invest in outreach and ensure that no one loses access simply because they missed a notice or failed to log hours correctly.”
FAQs
When will the new SNAP benefits take effect?
The 2026 COLA update takes effect October 1, 2025, with increased payments appearing on EBT cards starting that month.
How much is the average increase?
On average, benefits are rising by 2%, or roughly $15–$25 per household per month.
Who will be affected by new work requirements?
Adults aged 55–64 without dependents and certain veterans or homeless individuals must now meet work/training criteria to maintain benefits.
How do I know if I qualify under new income limits?
Check your household size and gross income — a family of four must earn below $3,483/month to qualify in most states.
Are SNAP benefits taxable?
No. SNAP benefits are not taxable income and do not affect tax refunds or eligibility for other federal programs.
Will these amounts change again before 2027?
Yes. SNAP benefits are reviewed annually and adjusted each October based on inflation and USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan.
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