The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an important lifeline for millions of American families, helping them access the food they need.
Starting in October 2025, the amount of SNAP benefits recipients receive will be adjusted due to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
This adjustment is meant to ensure that benefits keep up with inflation and the rising costs of living. Let’s break down what these changes mean and how they might affect you.
What is the COLA?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is a process used by the government to adjust benefit amounts so that they match the current cost of living. This adjustment is based on the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Thrifty Food Plan, which aims to support a nutritious and low-cost diet for low-income households. SNAP, along with other federal programs, uses COLA to help families maintain their purchasing power as the economy shifts.
2025 COLA Adjustments: What to Expect
Starting in October 2025, SNAP benefit amounts will see an increase in most states due to the COLA. Here’s what you can expect:
- 48 Contiguous States and Washington, D.C.:
- Individuals: Increase from $291 to $292
- Households of four: Increase from $973 to $975
- Alaska:
- Urban areas: Up to $1,258 for a household of four
- Rural areas: Up to $1,953 for a family of four
- Hawaii:
- Four-person household: Decrease from $1,759 to $1,723
- Other Regions:
- Guam: Increase from $1,434 to $1,437 for a four-person household
- U.S. Virgin Islands: Increase from $1,251 to $1,254 for a four-person household
These changes reflect differences in living costs across various regions, ensuring that benefits are fair and equitable based on where recipients live.
Financial Eligibility and Deductions
Eligibility for SNAP benefits is largely based on household income, which must generally not exceed 130% of the federal poverty line. However, certain deductions may apply, such as those for housing and medical costs.
These deductions are also updated yearly, which may affect your net income and, in turn, your eligibility for SNAP.
Proactive Steps for Recipients
To ensure you continue receiving the correct amount of SNAP benefits, it’s important to stay informed. Be sure to regularly check for updates from the USDA, and make sure your household income and deductions are up-to-date.
This will help ensure that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to under the new COLA adjustments.
The COLA adjustments coming to SNAP in October 2025 are essential to helping families keep up with rising living costs.
By staying informed and updating your household information, you can make sure you receive the support you need to maintain a nutritious diet.
1. What is COLA and how does it affect my SNAP benefits?
COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) changes the amount of benefits you get from SNAP each year to keep up with inflation and living costs.
2. Will my SNAP benefits increase in 2025?
Yes, for most regions, SNAP benefits will see a small increase. However, in some places like Hawaii, benefits will decrease.
3. How can I make sure I get the right amount of SNAP benefits?
You should keep your household income and deduction details up to date and stay informed through official USDA announcements.
4. Who is eligible for SNAP benefits?
Eligibility for SNAP benefits is mainly based on your household income, which should generally be no more than 130% of the federal poverty line.
5. How often are SNAP benefits adjusted?
SNAP benefits are adjusted yearly, usually in October, based on the COLA to ensure they reflect current living costs.
