SNAP Benefits: What’s Changing in 2025-2026?

Will Food Stamp Amounts Go Up in 2025?

Yes, starting October 1, 2025, the maximum monthly amount of SNAP (food stamp) benefits and the income limits you need to qualify will both go up a little.

If you receive the highest amount based on your household size, you may notice a slight increase for fiscal year 2026 (which begins in October 2025).

Also, some new work rules will affect who can continue receiving SNAP. About 1.2 million people across the country may be impacted.
 

How Much Are SNAP Benefits Increasing?

Every year, SNAP updates the income limits and benefits to match the rising cost of food and inflation—this is called a “cost-of-living adjustment” (COLA). Depending on your income, household expenses, and number of people in your home, your monthly benefit could go up or down.

Starting in October 2025, the monthly maximum SNAP benefit in most of the country (the 48 contiguous states and D.C.) will be:
 

• 1 person: $298 (was $292)
• 2 people: $546 (was $536)
• 3 people: $785 (was $768)
• 4 people: $994 (was $975)
• 5 people: $1,183 (was $1,158)
• 6 people: $1,421 (was $1,390)
• 7 people: $1,571 (was $1,536)
• 8 people: $1,789 (was $1,756)

If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories, benefits are higher because food costs more there. For example, a family of four in Hawaii can get up to $1,689 each month.

The minimum SNAP benefit will also go up a little: one- and two-person households in most states will get $24 per month (was $23).
 

Are Eligibility Income Limits Changing?

Yes. The income limits for qualifying for SNAP will go up for the fiscal year 2026. This means more families may be able to get food assistance.

SNAP looks at two types of income:
 

• Gross income: All money coming into your household before taxes or deductions (like paychecks, unemployment, Social Security, child support, etc.).
• Net income: What’s left after certain costs (such as rent, utilities, medical expenses, childcare) are deducted.

New income limits for the lower 48 states, D.C., Guam, and the Virgin Islands, starting October 2025:
 

Gross monthly income limits ([before deductions]):
 

• 1 person: $1,696
• 2 people: $2,292
• 3 people: $2,888
• 4 people: $3,483
• Each additional person: Add $596

 

Net monthly income limits ([after deductions]):

 

• 1 person: $1,305
• 2 people: $1,763
• 3 people: $2,221
• 4 people: $2,680

Income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
 

Deductions from Income

Having more allowable deductions can help you qualify for SNAP or increase your benefits. Common deductions include housing, utilities, medical costs, and child care.

Here are the new standard deduction amounts for October 2025 (48 states and D.C.):
 

• Households of 1-3 people: $209
• 4 people: $223
• 5 people: $261
• 6+ people: $299

There are also special deductions for shelter costs, and for people who are homeless. For example, the homeless shelter deduction will go up to $198.99 per month.
 

Asset Limits

Asset limits are not changing:
 

• $4,500 for households with someone age 60 or older or with a disability
• $3,000 for all other households

 

Work Requirement Changes

A big change is coming for who must prove they are working or looking for work to keep getting SNAP:
 

• Starting July 4, 2025, adults ages 55 to 64 who don’t have dependent children must either work at least 20 hours a week or participate in approved job training to get SNAP for more than three months in three years.
• Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older must meet work requirements too.
• Other groups, like veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth, may also need to meet work rules for the first time.

If anyone in your household loses benefits because of work requirements, your household’s total food stamp amount will decrease a lot.
 

Utility Deductions

Some households will need to show their actual utility bills for SNAP deductions instead of using standard estimates. If your bills are lower than the standard amount, you might get less in benefits.
 

Limits on Future Increases

A new rule limits the annual increase in SNAP benefits. Benefit amounts can only increase due to inflation, and the government can’t review or adjust the calculation again until at least October 1, 2027.

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