USDA has confirmed a new SNAP asset limit for elderly and disabled households. Starting October 1, 2026, the limit rises to $4,750. This is part of USDA’s yearly cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The new limit applies through September 30, 2027. It covers any household with at least one member who is age 60 or older, or who has a disability. Households without an elderly or disabled member keep the current $3,000 asset limit.
This update comes from USDA’s official FY 2027 COLA memorandum, dated August 21, 2026. Below, we break down the numbers, who qualifies, and what still depends on your state.
Article Summary
- New elderly/disabled asset limit: $4,750, up from $4,500
- Effective date: October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
- Increase: $250, or about 5.56%
- Limit for other households stays at $3,000
- Applies to the 48 contiguous states, D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- State rules on asset tests and exemptions still vary
What Is the New SNAP Asset Limit for 2027?
USDA sets a maximum asset limit each year for SNAP. This limit affects how much you can have in savings or resources and still qualify for food benefits. For fiscal year 2027, that number is going up for one group of households.
Elderly and Disabled Household Limit
If your household has at least one person age 60 or older, or one person with a disability, your asset limit rises to $4,750. This applies for the full fiscal year, from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
Limit for All Other Households
If no one in your household is 60 or older or disabled, your asset limit stays at $3,000. USDA did not change this number for FY 2027.
How Much Did the Asset Limit Increase?
The elderly/disabled limit grew by $250 compared to FY 2026. Here’s how the numbers compare:
| Household Type | FY 2026 Limit | FY 2027 Limit | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elderly or disabled household | $4,500 | $4,750 | +$250 (5.56%) |
| All other households | $3,000 | $3,000 | No change |
Both limits apply the same way across the 48 contiguous states, D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. USDA uses one federal number for all these areas rather than separate state amounts.
Who Qualifies for the Higher Asset Limit?
You qualify for the $4,750 limit if your household includes at least one person who is:
- Age 60 or older, or
- Living with a disability
This same $4,750 figure also applies as the threshold tied to substantial lottery or gambling winnings under SNAP rules.
Does This Asset Limit Apply the Same Way in Every State?
The $4,750 figure is a federal ceiling. It comes straight from USDA’s FY 2027 COLA guidance. But that doesn’t mean every applicant in every state faces an identical asset test.
Federal Rules vs. State Rules
SNAP is a federal program, but states run it day to day. States can offer different eligibility pathways, including categorical eligibility, which can change whether a resource test applies at all. USDA’s FY 2027 memo confirms the federal number. It does not lay out a full state-by-state breakdown of asset-test policies or exemptions.
If you want to know exactly how the asset test works where you live, contact your state SNAP agency directly.
What Counts as an Asset?
USDA’s FY 2027 COLA memo sets the dollar limit. It does not publish a new list of countable or excluded resources for FY 2027. It also does not redefine what “disabled” means for this purpose. If you’re unsure whether something you own counts toward the limit, ask your caseworker or state SNAP office. Don’t assume a resource is included or excluded based on the COLA update alone.
How to Check Your SNAP Eligibility
- Find your state SNAP agency. Each state manages its own application process and can confirm local rules.
- Gather your household information. This includes income, resources, and details on any household member who is 60 or older or disabled.
- Ask about your asset test. Confirm whether your household falls under the $4,750 limit or the $3,000 limit.
- Apply or update your case. If you already receive SNAP, ask your caseworker if the new limit changes your status.
- Follow up in writing. Keep records of what your caseworker tells you about your specific eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new $4,750 SNAP asset limit start?
It takes effect October 1, 2026, the start of federal fiscal year 2027. It stays in place through September 30, 2027.
Does the $4,750 limit apply to my whole household or just one person?
It applies to the household. You qualify if at least one member is 60 or older or disabled, not just the applicant.
Did the asset limit change for households without an elderly or disabled member?
No. That limit stays at $3,000 for FY 2027, unchanged from FY 2026.
Is the $4,750 limit different in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories?
No. USDA applies the same $4,750 federal limit across the 48 contiguous states, D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Does every state apply an asset test the same way?
Not necessarily. States can use different eligibility pathways, so ask your state SNAP agency how the test applies to your case.
Where can I confirm official SNAP asset limit numbers?
Check USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service COLA page or the official FY 2027 COLA memorandum linked below.
Sources
- USDA FNS – SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments
- USDA FNS – SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment Information
Related reading: see our guide on SNAP eligibility requirements for a full breakdown of income limits and application steps.
If you think this change affects your household, don’t wait until October. Contact your state SNAP office now to confirm how the new $4,750 asset limit applies to you.
