The law that sets the rules for SNAP runs out this week. The current farm bill extension expires on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. Congress has extended the 2018 farm bill three times.
For families who count on their EBT card each month, that deadline can sound scary. But the farm bill deadline and SNAP funding are two different things.
SNAP benefits are still funded right now. President Trump signed H.R. 6500 on Sept. 2. This stopgap spending law funds federal agencies through Dec. 11, 2026. (White House)
That matters because of how SNAP gets its money. The Congressional Research Service says SNAP is mandatory spending that is paid for through appropriations laws. (CRS)
The National Association of Counties has said SNAP is likely to keep running as long as Congress provides the money. The farm bill writes SNAP’s rules. Spending laws pay for the benefits.
Here is where things stand:
- Confirmed: The farm bill extension ends Sept. 30.
- Confirmed: Federal funding runs through Dec. 11.
- Pending: A new five-year farm bill has not passed both chambers of Congress.
- Separate: October’s benefit increase comes from a different yearly rule.
Congress is still fighting over a new farm bill. The House passed its version in April. On Sept. 16, the Senate Agriculture Committee approved its own bill in a 12-11 party-line vote. The full Senate has not voted yet.
SNAP is the biggest sticking point. The Senate bill would delay by one year a new rule that makes some states pay part of SNAP benefit costs. Democrats had pushed for a two-year delay.
That rule comes from last year’s tax and spending law. Starting Oct. 1, 2027, states with high payment error rates must pay a share of SNAP benefits. Nothing about this rule changes this week.
Some changes do start on Oct. 1, but they are not tied to the farm bill. USDA’s yearly cost-of-living update takes effect that day. The maximum benefit for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. rises to $1,023. For one person, it goes from $298 to $306. (USDA memo)
Most households get less than the maximum. Your amount depends on your income, household size, and allowed costs.
Also on Oct. 1, states start paying 75% of SNAP’s office and staffing costs, up from 50%. This shift also came from last year’s law.
The next money deadline is Dec. 11. By then, Congress must pass new funding or another stopgap to keep federal programs, including SNAP, paid for.
For now, recipients do not need to take any special step because of the farm bill deadline. You should still:
- Use your benefits as usual on your state’s normal schedule.
- Watch for mail, texts, or emails from your state SNAP office.
- Finish any renewal or report on time so your case does not close.
- Get updates from your state agency or USDA, not social media posts.
The farm bill fight is expected to return when Congress comes back after the November election. Any new SNAP rules would only take effect once a final bill passes both chambers and is signed into law.
