Starting October 1, 2025, SNAP benefits are increasing nationwide. This adjustment comes from the USDA’s 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The new rates will apply from October 2025 through September 2026.
The biggest change is that a family of four can now receive up to $994 per month in the continental U.S., while minimum benefits rose to $24 monthly.
Page Contents
- 1 How Much Did SNAP Benefits Increase in 2026?
- 2 Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits 2026
- 3 Comparison: 2025 vs 2026 SNAP Maximums
- 4 Other Key Updates for 2026
- 5 Who Qualifies: 2026 Income Limits
- 6 Minimum Benefits and Special Cases
- 7 Deductions That Increase Your Benefits
- 8 Asset Limits Remain the Same
- 9 When You’ll See the Increases
- 10 Emergency and Special Circumstances
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
- 11.1 1. How much will my SNAP benefits increase in 2026?
- 11.2 2. Do I need to reapply to get the increased benefits?
- 11.3 3. Will the SNAP increase affect my other benefits like Medicaid or housing assistance?
- 11.4 4. What if I’m getting less than the maximum amount shown?
- 11.5 5. Can I get SNAP if I’m working full-time?
- 11.6 6. Why did Hawaii’s benefits decrease while others increased?
- 11.7 Do students still qualify for SNAP in 2026?
How Much Did SNAP Benefits Increase in 2026?
Maximum monthly benefits increased across all household sizes, with the most significant changes being:
- Family of 4: Now $994 (48 states/DC)
- Single person: Now $298 maximum
- Minimum benefit: Increased from $23 to $24
The cost-of-living adjustment affects maximum allotments, income limits, and deductions used to calculate your monthly benefits.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits 2026
48 States and Washington D.C.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit | Per Person Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 | $273 |
| 3 people | $785 | $262 |
| 4 people | $994 | $249 |
| 5 people | $1,183 | $237 |
| 6 people | $1,421 | $237 |
| 7 people | $1,571 | $224 |
| 8 people | $1,789 | $224 |
| Each additional person | +$218 | — |
Key takeaway: Larger households receive more total benefits but less per person, reflecting economies of scale in food purchasing.
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Alaska SNAP Benefits (Three-Zone System)
Alaska has three different benefit levels based on location due to varying food costs:
| Household Size | Urban Alaska | Rural Zone 1 | Rural Zone 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $385 | $491 | $598 |
| 2 people | $707 | $901 | $1,097 |
| 3 people | $1,015 | $1,295 | $1,576 |
| 4 people | $1,285 | $1,639 | $1,995 |
| 5 people | $1,529 | $1,950 | $2,374 |
| 6 people | $1,838 | $2,344 | $2,853 |
| 7 people | $2,031 | $2,590 | $3,152 |
| 8 people | $2,314 | $2,950 | $3,591 |
Why Alaska is different: Remote locations face higher food transportation costs, with Rural Zone 2 areas receiving nearly double the continental U.S. amounts.
Hawaii and U.S. Territories
| Location | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $506 | $929 | $1,334 | $1,689 | $2,010 | $2,415 |
| Guam | $439 | $806 | $1,157 | $1,465 | $1,743 | $2,095 |
| Virgin Islands | $383 | $703 | $1,009 | $1,278 | $1,521 | $1,827 |
Important note: Hawaii’s benefits actually decreased for 2026, while Guam and Virgin Islands saw increases.
Comparison: 2025 vs 2026 SNAP Maximums
| Household Size | 2025 Max | 2026 Max | Increase | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $292 | $298 | +$6 | +2.05% |
| 2 | $536 | $546 | +$10 | +1.87% |
| 3 | $768 | $785 | +$17 | +2.21% |
| 4 | $975 | $994 | +$19 | +1.95% |
| 5 | $1,158 | $1,183 | +$25 | +2.16% |
| 6 | $1,390 | $1,421 | +$31 | +2.23% |
| 7 | $1,536 | $1,571 | +$35 | +2.28% |
| 8 | $1,756 | $1,789 | +$33 | +1.88% |
➡️ Answer: In 2026, most households will see about a $6–$35 monthly increase, depending on household size.
Other Key Updates for 2026
- Standard Deduction (48 states & D.C.): $209 for households of 1–3.
- Excess Shelter Deduction Cap: $744.
- Homeless Shelter Deduction: $198.99.
- Resource (Asset) Limits: $3,000 (general), $4,500 (elderly/disabled).
➡️ Answer: Deductions and shelter allowances have also been adjusted slightly to match 2026 cost standards.
Who Qualifies: 2026 Income Limits
Your household must meet specific income requirements to qualify for SNAP benefits.
Net Monthly Income Limits (After Deductions)
These limits apply to most households after allowable deductions are subtracted:
| Household Size | 48 States/DC/Guam/VI | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 | $1,630 | $1,500 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $2,203 | $2,027 |
| 3 | $2,221 | $2,776 | $2,555 |
| 4 | $2,680 | $3,350 | $3,082 |
| 5 | $3,138 | $3,923 | $3,610 |
What this means: If your household income after deductions falls below these amounts, you likely qualify for SNAP benefits.
Gross Monthly Income Limits (Before Deductions)
Most households must also pass a gross income test at 130% of poverty level:
- 1 person: $1,696 (48 states/DC)
- 2 people: $2,292
- 3 people: $2,888
- 4 people: $3,483
- Each additional: +$596
Exception: Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members may qualify with higher gross incomes up to 165% of poverty level.
Minimum Benefits and Special Cases
Minimum Monthly Benefits
Small households that calculate to very low benefits receive guaranteed minimums:
| Region | Minimum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 48 States/DC | $24 |
| Alaska Urban | $31 |
| Alaska Rural 1 | $39 |
| Alaska Rural 2 | $48 |
| Hawaii | $41 |
| Guam | $35 |
| Virgin Islands | $31 |
Who gets minimum benefits: Usually 1-2 person households with income just below the limit.
Deductions That Increase Your Benefits
SNAP allows several deductions from your income, which can significantly increase your monthly benefits.
Standard Deductions for 2026
| Household Size | 48 States/DC | Alaska | Hawaii | Guam | Virgin Islands |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 people | $209 | $358 | $295 | $420 | $184 |
| 3 people | $209 | $358 | $295 | $420 | $185 |
| 4 people | $223 | $358 | $295 | $445 | $223 |
| 5 people | $261 | $358 | $300 | $522 | $261 |
| 6+ people | $299 | $374 | $344 | $598 | $299 |
Shelter Cost Deductions
If you pay more than half your income for rent/mortgage, utilities, and property taxes, you may qualify for additional deductions:
- 48 States/DC: Up to $744 maximum shelter deduction
- Alaska: Up to $1,189 maximum
- Hawaii: Up to $1,003 maximum
- Guam: Up to $873 maximum
- Virgin Islands: Up to $586 maximum
Homeless shelter deduction: All regions allow up to $198.99 monthly for homeless individuals.
Asset Limits Remain the Same
Your household assets cannot exceed these limits to qualify for SNAP:
- Regular households: $3,000 maximum
- Elderly/disabled households: $4,500 maximum
What counts as assets: Bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds. What doesn’t count: Your home, one vehicle, retirement accounts, and most personal property.
When You’ll See the Increases
The benefit increases automatically appeared on EBT cards starting October 1, 2025. You don’t need to reapply or take any action – the new amounts are calculated automatically based on your existing case information.
Check your benefits: Log into your state’s EBT website or call the number on your card to verify you’re receiving the correct increased amount.
Emergency and Special Circumstances
Disaster SNAP Benefits
Natural disaster victims may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits separate from regular allotments. These are available regardless of your regular SNAP status and are calculated based on household size and disaster impact.
Student Eligibility Extended
Current student eligibility rules remain in effect through February 2026, allowing many college students to qualify for SNAP if they meet work requirements or qualify for exemptions.
Elderly and Disabled Households
Households with members 60+ or disabled receive special treatment:
- Higher asset limits ($4,500 vs $3,000)
- Simplified reporting requirements
- Longer certification periods
- Medical expense deductions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will my SNAP benefits increase in 2026?
Your increase depends on your current benefit amount and household size. Most households will see some increase, with the maximum for a family of four now at $994 monthly in most states. Check your October 2025 EBT statement to see your new amount.
2. Do I need to reapply to get the increased benefits?
No, the increases are automatic for all current recipients. Your state SNAP office updates your benefits based on your existing case information without any action required from you.
3. Will the SNAP increase affect my other benefits like Medicaid or housing assistance?
SNAP benefits don’t count as income for most federal programs including Medicaid, TANF, and housing assistance. However, check with your other benefit programs to confirm, as some state programs may have different rules.
4. What if I’m getting less than the maximum amount shown?
Your actual benefit depends on your household income, expenses, and size. The maximums apply only to households with very low or no income. Most working families receive less than the maximum based on their specific financial situation.
5. Can I get SNAP if I’m working full-time?
Yes, many working families qualify for SNAP. Income limits for 2026 allow a family of four to earn up to $3,483 gross monthly income and still potentially qualify for benefits, depending on expenses and deductions.
6. Why did Hawaii’s benefits decrease while others increased?
Hawaii’s maximum allotment decreased to $1,689 for a family of four due to changes in the cost-of-living calculations specific to the state. This reflects updated food cost data used in the annual adjustment process.
Do students still qualify for SNAP in 2026?
Yes, but only if they meet an exemption such as working 20+ hours, having a child, or receiving TANF.
Important: Benefit amounts shown are maximums for households with little to no income. Your actual benefits depend on your household’s income, expenses, and circumstances. Contact your local SNAP office for personalized benefit estimates and application assistance.
