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New SNAP benefit amounts take effect Oct. 1: Here's how much
The changes are part of the federal government's annual SNAP cost-of-living adjustment for fiscal year 2027. At the same time, additional eligibility rules established under legislation passed in 2025 are being implemented, meaning some households could see changes to whether they qualify for assistance.
Nearly 37 million people received SNAP benefits earlier this year, although participation has declined significantly since 2025.
Maximum SNAP Benefits Are Increasing
For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the maximum monthly SNAP allotments are increasing slightly.
Starting Oct. 1, the maximum amounts are:
1 person: $306, up from $298
2 people: $562, up from $546
3 people: $808, up from $785
4 people: $1,023, up from $994
5 people: $1,217, up from $1,183
6 people: $1,463, up from $1,421
7 people: $1,616, up from $1,571
8 people: $1,841, up from $1,789
Each additional household member adds a maximum of $225 per month. The minimum benefit for eligible one- and two-person households rises from $24 to $25.
The actual amount a household receives can be lower than the maximum because SNAP benefits are calculated based on household income, deductions and other circumstances.
New Income Limits Also Apply
USDA has also updated the income standards used to determine SNAP eligibility for the 2027 fiscal year.
For households in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., the monthly gross-income limits are:
Household size | Gross monthly income limit |
1 | $1,729 |
2 | $2,345 |
3 | $2,960 |
4 | $3,575 |
5 | $4,191 |
6 | $4,806 |
7 | $5,421 |
8 | $6,037 |
The net-income limits are also increasing, with a one-person household subject to a $1,330 monthly net-income limit and a four-person household subject to a $2,750 limit under the standard federal guidelines.
Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits and benefit amounts because of differences in food costs.
Work Requirements Are Also Changing
The Oct. 1 changes are not limited to benefit amounts.
Federal legislation enacted in 2025 expanded SNAP's work requirements for certain adults. Under the updated rules, some adults ages 18 through 64 who do not qualify for an exemption may have to work, participate in an approved work program or meet other qualifying requirements to continue receiving SNAP beyond the applicable time limit.
The rules include exemptions for certain groups and circumstances, so not every adult receiving SNAP is subject to the work requirement.
States are responsible for determining eligibility and applying the applicable exemptions.
Some Noncitizens Face Different Eligibility Rules
The federal changes also narrow SNAP eligibility for certain noncitizens.
USDA says eligibility depends on immigration status as well as other program requirements, and states are required to verify eligibility under the updated federal rules.
That means the impact of the new rules will vary considerably from one household to another.
A Bigger Change for States Comes Later
Another major SNAP change is scheduled for October 2027, rather than October 2026.
Beginning then, most states are expected to take on part of the cost of SNAP benefits based in part on their payment error rates. The change could create additional financial pressure on state governments as they administer the program.
For now, the Oct. 1, 2026 changes primarily involve the annual adjustment to benefit amounts and eligibility standards, along with the implementation of new federal eligibility requirements.
What SNAP Recipients Should Do
People currently receiving SNAP should watch for notices from their state agency explaining how the changes affect their individual case.
Anyone whose income, household size, address or other circumstances have changed should make sure their information is updated with their state SNAP office.
Because states administer SNAP, specific procedures and some eligibility rules can vary. USDA's current eligibility information covers the period from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.
For many households, the new maximum benefit amounts mean a modest increase beginning this month. But whether a person actually receives more — or remains eligible at all — depends on their individual circumstances and the new federal requirements
Source: WAVY TV 10
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