Millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will see higher monthly food benefits starting this month, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration announced fiscal year 2027 cost-of-living adjustments that took effect Oct. 1.
The adjustments affect maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions for SNAP recipients across the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SNAP Benefit Allotments (Food and Nutrition Administration)Benefit amounts rise across most regions
For most of the country, the numbers are moving in a positive direction. The maximum monthly allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C. will be $1,023, while the minimum benefit for the same area will increase to $25.
Hawaii is the one exception — the maximum allotment for a family of four there will decrease to $1,655.
Income eligibility standards updated
To qualify for SNAP, households must meet both gross and net monthly income thresholds. For the 48 states, D.C., Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a single-person household must have a gross monthly income at or below $1,729, while a family of four must stay at or below $3,575.
Elderly and disabled households that qualify as a separate household face a slightly different standard — 165% of the poverty level. For a single person in the 48 states, that cap is $2,195 per month.
Deductions, shelter costs adjusted
Deductions help lower a household’s countable income, making more families eligible for benefits. The standard deduction for household sizes 1 through 3 in the 48 states and D.C. will increase to $217 per month.
The maximum excess shelter deduction — which accounts for housing costs — will increase to $769 for the 48 states and D.C. The maximum homeless shelter deduction is set at $205.66 across all areas, including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Asset limits hold steady — with one exception
Most households will see no change to asset limits, which remain at $3,000. However, households where at least one member is age 60 or older or has a disability will see their asset limit rise to $4,750. That same threshold applies for reporting substantial lottery or gambling winnings.
Income change reporting threshold unchanged
Households assigned to change reporting must still notify their state agency if their income increases by $150 or more per month. That threshold applies uniformly across all areas — the 48 states, D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
State agencies with questions about the adjustments are directed to contact their respective USDA regional office representatives.
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