October 2025 SNAP Benefits Update: New Payment Dates, Higher Allotments, and Key Eligibility Changes

If you’re one of the 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), October 1 marked the start of the 2026 federal fiscal year—and a new slate of rules, payment amounts, and deadlines that can impact how much food money hits your EBT card each month. Below is everything recipients and first-time applicants need to know to maximize their benefits right now. What changed on October 1? • Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). USDA bumped up the maximum monthly allotment for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. For example, a one-person household now tops out at $298 (up $6) while a family of four can receive $994 (up $19). Alaska caps range from $1,285 to $1,995; Hawaii drops slightly to $1,689; Guam rises to $1,465; and the U.S. Virgin Islands rises to $1,278. • Minimum benefit. The floor benefit climbs from $23 to $24 for one- and two-person households. • Income eligibility. Gross income limits now start at $1,696/month for a single adult and reach $3,483 for a family of four in most states, with parallel increases to net income thresholds. • Standard deductions. Households of one to three people can now deduct $209; four-person households get $223, reducing countable income and often boosting the final benefit. • Shelter & homeless deductions. Excess shelter cap rises to $744; the homeless shelter deduction jumps to $198.99. • Work requirements. A new federal law extends Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules up to age 64 and adds parents whose youngest child is at least 14, most veterans, some unhoused adults, and former foster youth. Non-exempt adults must log 20 work or training hours per week to keep benefits beyond three months in a three-year window. • Utility calculations. Many households must now show actual utility bills instead of relying on the Heating & Cooling Standard Utility Allowance, which could lower benefits if real costs are cheaper. October payment schedule Every state deposits benefits on a staggered schedule tied to case number, Social Security number, or last name. Because the 1st fell on a Wednesday this year, payments are flowing as usual, but recipients should still double-check the exact dates on their state agency site or in the Providers mobile app. Importantly, USDA has not announced any delays related to the ongoing federal funding standoff, so November disbursements are expected to load normally. Who benefits the most from 2026 COLA? • Larger households: The dollar jump is greatest for families of five (+$25) and six (+$31). • High-rent households: A higher shelter deduction can shave more income off the formula. • Seniors & people with disabilities: While asset limits remain at $4,500, medical and shelter deductions often mean a net boost after COLA. • Newly eligible families: Higher gross income ceilings mean workers who recently missed the cut may now qualify. Tips to get the full amount 1. Update your file. Report any recent rent, childcare, or medical expenses and submit current utility bills to leverage the larger deductions. 2. Track work hours if you’re 55-64 and child-free. Miss the 20-hour threshold for three months and your case will close until the 36-month clock resets. 3. Watch benefit letters. States must recalculate allotments automatically, but errors happen—appeal within 90 days if your amount looks wrong. 4. Use your whole balance. SNAP does not roll over indefinitely; unused funds older than 274 days disappear. 5. Pair SNAP with WIC, Summer EBT, or local food banks to stretch groceries as food inflation remains high. How to apply or re-certify • New applicants: File online through your state SNAP portal or visit a local Department of Human Services office. Most states decide within 30 days; emergencies can receive benefits in seven. • Current households: Recertification forms arrive 30–60 days before your case expires—return them on time to avoid a lapse. Looking ahead The same July 4 legislation freezes any mid-year SNAP boosts until at least October 1, 2027, locking COLA as the single adjustment window each year. Advocates anticipate another modest hike next fall if grocery prices keep climbing, but larger overhauls will require separate congressional action. Bottom line With food costs still elevated, the 2026 COLA delivers modest relief—up to $33 more per month for bigger families—while tighter work rules could cut off benefits for some older adults. Stay proactive: verify your payment date, document expenses, and track your work status so you don’t miss out on food funds you qualify for.