| DATE: | August 13, 2025 |
|---|---|
| SUBJECT: | SNAP Fiscal Year 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments |
| TO: | All SNAP State Agencies Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
This memorandum provides the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. In accordance with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, the COLAs are effective as of Oct. 1, 2025.
Attached are FY 2026 COLAs for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia (D.C.), Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The maximum allotments will increase for the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The maximum allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C., will be $994. Maximum allotments for a family of four will range from $1,285 to $1,995 in Alaska. The maximum allotment for a family of four will be $1,465 in Guam, and $1,278 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The maximum allotment for a family of four in Hawaii will decrease to $1,689. The minimum benefit for the 48 states and D.C. will increase to $24.
The shelter cap value will increase to $744 for the 48 states and D.C. The shelter cap values for Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will also increase. The maximum homeless shelter deduction will increase to $198.99 for the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgins Islands. The standard deduction for household sizes 1 through 3 increased to $209 a month for the 48 states and D.C. The standard deduction amounts in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will also increase.
The asset limit for households will remain unchanged for the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands at $3,000. The asset limit for households where at least one person is age 60 or older, or is disabled, will also remain unchanged at $4,500.
Regional offices should ensure that their state agencies are aware of these changes. State agencies with questions regarding these adjustments should contact their respective regional office representatives.
Sincerely,
Ronald Ward
Acting Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Food and Nutrition Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture