SNAP benefits changing October 1, 2026: New eligibility limits, deductions, monthly payments and asset rules

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, will undergo its annual benefit and eligibility update on October 1, 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) FY 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) will change the maximum SNAP allotments, income eligibility standards and several deductions for the period from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a family of four will rise to $1,023. The minimum benefit will increase to $25. However, the new figures vary significantly in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The changes also include new income thresholds, higher standard and shelter deductions, and updated asset limits.

SNAP maximum benefits from October 1, 2026

For the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the maximum monthly SNAP allotment will be:

Household size	Maximum SNAP benefit
1	$306
2	$562
3	$808
4	$1,023
5	$1,217
6	$1,463
7	$1,616
8	$1,841
9–17	$225 for each additional person
18 or more	$3,887

These amounts apply from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. For households with nine to 17 members, an additional $225 is added per person. The maximum allotment is capped at $3,887 for households with 18 or more members.

A maximum SNAP allotment is not the same as the amount every household will receive. Actual benefits depend on factors including household income and applicable deductions.

SNAP income limits 2026-27

The USDA has also updated the income eligibility standards for FY 2027.

For the 48 contiguous states, Washington, D.C., Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the net monthly income limits are:

Household size	Net monthly income limit
1	$1,330
2	$1,804
3	$2,277
4	$2,750
5	$3,224
6	$3,697
7	$4,170
8	$4,644
Each additional member	$474

The gross monthly 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
Each additional member	$616

The USDA identifies the net income figures as 100% of the poverty level and the standard gross income figures as 130% of the poverty level.

Higher income standard for certain elderly or disabled households

The USDA also lists a separate gross monthly income standard of 165% of the poverty level for households where elderly or disabled individuals are a separate household.

For the 48 states and D.C., the limits are:

Household size	Gross monthly income limit
1	$2,195
2	$2,976
3	$3,757
4	$4,538
5	$5,319
6	$6,100
7	$6,881
8	$7,662
Each additional member	$781

The corresponding limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.

SNAP standard deductions increase

SNAP households can have certain deductions applied when their eligibility and benefits are calculated.

For the 48 states and D.C., the FY 2027 standard deductions are:

Household size	Standard deduction
1–2	$217
3	$217
4	$229
5	$268
6 or more	$308

The standard deductions are different in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SNAP shelter deduction increases

The maximum excess shelter deduction for the 48 states and D.C. will increase to $769.

The maximum amounts for other areas will be:
Alaska: $1,229
Hawaii: $1,036
Guam: $903
U.S. Virgin Islands: $606

The maximum homeless shelter deduction will be $205.66 in the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SNAP asset limits for 2026-27

The USDA's FY 2027 figures also specify SNAP asset limits. For most households, the maximum asset limit remains $3,000.For households with at least one member who is 60 or older or disabled, the asset limit will be $4,750. The USDA document also states that the $4,750 limit for elderly or disabled households serves as the threshold for substantial lottery or gambling winnings.

SNAP minimum benefit rises to $25

The minimum SNAP allotment for eligible households of one or two people in the 48 states and D.C. will increase to $25.

The minimum amounts differ in other jurisdictions:
48 states and D.C.: $25
Guam: $36
U.S. Virgin Islands: $32
Alaska urban: $31
Alaska rural 1: $40
Alaska rural 2: $49
Hawaii: $40

These minimum allotments apply from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

SNAP benefits are different in Alaska, Hawaii and territories

The October 1 changes are not identical across the country. For example, a four-person household will have a maximum monthly allotment of: 48 states and D.C.: $1,023

Hawaii is notable because its maximum allotments will decrease for FY 2027, even as maximum allotments increase in the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What happens to very large SNAP households?

The USDA has also set a maximum allotment for very large households.

In the 48 states and D.C., households with nine to 17 members receive an additional $225 per person above the eight-person maximum. Households with 18 or more members are capped at $3,887.

The USDA says the calculation is based on a statutory provision requiring an additional 22% of the four-person maximum allotment per person for households of nine or more, with total benefits capped at 200% of the four-person maximum.

SNAP income reporting threshold also changes

Another detail in the FY 2027 USDA document concerns income-change reporting.

For households assigned to change reporting, the threshold for a required report of a change in household income will be $150. The threshold applies in the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

When do the new SNAP rules take effect?

The new SNAP figures take effect on October 1, 2026, and remain in effect through September 30, 2027.

The USDA memorandum, dated August 21, 2026, says the annual COLAs cover SNAP maximum allotments, income eligibility standards and deductions.

For SNAP recipients, it is important to distinguish between the maximum SNAP benefit and the actual monthly benefit. A household does not automatically receive the maximum amount simply because the maximum allotment has increased.

The amount a household receives can depend on its income, household size and deductions that apply to its circumstances.

SNAP changes from October 1, 2026: Key numbers

For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the major FY 2027 figures include:

• Maximum SNAP benefit for one person: $306
• Maximum SNAP benefit for four people: $1,023
• Maximum SNAP benefit for eight people: $1,841
• Maximum for households of 18 or more: $3,887
• Minimum benefit: $25
• Gross monthly income limit for one person: $1,729
• Gross monthly income limit for four people: $3,575
• Net monthly income limit for one person: $1,330
• Net monthly income limit for four people: $2,750
• Standard deduction for 1–3 people: $217
• Maximum excess shelter deduction: $769
• Maximum homeless shelter deduction: $205.66
• Asset limit for most households: $3,000
• Asset limit for households with an elderly or disabled member: $4,750
• Income-change reporting threshold: $150 for households assigned to change reporting.