SNAP benefits from October 1: Will 37 million Americans get increased payments? New rules, income limits and monthly benefits explained

From October 1, 2026, as many as 37 million Americans receiving SNAP assistance will face new eligibility rules and updated benefit amounts. How much an American receives in SNAP benefits depends largely on their household income and assets.

What are the new SNAP benefits?

Starting in October, millions of Americans who rely on government safety net programs could soon see major changes as new rules from President Donald Trump's sweeping budget law. The changes are applicable for both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, the nation's health insurance program for low-income Americans.

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According to NewsWeek, the federal government's share of SNAP administrative costs will fall from 50 percent to 25 percent. This means states will now be responsible for 75 percent of the costs of running the program. Generally, you qualify for at least some assistance if your gross monthly income is 130% or less than the federal poverty level. From next month, that number equals $1,729 as an individual or $3,575 as a family of four. The net income limits are lower: $1,330 for an individual or $2,750 for a family of four.

Different rules and limits are in place for households that have someone who is elderly or disabled. See the income limits for all situations in the new guidance here.

There will be no change in asset limit this year. It’s set at $3,000 for most households, or $4,750 in households where someone is disabled or 60 and older.

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How much SNAP support will you get from Oct. 1?

The result could be fewer SNAP participants, analysts said. Already, SNAP has lost more than 4.7 million people nationwide since July 2025, according to data through March from the US Department of Agriculture.

Household Size	48 States and D.C.	Alaska (Urban)	Alaska (Rural 1)	Alaska (Rural 2)	Guam	Hawaii	U.S. Virgin Islands
1	$306	$392	$499	$608	$452	$496	$394
2	$562	$718	$916	$1,115	$829	$910	$723
3	$808	$1,032	$1,316	$1,602	$1,191	$1,307	$1,039
4	$1,023	$1,306	$1,666	$2,027	$1,507	$1,655	$1,315
5	$1,217	$1,555	$1,982	$2,413	$1,794	$1,969	$1,565
6	$1,463	$1,868	$2,382	$2,900	$2,156	$2,367	$1,880
7	$1,616	$2,064	$2,632	$3,204	$2,382	$2,615	$2,078
8	$1,841	$2,352	$2,999	$3,650	$2,714	$2,979	$2,367

Factors affecting SNAP benefits

Income limits: $3,575 a month (up from $3,483 in 2025)

Gross income is the total income of your households before deductions, and net is what's left after. Most households must fall under both limits to qualify.

Standard deduction: $217 for households of one to three people ($209 in 2025)

This amount is deducted from every household's income before benefits are calculated. Larger households get a higher deduction.

Shelter deduction cap: $769 ($744 in 2025)

SNAP gives an extra deduction when housing costs take up more than half of your countable income, but most households face a limit on that deduction.

Asset limit: $3,000 (unchanged from 2025)

This is how much a household can have in savings and other countable assets and still qualify. For households with a member who is 60 or older or disabled, the limit rises to $4,750 (from $4,500 in 2025).

Minimum benefit: $25 a month ($24 in 2025)

This is the smallest benefit an eligible one- or two-person household can receive.

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How will SNAP benefits change?

The maximum SNAP monthly allotment is changing to keep up with the rising cost of food. The maximum amount a household receives depends on the state they live in. For a family of four living in the 48 contiguous U.S. states or Washington, D.C., the new benefit limit is $1,023.

Household size	Maximum benefit starting Oct. 1, 2026	Maximum benefit before Oct. 1
1	$306	$298
2	$562	$546
3	$808	$785
4	$1,023	$994
5	$1,217	$1,183
6	$1,463	$1,421
7	$1,616	$1,571
8	$1,841	$1,789
Each additional per	$225	$218

Changes to Medicaid coverage for some immigrants

October 1 will also bring significant changes to Medicaid eligibility for some lawful non-citizens.

Under guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), federal Medicaid funding for full-scope coverage will generally be limited to:

• U.S. citizens and nationals
• Lawful permanent residents, including green card holders
• Cuban-Haitian entrants
• Citizens of Compact of Free Association nations

Another major change to Medicaid is expected under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Beginning in 2027, certain able-bodied adults between 19 and 64 will have to complete at least 80 hours per month of approved activities to remain eligible for Medicaid.

These activities could include employment, job training, education or community service.

The new work requirements are scheduled to take effect in January 2027, after the October eligibility changes. However, the exact timeline could vary depending on federal guidance and how individual states implement the rules.

The requirements are intended to encourage workforce participation while maintaining Medicaid coverage for people considered most vulnerable.