SNAP checks are rising, but a hidden cost shift could reshape food benefits: What the October rules mean for millions of Americans

SNAP checks are rising in October: Millions of Americans who receive SNAP benefits will see a modest increase in their maximum monthly allotments starting Oct. 1. For a family of three in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the maximum benefit will rise by $23 a month. A family of four will get a $29 increase, while a single recipient will see an $8 increase.

The increase comes from the annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. On paper, it gives households a little more help with grocery costs. The bigger change taking effect the same day, though, will happen behind the scenes.

Why are states paying more for SNAP starting Oct. 1?

Beginning Oct. 1, states will take on 75% of SNAP's administrative costs, up from 50%. That includes the expenses involved in determining eligibility, processing applications and managing benefits.


Recipients may not notice the change immediately. State agencies will still run the program, and benefit amounts will not suddenly fall because of the administrative cost shift.

The concern is what happens to state budgets over time.

The National Association of Counties estimates that counties required to contribute to the non-federal share could face as much as $850 million in additional annual obligations. Many states have already budgeted for the higher administrative costs. Others may have less room to absorb them.

That creates a difficult budget question. Money directed toward SNAP administration cannot be spent elsewhere, and states are already balancing demands across public services.

Why could SNAP benefits face another change in 2027?

The larger financial change is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2027. Starting then, most states are expected to contribute toward the actual cost of SNAP benefits for the first time. The amount will depend partly on each state's error rate, which measures mistakes in determining eligibility and benefit amounts.

A state with a higher error rate could face a larger financial obligation. The potential exposure varies considerably. Farm Aid has estimated that states could ultimately be responsible for amounts ranging from about $15 million to $1.5 billion.

What could higher SNAP costs mean for people receiving benefits?

The immediate COLA increase does not tell the whole story. If states struggle to finance the program, the pressure could show up through its administration rather than a direct reduction in the monthly benefit. Analysts cited by USA TODAY have pointed to possible longer call-center waits, fewer technology improvements and more complicated interactions with state agencies.

Those changes can matter to someone trying to apply for food assistance or resolve a problem with an existing case.

There is also a possibility that some states could reconsider whether they can continue financing the program under the new rules. State agencies have indicated that possibility could be considered if costs become difficult to manage.

Why could SNAP changes affect school meals too?

SNAP reaches beyond grocery benefits. Children living in households that receive SNAP can qualify for school meals through direct certification. That means families generally do not have to complete a separate application for those meals.

Urban Institute research cited by USA TODAY estimates that changes to SNAP could put access to free school meals at risk for about 832,000 students, either by ending direct certification or requiring families to complete additional forms.

What choices could states face as costs rise?

States and local governments have several possible ways to handle the additional expense. The National Association of Counties has identified options that include reducing other services, raising local taxes or fees, delaying infrastructure projects or absorbing the higher costs within existing budgets.

Those choices will differ from state to state because their finances and SNAP participation levels are different.

Could Congress delay the next SNAP cost shift?

There is already a proposal to push back the start of state benefit cost-sharing. The Senate Agriculture Committee's latest Farm Bill proposal would delay the requirement by one year, moving it from Oct. 1, 2027, to Oct. 1, 2028. The proposal would also increase the penalty for states with the highest error rates to offset the delay.