New SNAP benefits to come in effect in US
As of October 1, 2026, millions of Americans who receive SNAP assistance will experience new eligibility rules and updated benefit amounts. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income Americans, will see significant changes. The federal government's share of SNAP administrative costs will decrease from 50% to 25%, meaning states will take on 75% of the costs.
To qualify for SNAP, a household's gross monthly income must be 130% or less than the federal poverty level. As of October 1, this equates to $1,729 for an individual and $3,575 for a family of four. The net income limits are lower, set at $1,330 for an individual and $2,750 for a family of four.
Asset limits remain unchanged at $3,000 for most households, or $4,750 for households with someone who is disabled or aged 60 or older. The minimum benefit remains at $25 a month for one- or two-person households.
Household size and state will determine the maximum SNAP monthly allotment, with a family of four in the 48 contiguous U.S. states or Washington, D.C., receiving a new benefit limit of $1,023 starting October 1.
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