INDIANA – For those benefiting from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has announced updated maximum benefit levels starting in October. The new rates will be effective throughout the 2025 fiscal year, continuing until the next Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is set for the 2026 fiscal year. These changes will impact 49 states and U.S. territories, with one exception leading to decreased benefits.
SNAP, which provides essential monthly cash assistance to low-income households across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories, delivers aid via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be used at authorized stores to purchase food. Benefits are disbursed monthly, and while the FNS has announced the updated rates, recipients will not see these changes reflected until October 1. According to the Food Action and Research Center, around 36% of SNAP recipients receive the maximum benefit, highlighting the program’s crucial role amid rising food prices due to inflation.
Changes by Location:
- Contiguous 48 States and Washington D.C.: For individuals living alone, the maximum monthly benefit will increase by $1, reaching $292, up from $291. For a four-person household, the benefit will rise by $2, from $973 to $975. While these increases are modest, they may offer relief when combined with other assistance programs.
- Alaska: SNAP benefits in Alaska vary based on whether recipients live in urban or rural areas. In urban areas, a single-person household will receive a maximum of $377, while a four-person household can get up to $1,258. In Rural 1 areas, benefits are higher, with single-person households receiving up to $481 and four-person households receiving up to $1,604. Rural 2 regions offer the highest benefits, with single-person households qualifying for $586 and four-person households up to $1,530.
- Hawaii: SNAP benefits will decrease in Hawaii. Single-person households will see their maximum benefit drop from $527 to $518, while four-person households will experience a reduction from $1,759 to $1,723, saving $36.
- Guam: SNAP payments in Guam will see a slight increase. The benefit for a four-person household will rise from $1,434 to $1,437, and the maximum for a single person will increase from $430 to $431.
