SNAP vs. Social Security: October COLA Update as SCL Forecasts 2.4% Rise
- Author: Elizabeth Miller
- Posted: 2025-06-19
If you're relying on SNAP or planning to apply, understanding how much support you might receive and when changes could happen is essential.
This year’s benefit amounts are in effect until September 30, 2025, but keep your eyes on October 1, when the next adjustment could take place.
Now here's something most people don't realize: just because the government announces a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), it doesn’t always mean SNAP benefits will increase.
Recent COLAs have led to lower benefit limits in states like Hawaii.
Why? Because COLAs track inflation, and when inflation slows or even dips, benefit levels can be reduced.
So, while SNAP households usually get updates sooner than Social Security recipients, there’s no guarantee of a boost.
Social Security COLAs apply in January, but SNAP adjustments show up in October, which is helpful for those living on tighter grocery budgets.
The Senior Citizens League (SCL) estimates a 2.4% COLA for 2026, but even that might translate to only a slight change in SNAP amounts, if any at all.
2025 SNAP Maximum Monthly Benefits
The USDA has set the following maximum allotments for households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., from October 2024 to September 2025:
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1 person: $292
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2 people: $536
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3 people: $768
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4 people: $975
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5 people: $1,158
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6 people: $1,390
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7 people: $1,536
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8 people: $1,756
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Add $220 per additional person
Households in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands receive higher amounts.
For instance, in urban Alaska, a family of four could get up to $1,258 per month.
Income Requirements to Qualify
SNAP eligibility depends on your income and household size. There are gross and net income limits. Here's a quick look:
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2-person household:
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Gross: $2,215/month
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Net: $1,704/month
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4-person household:
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Gross: $3,380/month
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Net: $2,600/month
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Income includes wages, pensions, unemployment, and more. But the good news is, there are several deductions allowed to reduce your countable income:
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20% of earned income
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Dependent care costs
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High housing expenses
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Medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members
What About Seniors and People with Disabilities?
Households with elderly (age 60+) or disabled members don’t need to meet the gross income test, just the net one.
They're also allowed higher resource limits, up to $4,500 in countable savings or assets.
Some states, like Texas, offer simplified applications for households that include only elderly or disabled individuals, which can make the process faster and easier.
Citizenship and ABAWD Requirements
SNAP applicants must be U.S. citizens or have qualified legal status.
U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants may still qualify. You must also apply in your current state of residence.
Adults aged 18 to 52 without dependents, also known as ABAWDs, must meet work requirements.
To continue receiving benefits beyond three months in a three-year period, they must:
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Work at least 20 hours a week, or
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Participate in a qualifying work or training program
When Will I Hear Back After Applying?
The SNAP approval process usually takes up to 30 days.
However, if your household is facing severe hardship (such as income under $150 and less than $100 in resources), you may be approved within 7 days under expedited service.
Once approved, your benefits are deposited monthly onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, which works at most grocery stores and can also be used at online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Mark Your Calendar: October 1, 2025
SNAP’s current benefit rates are in place through September 30, 2025.
Any new adjustments, based on COLA, will start October 1.
If there’s an increase or decrease, it will automatically appear in your October benefit, depending on your state’s payment schedule.
To stay informed, check with your local SNAP office or visit fns.usda.gov/snap for the latest updates.
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