2025 COLA Increase for SNAP Payments – Know the Updated Amounts

Starting October 1, 2024, millions of Americans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will see a modest increase in their payments thanks to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This increase is designed to help offset the loss of purchasing power caused by inflation, ensuring that recipients can continue to afford essential food items as prices rise.

SNAP Recipients

The purpose of the COLA for SNAP benefits is simple but vital: to ensure that rising inflation doesn’t reduce recipients’ ability to purchase food. As inflation drives up food costs, the value of SNAP benefits can decrease if not adjusted. The COLA increase ensures that beneficiaries won’t lose buying power and may even be able to purchase the same amount, or slightly more, despite higher prices.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, understands the importance of this adjustment, especially for low-income households who depend on these benefits to meet their nutritional needs.

Benefits

Most SNAP beneficiaries in the 48 contiguous states, as well as Washington D.C., will receive a slight boost in their benefits starting in October. However, recipients in Hawaii will actually see a reduction in their maximum benefit amounts due to local cost of living adjustments that differ from the rest of the country.

The new COLA means:

• More money to help fight inflation and rising food costs.
• No loss of purchasing power, allowing recipients to maintain or improve their food budget.

COLA Increase

Unlike Social Security recipients, who must wait until January for their COLA adjustment, SNAP beneficiaries will see their increased payments starting October 1, 2024. The exact date you’ll receive your first payment with the 2025 COLA increase depends on your state of residence. For example:

• In states like Vermont, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Alaska, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, payments with the increase will be distributed on October 1.
• Other states will distribute payments between October 1 and October 28, depending on their specific schedules.

Benefits Increase

The COLA increase for SNAP benefits is relatively small this year, offering an extra $1 to $5 for households receiving the maximum benefit. The exact amount of the increase depends on household size and the state you live in. For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., the increase is roughly 0.34% for individuals and 0.29% for a family of eight. While this may seem like a small boost, it is designed to ensure benefits remain aligned with inflation trends.

Maximum SNAP Benefits

Household Size	Maximum SNAP Benefit
1	$292
2	$536
3	$768
4	$975
5	$1,158
6	$1,390
7	$1,536
8	$1,756

For families larger than eight, the SNAP benefit increases by $220 per additional person.

How to Maximize

If you’re a SNAP recipient, there are several ways to make the most of your benefits:

1. Track local sales and use coupons at participating retailers to stretch your benefits.
2. Utilize local food banks or community support programs that can supplement your grocery needs.
3. Plan meals and shopping trips to avoid waste and make the most of your budget.

What to Expect Next

As the 2025 COLA comes into effect, be sure to monitor your SNAP benefit amounts, especially if you are in one of the states that distributes payments later in October. If you live in Hawaii, it’s important to note that your benefits will decrease slightly due to localized cost adjustments.

While the 2025 COLA increase may not seem large, it is crucial for maintaining purchasing power amid rising food prices. As inflation continues to affect essential items like groceries, this adjustment helps ensure that SNAP recipients can continue to put food on the table without losing ground to rising costs.

FAQs