SNAP payments go up October 1 and some families could get hundreds more a year

Millions of Americans who receive SNAP benefits could see more money available for groceries starting Oct. 1, when the program’s annual cost-of-living adjustment takes effect.

The change increases maximum monthly benefits in most of the country. Some income limits and deductions used to calculate eligibility are also changing.

But there’s one thing to know: not everyone will receive the maximum amount, and not every household will see the same increase.

How much will SNAP benefits increase?

For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the new maximum monthly benefits starting Oct. 1 are:

1 person: $306 per month, up $8

2 people: $562 per month, up $16

3 people: $808 per month, up $23

4 people: $1,023 per month, up $29

5 people: $1,217 per month, up $34

6 people: $1,463 per month, up $42

7 people: $1,616 per month, up $45

8 people: $1,841 per month, up $52

Households with more than eight people can receive an additional amount for each extra member.

The minimum benefit for eligible one- and two-person households also increases from $24 to $25 per month.

Will everyone get more money on their EBT card?

Not necessarily.

The figures above are the maximum SNAP benefits, not guaranteed payments for every recipient. Your actual benefit depends on factors including your household size, income and certain allowable expenses.

For example, a four-person household that qualifies for the maximum benefit could receive up to $1,023 per month, compared with $994 under the previous maximum. That’s $29 more each month.

Other households may see a smaller change depending on how their benefits are calculated.

Income limits are changing too

The Oct. 1 update isn’t only about how much SNAP can pay. Some federal income limits used to determine eligibility are increasing as well.

That means households should not assume they are ineligible based on last year’s numbers. Eligibility rules can also vary by state and household circumstances, so the best way to know is to check with your state’s SNAP agency.

Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have different maximum benefit amounts from those listed above.

When will the new SNAP amounts begin?

The new amounts take effect Oct. 1, 2026 and remain in place through Sept. 30, 2027.

That doesn’t mean everyone receives money on Oct. 1. Your normal SNAP payment date still depends on the schedule used by your state.

The simplest takeaway is this: maximum SNAP benefits are going up in October, but exactly how much more appears on your EBT card will depend on your household.