If you’re one of the millions of Americans who depend on SNAP benefits to help put food on the table, you’ve probably noticed some changes in your monthly payments this year. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has undergone important adjustments in 2025, and understanding these changes can help you better plan your grocery budget and make the most of your benefits.

What Changed This Year

The most significant changes to SNAP benefits took effect on October 1, 2024, marking the beginning of fiscal year 2025. These adjustments, known as Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA), are designed to help benefits keep pace with rising food costs and inflation. Think of it as the government’s way of acknowledging that what $100 bought at the grocery store last year might not stretch as far today.

For a family of four in most states, the maximum monthly SNAP allotment increased to $975. That’s real money that can make a meaningful difference when you’re standing in the grocery aisle trying to decide between name-brand and store-brand items, or whether you can afford those fresh vegetables your family needs.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s talk about what these changes actually mean for your household. The average SNAP recipient receives about $187 per person per month, which works out to roughly $6.16 per day. While that might not sound like much when you think about the cost of a single meal at a restaurant, it’s designed to supplement your food budget, not cover every grocery expense.

Here’s how the maximum monthly benefits break down for different household sizes in most states:

Single person households can receive up to $292 monthly, while larger families see proportionally higher amounts. The minimum benefit remains at $23 for most one- and two-person households, though this amount hasn’t changed despite rising costs.

For families living in Alaska, Hawaii, and other territories, the amounts are different due to higher living costs in these areas. In Alaska, a family of four might receive anywhere from $1,258 to nearly $2,000, while families in Hawaii can receive up to $1,723.

Understanding How Your Benefits Are Calculated

Your SNAP benefits aren’t just randomly assigned. The amount you receive depends on several factors that reflect your family’s actual financial situation. The calculation starts with your gross monthly income, which must generally be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line. For a three-person family, that means your household can’t earn more than about $2,798 per month to qualify.

But here’s where it gets more realistic: the government understands that not every dollar you earn can go toward food. That’s why they apply deductions for things like housing costs, childcare expenses, and medical bills for elderly or disabled household members. These deductions recognize that families have other essential expenses beyond food.

After applying these deductions, your household is expected to contribute about 30% of your net income toward food costs, and SNAP covers the difference up to the maximum benefit amount. This approach acknowledges that while government assistance is crucial, families are also contributing their own resources to put food on the table.

Important Changes to Asset Limits

One of the most significant changes this year affects how much money you can have in savings and still qualify for SNAP. The asset limit increased to $4,500 for households with elderly or disabled members, and $3,000 for other households. This change is particularly important because it means families can save a bit more for emergencies without losing their food assistance.

This adjustment recognizes that having some savings actually helps families stay stable and reduces their long-term need for assistance. It’s the difference between having to choose between fixing your car and buying groceries, versus being able to handle both situations.

Work Requirements and Age Changes

If you’re an adult without dependents, you should be aware of changes to work requirements. The age range for work requirements has expanded to include people up to 52 years old, with plans to extend it to age 54. This means that if you’re between 18 and 52, don’t have children, and aren’t disabled, you’ll need to work or participate in training programs for at least 80 hours per month to maintain your benefits.

However, there are important exceptions. You’re exempt from these requirements if you’re pregnant, homeless, a veteran, unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, or if you aged out of foster care. These exemptions recognize that not everyone is in the same situation, and circumstances beyond our control can affect our ability to work.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Benefits

Understanding these changes is just the first step. Here are some practical ways to make your SNAP benefits stretch further:

Shop strategically. Many stores offer double coupon days or special discounts for SNAP recipients. Some farmers markets also participate in programs that double the value of your benefits when you buy fresh produce.

Plan your meals around sales and seasonal items. Fresh vegetables and fruits are often cheaper when they’re in season, and buying store brands can significantly stretch your budget without sacrificing nutrition.

Keep track of your balance. Most states have apps or websites where you can check your EBT card balance and see when your next payment will arrive. This helps you avoid the embarrassment of having your card declined at checkout.

SNAP Payment Amounts

The next COLA adjustment for SNAP benefits is scheduled for October 2025. These annual reviews help ensure that benefits keep pace with changing economic conditions, though many advocates argue that even with increases, the amounts still fall short of what families actually need to maintain a healthy diet.

Recent legislation has also introduced some concerns about potential future cuts to the program. Changes to SNAP requirements and funding are being discussed in Congress, which could affect eligibility and benefit amounts in coming years. Staying informed about these potential changes can help you plan ahead and advocate for your family’s needs.

Getting Help and Staying Informed

If you’re struggling to understand your benefits or think you might be eligible for more assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your local human services office can work with you to determine if you qualify for benefits or if changes in your circumstances might increase your allotment.

Remember that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of. SNAP exists because our society recognizes that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of their current financial situation. Whether you’re between jobs, dealing with a medical crisis, or working but still struggling to make ends meet, these benefits are designed to provide a safety net that helps you and your family stay healthy and stable.

The changes to SNAP in 2025 represent an acknowledgment that the cost of living continues to rise, and that food assistance programs need to adapt accordingly. While the increases might seem modest, they can make a real difference in your family’s ability to access healthy, nutritious food.

Understanding how these benefits work and staying informed about changes helps you make the best use of this important resource while you work toward greater financial stability.