SNAP Benefits

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released new rates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The rates below take effect on October 1, 2025, and remain in effect until September 30, 2026. 

These changes impact maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions for families nationwide, including many in the military community.

More than 20,000 military families, 213,000 National Guard and Reserve members, and 1.1 million Veterans rely on SNAP benefits. Understanding these updates can help you make informed financial decisions.

Key Takeaways for SNAP Rate Changes

• Maximum allotments increased in most states and territories.
• Family of four: $994 in the 48 States & D.C., $1,285–$1,995 in Alaska (depending on location), $1,465 in Guam, $1,278 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and $1,689 in Hawaii (a decrease from last year)
• Minimum benefit: Raised to $24 in the 48 States & D.C.
• Shelter deduction cap: Raised to $744 in the 48 States & D.C.
• Homeless shelter deduction: Raised to $198.99 nationwide
• Standard deduction (1–3 person households): $209 in the 48 States & D.C.
• Asset limits remain unchanged from the previous rates. ($3,000 for most households, $4,500 if someone is 60+ or disabled)

» MORE: Shop deals & SNAP-eligible groceries on Amazon

SNAP Updates in 2025

Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBB) into law, some significant changes occurred with SNAP.  Some of these changes affect families with military ties, including Veterans, Guard and Reserve households, and servicemembers’ dependents.

Annual Updates & Benefit Levels

The law includes changes to how SNAP benefits will increase. They will still be subject to a match with inflation each year, with cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). However, the law prevented Congress from making additional changes to increase the Thrifty Food Plan until at least 2027. 

Another change comes to how the USDA determines adjustments for household size. Starting in October 2025, a fixed formula will be used to determine maximum allotments. 

One-liner: Benefits will still rise with the cost of living, but future big increases are capped.

Work Requirements & Exemptions

Additional changes for the program affect people classified as “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD). 

Key changes:

• Age exemption rises to 65 and older. (was 54 before)
• The caretaker exemption narrows, as it is only available to parents with children under the age of 14. (was age 22 before)
• Exemptions for Veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth are removed.

Waiver options are available for states, but only if certain aspects are met. Alaska & Hawaii can qualify if unemployment is 150% of the national average. All other states: waivers only if unemployment is 10% or higher.

One-Liner: More adults, including Veterans, must now complete 80 hours of work, training, or community service per month, unless they qualify for one of the exemptions.

Utility & Shelter Cost Rules

There are several energy assistance options available under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (LIHEAP). Only households with an elderly or disabled member can automatically qualify for the utility allowance based on receiving energy aid.

If your household doesn’t have an elderly/disabled member, you’ll need to prove heating/cooling costs to count them. Additionally, internet bills are no longer included in SNAP shelter costs.
One-liner: You may need to provide more paperwork on utility costs at recertification.

Who Qualifies for SNAP

SNAP is a need-based program with income and resource limits, as well as employment and citizenship requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for SNAP, although exceptions exist for children and individuals who receive disability benefits and have lived in the United States for at least five years.

» Did you know? You can now check your SNAP EBT balance on Amazon

Resource Limits

The USDA sets resource limits for households to qualify for SNAP benefits. A household means “everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together,” as well as spouses and children younger than 22, according to the USDA.

The household may have a maximum $3,000 in “countable resources,” effective Oct. 1, 2025. Countable resources include funds in cash or in a bank account. In cases where at least one member has a disability or is at least 60 years old, the resource cap increases to $4,500.

Countable resources do not include SSI benefits, the family’s home, its lot, or most retirement and pension plans

Each state determines whether a vehicle counts as a resource. 

According to the USDA, your vehicle may not count as a resource if: 

• It’s valued under $1,500 
• You use it as a home
• You use it to produce income
• You use it to transport a physically disabled member of the household 
• You use it to carry most of the household’s fuel or water

Check with your state’s SNAP office for further details.

Income Limits

SNAP has gross and net income limits, based on the number of people in the household. You must meet both requirements to qualify. The gross monthly income is based on 130% of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guideline for those living in the continental U.S. Net income is based on 100% of the poverty line. However, these limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.

If someone in your household is over age 60, you only need to meet the net income limit.

SNAP Gross Income Eligibility Limits (130% of Federal Poverty Threshold)

(Effective Oct. 1 2025-Sept. 30 2026)

Household Size	48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$1,696	$2,118	$1,949
2	$2,292	$2,864	$2,635
3	$2,888	$3,609	$3,321
4	$3,483	$4,354	$4,007
5	$4,079	$5,100	$4,692
6	$4,675	$5,845	$5,378
7	$5,271	$6,590	$6,064
8	$5,867	$7,336	$6,750
Each additional member	$596	$746	$686

SNAP Net Income Eligibility Limits (100% of Federal Poverty Threshold)

(Effective Oct. 1 2025-Sept. 30 2026)

Household Size	48 States, District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$1,305	$1,630	$1,500
2	$1,763	$2,203	$2,027
3	$2,221	$2,776	$2,555
4	$2,680	$3,350	$3,082
5	$3,138	$3,923	$3,610
6	$3,596	$4,496	$4,137
7	$4,055	$5,070	$4,665
8	$4,513	$5,643	$5,192
Each additional member	$459	$574	$528

Note: Most military pay and allowances count as household income, according to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. This includes basic allowance for housing (BAH) and basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). Only combat pay, hostile fire pay and imminent danger pay do not count.

Maximum Allotments

Maximum SNAP Allotments for 48 States & D.C.

(Effective Oct. 1 2025-Sept. 30 2026)

Household Size	48 States, District of Columbia
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789
Each additional member	$218

Maximum SNAP Allotments for Alaska

(Effective Oct. 1 2025-Sept. 30 2026)

Household Size	Alaska (Urban)	Alaska (Rural 1)	Alaska (Rural 2)
1	$385	$491	$598
2	$707	$901	$1,097
3	$1,015	$1,295	$1,576
4	$1,285	$1,639	$1,995
5	$1,529	$1,950	$2,374
6	$1,838	$2,344	$2,853
7	$2,031	$2,590	$3,152
8	$2,314	$2,950	$3,591
Each additional member	$282	$360	$438

Maximum SNAP Allotments for Hawaii

(Effective Oct. 1 2025-Sept. 30 2026)

Household Size	Hawaii
1	$506
2	$929
3	$1,334
4	$1,689
5	$2,010
6	$2,415
7	$2,668
8	$3,040
Each additional member	$371

SNAP Employment Requirements

You must also meet the following work requirements to be eligible for the SNAP program, according to the USDA:

• Not voluntarily quitting a job
• Not voluntarily reducing your hours of employment
• Taking a job when you are offered one
• Participating in employment and training programs, if your state offers them

To receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period, you must work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week, according to the USDA. However, children, senior citizens, pregnant people and people with physical or mental limitations are exempt from this requirement.

SNAP Benefits Versus the Military’s Assistance Program

The Department of Defense approved a new basic needs allowance (BNA) for service members whose household income falls below a certain threshold. Like SNAP, gross household income must fall below 130% of the poverty level.

The BNA will provide a monthly benefit that brings the household income up to 130% of the poverty threshold.

How BNA Differs from SNAP

SNAP recipients receive a debit card that can only be used for food items. The government replenishes the debit card balance on a monthly basis. 

DOD adds BNA to military members’ pay. The funds are not subject to SNAP’s purchase restrictions.

Can SNAP and BNA Be Used Concurrently?

No. Once you receive BNA benefits, your eligibility for SNAP ends. Military pay and allowances count as household income, so you must report BNA income to the SNAP office. 

Receiving BNA benefits may also affect your ability to financially qualify for other government programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It may also change eligibility for school lunch programs, earned income tax credits, and other benefits.

Tax code for both federal and state income taxes changes frequently. Ask a tax professional how receiving federal assistance, such as SNAP or BNA, affects taxes.