SNAP vs. Social Security: October COLA Update and Application Tips as SCL Projects 2.4% Increase

If you’re receiving SNAP or have recently applied, it’s essential to understand how much you could receive, what eligibility rules apply, and what changes may occur in the months ahead, particularly around October 1, 2025, when the next update to benefit amounts is expected.

Here’s something that surprises many recipients: just because there’s a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) doesn’t mean your benefits will go up.

In fact, in states like Hawaii, maximum SNAP amounts were reduced after previous COLAs.

That’s because COLA is tied to inflation, and when prices stall or drop slightly, benefits can too.

If things stay as they are, new SNAP payment amounts will take effect in your October benefit, according to your state’s payout schedule.

And unlike Social Security recipients, who wait until January for their COLA, SNAP households often see these adjustments three months earlier, giving a small edge to those on tight budgets.

According to the Senior Citizens League (SCL), a 2.4% COLA is projected for 2026, which may influence SNAP, though likely with a smaller impact.

SNAP Maximum Monthly Amounts for 2025

From October 2024 to September 2025, the maximum monthly SNAP amounts in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., are:

• 1 person: $292

• 2 people: $536

• 3 people: $768

• 4 people: $975

• 5 people: $1,158

• 6 people: $1,390

• 7 people: $1,536

• 8 people: $1,756

• Each additional person: +$220

Other regions like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have higher maximums.

For example, a family of four in urban Alaska may receive up to $1,258/month.

Income Limits and What Counts

To receive SNAP, your household must meet gross and net income requirements. Here are a couple of examples:

• 2-person household:

  • Gross monthly income: $2,215

  • Net monthly income: $1,704

• 4-person household:

  • Gross monthly income: $3,380

  • Net monthly income: $2,600

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Countable income includes wages, tips, unemployment, Social Security, and pension payments.

But several deductions can reduce your countable income:

• 20% of earned income

• Childcare expenses

• High housing costs

• Medical expenses (for seniors or disabled individuals)

For seniors or people with disabilities, only the net income test applies, and the resource limit is higher, up to $4,500, compared to $3,000 for others.

Citizenship, ABAWD Rules, and Other Requirements

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.

• Children who are U.S. citizens can qualify even if their parents are undocumented.

• You must apply in the state where you live.

• In states like Texas, simplified applications are available for households made up entirely of elderly or disabled individuals.

• Adults aged 18 to 52 with no dependents (known as ABAWDs) must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in training to keep benefits beyond three months.

How Long Does Approval Take?

Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days.

However, emergency cases, like households with under $100 in resources and limited income, can get help within 7 days.

Once approved, your benefits are delivered via EBT card, which you can use at stores or online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Watch for Changes in October

Until September 30, 2025, current SNAP amounts remain the same.

The new benefit levels, if any, will apply starting October 1, 2025, and will be automatically reflected in your monthly deposit.

Stay updated by checking your local SNAP office or visiting the USDA SNAP website to track any COLA announcements or benefit changes.

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