Yes, food stamps, officially known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, are increasing in 2025. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) adjusts SNAP benefits annually to account for the cost of living. These adjustments, known as Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA), ensure that SNAP benefits keep pace with inflation and the rising costs of food and basic necessities. For fiscal year 2025, which began on October 1, 2024, increased maximum allotments and shelter caps are in effect for most U.S. states and territories.
These changes are crucial for low-income individuals and families who rely on SNAP to afford groceries. SNAP plays a vital role in reducing food insecurity and improving access to nutritious food. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), SNAP can decrease food insecurity by as much as 30%, particularly benefiting children and families with children. The program not only helps families afford enough food but also enables them to purchase healthier diets and allocate resources to other essential needs like healthcare.
Image of eggs, symbolizing increasing grocery costs and food price inflation, relevant to discussions about potential food stamps increase in 2025 and SNAP benefits
While maximum SNAP allotments are increasing in most areas, it’s important to note some variations. For a family of four in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., the maximum SNAP allotment will be $975. Alaska’s maximum allotments for a family of four will range from $1,258 to $1,953, and Guam will see a maximum of $1,437 for the same family size. The U.S. Virgin Islands will have a maximum allotment of $1,254 for a family of four. However, Hawaii is an exception, with a decrease in the maximum allotment for a family of four to $1,723. The minimum monthly benefit for the 48 states and D.C. remains at $23.
Beyond benefit amounts, there are also changes to SNAP eligibility in 2025, specifically concerning work requirements for “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs). The age range for ABAWD work requirements is expanding. In 2025, these requirements now apply to individuals aged 18 to 52. This expansion will continue in October 2024, extending the age limit to 54. To maintain SNAP eligibility, ABAWDs must work at least 80 hours per month, participate in a work program for 80 hours monthly, or combine work and work program hours to total 80 hours a month.
However, there are exemptions to these work requirements. Individuals unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, pregnant women, veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and young adults aged 24 or younger who were in foster care on their 18th birthday are exempt from ABAWD work rules.
SNAP eligibility also depends on income. To qualify for SNAP benefits in 2025, households must generally have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. These income limits are also adjusted to reflect changes in the poverty level.
Here are the maximum monthly SNAP allotments for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. for fiscal year 2025:
- Household size 1: $292
- Household size 2: $536
- Household size 3: $768
- Household size 4: $975
- Household size 5: $1,158
- Household size 6: $1,390
- Household size 7: $1,536
- Household size 8: $1,756
- Each additional person: $220
Understanding these changes to SNAP in 2025 is crucial for individuals and families who rely on food assistance. The increase in maximum allotments will provide much-needed support to combat rising food costs, while awareness of eligibility rules, including work requirements and income limits, is essential for accessing these benefits.
