People who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP will notice a slight increase in their benefits this month due to the periodic cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). These adjustments are made to help low-income households cope with rising prices, particularly for essential items like food, by taking inflation into account.
Along with this increase, there are also new regulations affecting adults who are considered “able-bodied” and have no dependents. One of the major changes is that the age limit for defining these adults has been raised from 52 to 54 years. This adjustment is part of a series of changes introduced through the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
SNAP recipients to see an increase in October
The recently approved Fiscal Responsibility Act didn’t just address SNAP benefits adjustments but also introduced stricter requirements for adults without dependents who are considered physically capable of working. Starting this month, these individuals must demonstrate that they are working at least 80 hours per month, or that they are enrolled in an educational or workforce training program. These requirements will remain in effect through 2030.
This shift is part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring that able-bodied SNAP recipients either participate in the workforce or engage in activities that help improve their employability, such as education or job training. The work requirements only apply to individuals classified as “adults without dependents,” meaning those who do not have children or other family members relying on them for support.
What do the benefit adjustments involve?
SNAP households will see a modest increase in the monthly amount allocated to them. While this boost may seem small, it can be a vital change for low-income families, who are particularly vulnerable to the rising costs of groceries and other basic needs.
It’s important to note that the adjustment is not uniform across the entire country. In areas where the cost of food is notably higher—such as Hawaii, Alaska, the Virgin Islands, and Guam—SNAP benefits are adjusted upwards to account for these higher expenses. These regions consistently face a higher cost of living compared to most parts of the United States, making these larger benefits crucial for residents there.