Staying up to date with USDA-authorized benefit changes is more than just smart—it’s essential if you rely on programs like SNAP. Each year, the federal government adjusts benefit amounts based on the cost of living, known as the Cost of Living Adjustment or COLA.
These updates have a direct impact on how much food assistance low-income individuals and families can receive.
Let’s break down what’s new for the 2025 fiscal year, how eligibility rules have shifted, and what the updated SNAP benefit amounts look like.
Updates
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. It sets the rules and figures out how much support recipients get each year. With the new fiscal year starting on October 1, 2024, changes based on COLA have already kicked in for 2025.
These annual adjustments aim to ensure that SNAP benefits keep up with rising living costs. That way, recipients aren’t left behind when prices for groceries, rent, or transportation go up.
ABAWDs
There’s a notable change in 2025 that impacts “Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents,” or ABAWDs. In the past, this group—typically people aged 18 to 50—had to either work or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours a month to receive benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period.
Now, that age range has expanded. Starting in 2025, the work requirement extends to those up to age 54. So, if you’re an ABAWD aged between 18 and 54, you need to meet those work or training hour minimums unless you qualify for an exemption.
Income
Eligibility for SNAP starts with income limits. Generally, applicants must have a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line. That number shifts based on household size, and for many families, deductions for things like housing, child care, or medical expenses are also factored in to determine net income.
But what’s most important here is how much families can actually receive each month under the new 2025 guidelines. Thanks to COLA, the USDA has bumped up the maximum allotments for most recipients across the country.
Amounts
To make this easier to know, here’s a simple table showing the new maximum monthly SNAP benefits for households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.
| Household Size | Max Monthly Benefit (FY 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each Extra Person | +$220 |
The minimum benefit, which applies mostly to small households with very low net income, remains at $23 for most states.
States
While these amounts apply to most of the U.S., some states like Alaska and Hawaii—and certain U.S. territories—have different allotment levels due to higher local costs of living. Always check with your local SNAP office or the FNS website to find out the exact numbers for your area.
Knowing these changes is key. Whether you’re applying for the first time or already receiving SNAP, knowing what you’re entitled to can help you better budget and plan your groceries each month.
If your circumstances have changed—like household size or income—it’s a good idea to update your information with your local SNAP agency to ensure you’re getting the right benefit.
FAQs
What is the 2025 SNAP max for 4 people?
$975 is the maximum monthly benefit for a household of 4.
Who qualifies as an ABAWD in 2025?
Adults aged 18–54 without dependents must meet work rules.
What is the SNAP income limit?
130% of the federal poverty line is the gross income limit.
What is the SNAP minimum benefit?
It’s $23 for eligible households in most U.S. states.
When did the new benefits start?
They took effect on October 1, 2024, for fiscal year 2025.
