Starting October 1, 2025, maximum benefit amounts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, will see a notable increase. This adjustment, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is aimed at providing enhanced financial assistance to low-income households across the United States, ensuring they can access nutritious food.
SNAP plays a critical role in the lives of millions of Americans, helping them purchase eligible food items through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The increase in benefits will apply to most of the country, with exceptions for certain territories.
New Maximum Benefits for Households Across the U.S.
According to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, maximum monthly SNAP benefits will rise across the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Washington D.C., Alaska, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, there will be a reduction for households in Hawaii and Guam.
For a typical family of four, the new maximum monthly benefit in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. will be $994. Alaska will see slightly higher amounts, ranging from $1,285 to $1,995, depending on the area. For Hawaii, the benefit will decrease to $1,723, while Guam will see a reduction to $1,689. Households in the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive a maximum of $1,278.
For smaller households, the USDA has set the following maximum benefit amounts:
- 1 person: $298
- 2 people: $546
- 3 people: $785
- 5 people: $1,183
- 6 people: $1,421
Each additional household member beyond eight will increase the benefit by $218.
What Can Be Bought with SNAP Benefits?
SNAP benefits are intended to ensure recipients can access a wide variety of nutritious foods. According to the USDA, EBT cards can be used to purchase essential household food items, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, recipients can use benefits to buy seeds and plants that produce food for the household.
However, there are strict restrictions on what can be purchased. SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items, such as cleaning supplies or paper products, nor can they be used to buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, live animals, or hot foods sold for immediate consumption. In some states, additional restrictions may apply to sugary drinks, candies, and snacks.
The increase in SNAP benefits is an important development for millions of low-income families, helping ensure they can continue to afford the food they need for a healthy and balanced diet. As always, recipients are advised to check with local retailers to confirm which items are eligible for purchase under the program.
