SNAP Benefits – 2025 COLA Increase Falls Short of Food Stamp Recipients’ Expectations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service have confirmed the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), bringing changes that will impact millions of recipients. While most states will see a slight increase in benefits, Hawaii will experience a decrease.

Changes

For those residing in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, the 2025 COLA brings a modest boost in SNAP benefits. Depending on household size and income, the increase may range from as little as $1 for an individual to $5 for a family of eight. For example, a single person will see their maximum benefit increase from $291 to $292 starting October 1, 2024.

In contrast, Hawaii, which typically receives higher SNAP benefits due to a higher cost of living, will see a decrease after the adjustment. This change may require recipients in Hawaii to reassess their budgeting strategies to accommodate the reduced assistance.

Alaska, Guam, and the Virgin Islands

In Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, recipients will also benefit from the COLA increase. However, the specific amount varies widely depending on the location. Alaska, in particular, has three different categories: Urban, Rural 1, and Rural 2, reflecting the varying costs of living across the state.

For instance, a household of one in Urban Alaska will receive up to $377, while the same household in Rural 2 will get up to $586. Meanwhile, in Guam, a single person can receive up to $431, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum benefit for one person is $376.

SNAP Benefit Amounts

Below is a summary of the new maximum SNAP benefits effective after the 2025 COLA:

48 Contiguous States and DC:

Household Size	Maximum Benefit
1	$292
2	$536
3	$768
4	$975
5	$1,158
6	$1,390
7	$1,536
8	$1,756
Each Additional	$220

Guam:

Household Size	Maximum Benefit
1	$431
2	$790
3	$1,132
4	$1,437
5	$1,707
6	$2,049
7	$2,264
8	$2,588
Each Additional	$324

U.S. Virgin Islands:

Household Size	Maximum Benefit
1	$376
2	$689
3	$987
4	$1,254
5	$1,489
6	$1,787
7	$1,975
8	$2,257
Each Additional	$282

Alaska (Urban, Rural 1, Rural 2):

Household Size	Urban	Rural 1	Rural 2
1	$377	$481	$586
2	$692	$882	$1,074
3	$991	$1,263	$1,538
4	$1,258	$1,604	$1,953
5	$1,494	$1,905	$2,319
6	$1,793	$2,287	$2,783
7	$1,982	$2,527	$3,076
8	$2,265	$2,888	$3,516
Each Additional	$283	$361	$440

Hawaii:

Household Size	Maximum Benefit
1	$517
2	$948
3	$1,357
4	$1,723
5	$2,046
6	$2,456
7	$2,714
8	$3,102
Each Additional	$388

Impact and Considerations

For households in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., this adjustment offers minimal relief amid rising living costs. However, larger families stand to gain slightly more, with a family of eight seeing an increase of $5. In contrast, the decrease in Hawaii may strain already tight budgets, especially as food costs continue to rise.

In Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the cost of living is generally higher, the COLA increase provides a more substantial boost, offering more significant support to residents in these regions.

Overall, while the 2025 COLA adjustments offer some help, recipients should plan accordingly, especially in areas where the benefits are decreasing.

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