The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is likely to get more money in 2025 because of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This is a yearly increase that helps users keep up with inflation and the rising cost of necessities.
The COLA change makes sure that SNAP benefits are in line with the current state of the economy. This gives families across the United States much-needed financial help. The cost of food and other needs went up because inflation stayed high in 2024.
The rate increase in 2025 is meant to deal with rising prices, which will have a direct effect on the amount of SNAP benefits people get. The exact amount of the COLA bump depends on state rules, family size, and the person’s personal financial situation. However, recipients can usually expect their monthly benefits to go up.
How does the cost of living adjustment increase impact SNAP benefits in the US?
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 has finally been released. Over the next year, everyone who gets food stamps will see a 2.5% rise in their monthly payment. The latest numbers on inflation and the cost of living are taken into account for the coming year, though the effect is not as big as in previous years.
This change is meant to help people, especially low-income families and retirees, keep their purchasing power in a market where the prices of necessities keep going up. Because so many people are having trouble paying for housing, health care, and other needs, policymakers are working hard to make sure that the COLA accurately reflects the economic situation they are inches.
In other words, this change is necessary to keep the economy stable and help those who are most touched by it. It’s important to remember that the COLA change applies all over the country. The actual increase in SNAP benefits will, however, rely on the circumstances in each state.
While the federal government sets the basic rules for SNAP benefits, each state can change these benefits based on their own economies and differences in the cost of living. For a general idea of how the COLA increase might affect SNAP payments in different states, read on:
- High Cost of Living States: SNAP benefit changes are usually greater in states like California, New York, and Hawaii, where living expenses are higher. Compared to lower-cost areas, citizens of these states may anticipate a larger boost from the COLA hike in 2025. This is because these states may provide more substantial benefits to keep up with local pricing. After all, their SNAP calculations start at a higher baseline.
- Moderate Cost of Living States: SNAP benefits will be modified in states with a moderate cost of living, such as Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Although recipients in these regions may not see as large an increase as those in more expensive states, the 2025 COLA increase will still apply. However, the COLA increase will still provide a significant cushion to help households cope with continued inflation.
- States with Lower Cost of Living: Although the adjustment may be less, states with lower costs of living, like Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia, will likewise see an increase in SNAP payments due to COLA. Nevertheless, the higher buying power that the COLA adjustment provides will help recipients in these jurisdictions.
What should recipients of SNAP benefits expect for next year?
People who get SNAP benefits should keep up with state and local rules and check for official information from their state SNAP offices to know how the 2025 COLA increase will affect their own benefits.
Please keep in mind that the extra benefits are meant to improve food security and help low-income families even more. The increase in the 2025 COLA is meant to help people who depend on SNAP benefits meet their food needs by making it easier for them to afford rising costs. This is true no matter where you live.