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SNAP Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
At the beginning of every federal fiscal year, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) adjusts maximum SNAP benefits, deductions, and income eligibility standards. These adjustments are known as the “SNAP COLA.” The SNAP COLA is based on changes in the cost of living and takes effect on October 1st of each year.
The standard utility allowances (SUAs) are updated annually to coincide with the COLA.
The annual SNAP COLA was processed during the weekend of September 20, 2026. The new COLA figures will be applied to the entire SNAP caseload. This recalculation will impact benefits beginning in October.
Effective October 1, 2026, the COLA is as follows:
Gross, Net, and 165 Percent Income Eligibility Standards
The gross, net and 165 percent income eligibility standards increased.
Shelter Deduction
The maximum shelter deduction (for households without an elderly or disabled member) increased from $744 to $769.
Standard Deduction
The standard deduction increased for all households:
| AU Size | Old Standard Deduction | New Standard Deduction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $209 | $217 |
| 2 | $209 | $217 |
| 3 | $209 | $217 |
| 4 | $223 | $229 |
| 5 | $261 | $268 |
| 6 or more | $299 | $308 |
Disaster SNAP
The Disaster SNAP Income Eligibility Standards have increased.
Maximum Benefit Levels
The maximum SNAP benefit levels for all household sizes increased. To reference these changes, please refer to the COLA Standard Amounts link found at the bottom of this page.
Homeless Shelter Deduction
The Homeless Shelter/Utility Deduction increased to $206.
Bay State CAP High Shelter
The Bay State CAP High Shelter value remained the same at $481.
Minimum Benefit Level
The minimum SNAP benefit level for eligible one- and two-person households increased to $25.
Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs)
- Heating/Cooling SUA increased to $945
- Non-heating SUA increased to $575
- Phone SUA increased to $66
- Bay State CAP SUA increased to $945
Asset Limit
The maximum asset limit for non-categorically eligible households with an elderly and/or disabled member increased to $4,750. The maximum asset limit for all other households will remain at $3,000.
Reporting Requirement Threshold
Change Reporting households during case maintenance increased to $150.
Impact of COLA Change on SNAP Benefits
Recalculation results indicate that most SNAP households will see an increase in SNAP benefits.
Automatic Update of Active SNAP Households
During the weekend of September 18, 2026, active SNAP households, including Bay State CAP households, will be automatically recalculated using the new COLA standards.
When to Use New Standards
Effective Monday, September 21, 2026, the new COLA standards will be used in all automated SNAP calculations. You must use these standards in any necessary manual calculations.
Eligibility Charts and Issuance Tables
SNAP eligibility charts, issuance tables, standard utility allowance amounts, maximum and minimum benefit amounts, shelter deduction and standard deduction amounts will be updated and posted on the www.mass.gov/dta website for October 1, 2026.
You can also view the new figures by referring to the Helpful Charts and Figures.
Last Updated: September 24, 2026
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