What the New SNAP Changes Mean for Your Family’s Budget

For millions of families, SNAP benefits (often called food stamps) are the difference between a full pantry and an empty one. Recent updates to the program are changing how much help households receive, who qualifies, and how benefits are delivered. Understanding these changes can help you stretch your food budget and plan for the months ahead.

Below is a clear breakdown of the latest SNAP updates and what they could mean for your household’s bottom line—plus where to look next if you need additional financial support beyond food assistance.

1. Updated SNAP Benefit Amounts

Each year, SNAP adjusts benefit levels to keep pace (at least partly) with the cost of food.

Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)

Most recently, SNAP has:

• Increased maximum monthly benefits to reflect higher grocery prices
• Adjusted the Thrifty Food Plan, the government’s estimate of a low-cost but nutritious diet

For many households, this means a slight increase per month compared to previous years—though rising food costs may still make your benefits feel tight.

What this means for you:

• Check your approval notice or your state’s SNAP website to see your new benefit amount
• Revisit your meal planning and shopping list to match your updated budget
• Combine SNAP with discounts, coupons, and store loyalty programs for more impact

2. Changes to Eligibility and Work Requirements

SNAP rules can shift based on federal law and state policies, especially around work requirements and income limits.

Income and asset limits

• Gross and net income limits are periodically adjusted for inflation
• Some states have broad-based categorical eligibility, which can raise income limits or relax asset tests

If your income has changed—up or down—it’s critical to report it and see whether you now qualify or qualify for higher benefits.

Work rules for certain adults

There have been ongoing changes affecting Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs):

• Some adults between certain ages must work, train, or volunteer a set number of hours to keep receiving benefits beyond a time limit
• Exemptions exist for people with disabilities, health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, pregnancy, or homelessness

What this means for you:

• If you’re an adult without children on your case, ask your caseworker about current work rules in your state
• If you have a health issue, transportation barrier, or unstable housing, you may qualify for an exemption
• Local SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs can help you meet requirements while building job skills

3. Pandemic-Era Extra SNAP Is Ending or Has Ended

During the COVID-19 emergency, many states provided temporary extra SNAP benefits (often called emergency allotments). Those added funds have ended in most places.

For households that grew used to the higher amount, this feels like a major pay cut in the grocery budget.

What this means for you:

• Don’t assume your old balance is your “normal” benefit—your regular benefits are usually lower than pandemic-era amounts
• Track your balance carefully and adjust grocery spending
• Look into food pantries, community fridges, school meal programs, and WIC (for pregnant people, infants, and young children) to fill the gap

4. Online Shopping, EBT Cards, and New Ways to Use SNAP

SNAP has expanded in recent years to make benefits easier and safer to use.

Online grocery purchases

Many households can now:

• Use EBT cards to buy groceries online from approved retailers
• Arrange for delivery or pickup, depending on what stores in your area offer

Note: SNAP usually covers the food cost, but not delivery fees, tips, or non-food items.

EBT card protections and replacements

With increased online use, there’s rising concern about card skimming and fraud:

• Some states now offer card-lock features, transaction alerts, or enhanced security
• If your card is lost, stolen, or compromised, report it immediately to get a replacement and potentially restore stolen benefits, depending on current rules

What this means for you:

• Use your EBT card only at trusted stores and ATMs
• Shield your PIN when you enter it
• Check your balance regularly to spot suspicious transactions early

5. How SNAP Fits Into Your Bigger Financial Picture

SNAP is essential, but it only covers one piece of your monthly budget. With food prices, rent, gas, and utilities all rising, many families need additional support.

Here are other aid and financial tools to consider alongside SNAP:

Other government aid programs

You may qualify for:

• WIC for pregnant people, new parents, and children under 5
• TANF (cash assistance) for families with children
• LIHEAP for help with heating or cooling bills
• Housing vouchers or rental assistance in some areas
• Medicaid or marketplace subsidies to reduce medical costs

Applying for one program sometimes helps you screen for others, so don’t hesitate to ask caseworkers what else you might be eligible for.

Financial assistance and debt relief

If everyday bills are piling up:

• Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you evaluate debt management plans, budgeting strategies, and relief options
• You may explore debt consolidation, lower-interest personal loans, or hardship programs with your creditors
• For serious, unmanageable debt, some people look into debt settlement or bankruptcy—options that should always be weighed carefully with professional guidance

Managing credit cards and everyday expenses

Relying on credit cards for groceries can quickly snowball:

• Consider low-interest or balance transfer cards if you’re carrying high-interest balances
• Set up a simple written budget that includes your SNAP amount as income for your food category
• Prioritize paying at least the minimums on time to protect your credit score, which affects everything from loan approvals to rental applications

6. Planning Ahead: Turning SNAP Stability Into Long-Term Security

While SNAP’s latest updates may provide a little extra breathing room, long-term stability often comes from:

• Building an emergency cushion, even small at first
• Accessing job training, education programs, or certifications to increase income over time
• Learning more about credit, saving, and debt management so that when your income grows, you can make it work harder for you

Many communities have free or low-cost financial education workshops, legal aid, and social services that can help you navigate these steps.

If your SNAP benefits have changed, use this moment as a chance to reassess your entire financial picture—from food and housing to debt and credit—so you can protect your household not just this month, but all year.

Related High-Value Topics to Explore