SNAP maximums rise Oct. 1; a family of three in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. sees its monthly maximum increase by $23. States’ administrative share rises from 50% to 75%; most states must also pay part of benefits in 2027, a cost analysts say could strain budgets.
Most states have budgeted for the 75% administrative share. For families of four and five, maximum monthly benefits rise by $29 and $34, respectively, while a single person’s maximum rises by $8 in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.; amounts differ in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Starting Oct. 1, 2027, most states must cover part of benefit costs, with each state’s share based on its error rate in determining eligibility and benefit amounts, including overpayments and underpayments.
Counties required to contribute to SNAP administration costs could face up to $850 million in added annual obligations, the National Association of Counties says. Farm Aid estimates states’ cost-sharing could range from $15 million to $1.5 billion. Analysts say the pressure may mean longer call-center waits and fewer technology improvements. A Farm Bill proposal passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee this month would delay state benefit-cost sharing until Oct. 1, 2028, but raise penalties for states with the highest error rates.
