The new year 2026 is just around the corner, and beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are preparing for many changes. Thirty-two million Americans depend on this federally funded program every month. It helps supplement their grocery budget so they can buy food and beverages. Here are some of the changes that will be implemented this year in the SNAP program.
Increase in benefits
It wasn’t all bad news; one of the most notable adjustments is that benefits will increase slightly in all states. This is due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which has been set at 2.8% for 2026. From now on, any universal household in the lower 48 states—plus Washington, D.C.—will see a monthly allowance of up to $298.
Beneficiaries in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin Islands will also see increases in the amount of benefits they receive. For example, a family of four will receive between $1,285 and $1,995, depending on whether they live in an urban or rural area. In Hawaii, benefits are capped at $1,689, in Guam they are capped at $1,465, and the Virgin Islands allocate $1,278 for families of four.
New work requirements
You’ve probably already heard, but the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) passed last July introduced significant changes to the work requirements necessary to access Schnapp benefits. Under the new laws, adults without dependent minor children must work at least 80 hours per month to be eligible for this program. These adults are defined as those between the ages of 18 and 64.
If they do not meet these minimum work hours (even if unpaid or volunteer work), they will only be able to receive benefits for three months within a three-year period. These rules previously applied to those between the ages of 18 and 54. However, now middle-aged citizens who are close to retirement age also have to do their part and show themselves to be active members of society, even if it is only by doing volunteer work in their community.
The One Big Beautiful Bill also eliminated the extension of work requirements for veterans, homeless people, and people 24 years of age or younger in shelters. The economic outlook is bleak, and government coffers are empty, so everyone must do their part and pitch in.
The bill also limited the extension for caregivers who have a dependent child; it now only applies to those who have children under the age of 14, rather than 18.
No more junk food
Although not at the federal level, many states are beginning to restrict which items can be purchased through the SNAP program. As a general rule, SNAP recipients can purchase selected items according to rules established by the USDA. The list includes fruits, vegetables, meat products, dairy products, fish, poultry, bread, cereals, seeds, and food-producing plants. It also includes other prepared foods such as snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
However, for years there has been questionable consumption of ultra-processed foods through the SNAP program. That is why many states—Indiana, Iowa, Utah, Nebraska, and West Virginia—have decided that soft drinks will no longer be available for purchase through the SNAP program as of January 1.
It is hoped that other states will follow suit over time. This is the case in Florida, which has banned energy drinks, prepared desserts, and soft drinks from SNAP purchases. Those who love desserts will have to start buying the ingredients separately and baking them at home.
Public services
Now, thanks to Trump’s new law, state agencies can add internet costs as a factor in calculating standard public service allocations. Having internet at home is essential nowadays. After all, the internet is essential for job hunting, accessing education, and accessing other benefits.