Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Information
We adjust SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income
eligibility standards at the beginning of each Federal fiscal year. The
changes are based on changes in the cost of living. COLAs take effect
on October 1 each year.
Maximum allotments are calculated from the cost of a market basket based
on the Thrifty Food Plan for a family of four, priced in June that year.
The maximum allotments for households larger and smaller than four persons
are determined using formulas that account for economies of scale. Smaller
households get slightly more per person than the four-person household.
Larger households get slightly less.
Income eligibility standards are set by law. Gross monthly income limits
are set at 130 percent of the poverty level for the household size. Net
monthly income limits are set at 100 percent of poverty.
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Income
Eligibility Standards |
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Maximum Allotments
and Deductions |
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Maximum Allotments for Alaska, Hawaii,
Guam
and U.S. Virgin Islands |
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Minimum SNAP Allotment |
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* pre ARRA (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009) |
Last Modified:
10/03/2012
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