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.

	Income Eligibility Standards	FY 2013 FY 2012 FY 2011 FY 2010 FY 2009 FY 2008 FY 2007 FY 2006 FY 2005 FY 2004
	Maximum Allotments and Deductions	FY 2013 FY 2012 FY 2011 FY 2010 FY 2009-2 FY 2009-1* FY 2008 FY 2007 FY 2006 FY 2005 FY 2004
	Maximum Allotments for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands	FY 2013 FY 2012 FY 2011 FY 2010  FY 2009-2 FY 2009-1* FY 2008 FY 2007 FY 2006 FY 2005 FY 2004
	Minimum SNAP Allotment	FY 2013 FY 2012 FY 2011
	* pre ARRA (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009)

Last Modified:  10/03/2012