If you rely on SNAP (Food Stamps) to stretch your grocery budget, there are two big developments to watch as we head into the new federal fiscal year on October 1:
- Congress passed a new law in July that changes SNAP eligibility and work rules.
- SNAP’s yearly cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect October 1 and can change your monthly benefit and income limits.
Below, Healing Tampa Bay’s benefits team breaks down what’s changing, what we don’t know yet, and what you can do right now to protect your benefits. We monitor policy using AI-powered alerts and translate the updates into clear, practical steps for seniors, caregivers, and low-income families across Florida.
What’s new: Congress changed SNAP rules in 2025
On July 4, 2025, the President signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBB) into law. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) notified state SNAP agencies that OBBB “contains several provisions that affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These include changes to SNAP eligibility, benefits, and program administration” and provided an implementation memorandum on September 4, 2025. FNS also said states will be held harmless for Quality Control errors for 120 days after each provision’s implementation date, signaling a transition period while agencies update systems and notices. See the official memo: SNAP Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 – Information Memorandum by USDA FNS.
Key areas flagged by USDA for change include:
- Work requirements
- Non-citizen eligibility
USDA has posted prominent notices on its public SNAP eligibility pages that these factors are changing and that content is being updated to reflect the new law. See USDA’s notice on the general eligibility page and the non-citizen eligibility page. As of now, those pages state that updates are in progress, so precise rule text and detailed examples have not yet been posted publicly.
Our take: Expect practical impacts for three groups
Based on USDA’s communications, we expect the most immediate, real-world impacts for:
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Adults subject to work requirements. If you’ve been exempt, your status may change; if you’ve been participating, hour thresholds, exemptions, or definitions could be updated. Keep an eye on mail and online case messages for new participation or documentation requirements after your next renewal or recertification. The USDA memo indicates staggered effective dates, so timing may differ by provision.
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Mixed-status and non-citizen households. USDA explicitly notes that non-citizen eligibility criteria are changing. If your household includes lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or other qualified non-citizens, watch for updated guidance and be ready to verify immigration status and duration of residency when requested. Monitor the USDA non-citizen page as it gets updated.
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Households in transition. Because USDA is giving states a temporary “hold harmless” window on quality control while they implement OBBB changes, you may see unusual notices, short-term process tweaks, or requested verifications. Respond quickly and keep copies of what you submit.
What we know about timing
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The law is in effect now, with USDA issuing implementation direction to states. According to USDA’s memo, detailed guidance will roll out as provisions take effect. Expect Florida’s program rules, notices, and forms to reflect these changes over the coming weeks and months. Keep checking mail and portals after your next renewal.
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For the yearly COLA changes, the effective date is fixed: October 1. USDA adjusts “maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each federal fiscal year,” and that always starts October 1. See USDA’s SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information.
How the October 1 COLA works (and what it means for your benefits)
Every October 1, SNAP recalculates the maximum benefit amounts and income standards based on the cost of food measured by the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). USDA explains:
- SNAP maximum allotments are updated each year based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June and take effect on Oct. 1.
- The TFP estimates the cost of a nutritious, budget-conscious diet for a family of four.
- The calculation accounts for economies of scale—smaller households get slightly more per person, larger households slightly less per person. See SNAP and the Thrifty Food Plan and USDA’s COLA page.
Practical implications you can plan for:
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Your monthly benefit may change starting with your October issuance. Some households will see modest increases, while others could see small decreases depending on updated deductions and income standards.
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Your gross and net income limits will shift October 1. If your household is near the cutoff, a change in the standard deduction or shelter caps can affect eligibility. USDA posts “FY 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments” materials on the COLA page; those standards guide state systems for October calculations.
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Recertifications that overlap late September and October often show “before and after” numbers. If your case is recertified in September for an October benefit, your October allotment will reflect the new FY 2026 standards.
What recent data says about SNAP benefit levels and participation
USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reported that average SNAP benefits and total program spending fell in fiscal year 2024, driven in part by the end of pandemic-era measures and reduced P-EBT activity. Key figures from ERS’s FY 2024 annual report:
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Average monthly SNAP participation was 41.7 million people (-1.1% vs. FY 2023), still above pre-pandemic levels. See ERS report: The Food and Nutrition Assistance Landscape: Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report.
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The average benefit per person fell 11.5% to $187.20 per month in FY 2024. Total SNAP spending dropped 11.7% to $99.8 billion. ERS notes overall food and nutrition assistance spending was 16% lower than FY 2023, with declines primarily driven by SNAP and P-EBT. See ERS table and discussion.
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Despite fluctuations, research by USDA ERS consistently shows SNAP reduces poverty depth and severity, especially among children. See ERS’s SNAP Key Statistics and Research page.
What to do now: A step-by-step action plan for Florida households
Because OBBB changes and the October 1 COLA are arriving close together, the next 60–90 days are critical for staying eligible and maximizing your benefit.
1) Open and read every notice
- Watch your mail, email, text alerts, and your online benefits account. USDA has told states to implement OBBB changes with specific effective dates; your case action or recertification notice will tell you what applies and when. See USDA’s implementation memorandum for context on the rollout.
2) Prepare updated documents
- Identity and residency: Keep a photo ID, lease or utility bill handy.
- Income: Recent pay stubs or benefit letters (Social Security, unemployment).
- Household composition: Birth certificates or documents for new household members.
- Immigration status (if applicable): Green card, I-94, or other DHS documents. USDA confirms non-citizen SNAP rules are changing; having documents ready will speed case updates. See USDA’s non-citizen eligibility page for update status.
3) Calendar your recertification and any interviews
- If your renewal falls around October 1, you may be evaluated under new COLA standards and possibly new OBBB rules. Attend your interview, respond to all requests, and ask your worker to explain any changes that affect your case.
4) Double-check reported changes after October 1
- If your income, rent, or household changed recently, report it promptly. With COLA updates, states also adjust deductions and thresholds; timely reporting helps ensure your benefit reflects the correct post-October 1 standards. See USDA’s COLA overview.
5) If you’re a work-eligible adult, confirm your status
- Ask your caseworker whether OBBB changed your work requirement or exemptions. The federal memo indicates work rules are one of the changing areas, but specifics come through state notices. Keep proof of hours, training participation, or exemption (e.g., disability documentation) in case it’s requested. See USDA’s general eligibility page noting work-requirement changes are being updated.
6) If your household includes non-citizens, monitor for rule updates
- Non-citizen eligibility rules are being revised. Be prepared for additional verification and respond quickly to any requests to avoid delays or closures. Keep checking USDA’s non-citizen page for updates.
7) Budget for possible benefit shifts
- ERS data shows the FY 2024 average benefit per person fell to $187/month; though FY 2026 standards will reflect current food costs, many families experience small October benefit changes. Build a one-month grocery plan that can absorb a modest increase or decrease.
How Healing Tampa Bay can help right now
Our outreach team helps Florida seniors, caregivers, and low-income families apply, recertify, and troubleshoot SNAP and EBT issues. We also coordinate enrollment across programs that work alongside SNAP—like Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Marketplace subsidies, and utility assistance—so your overall budget goes farther.
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Case readiness check: We’ll review your documents against the October 1 COLA timeline and the OBBB transition period to reduce delays.
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Change reporting: We’ll help you report income or household changes correctly so your benefit reflects FY 2026 standards.
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Work rules and exemptions: If you may be subject to changing work requirements, we’ll help you understand typical verification and keep documentation organized for timely submissions.
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Mixed-status guidance: We’ll help lawful permanent residents and other qualified non-citizens prepare verification packets while USDA updates public rules.
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Appeals and corrections: If your benefit drops unexpectedly or your case is closed, we can help you understand the notice and pursue corrections, fair hearings, or expedited reapplications when appropriate.
What to expect across October–December 2025
Given USDA’s implementation memo and the annual October 1 recalculations:
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October 1: FY 2026 COLA standards take effect nationwide. Maximum allotments, deductions, and income limits update. See USDA’s COLA page and “SNAP FY 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments.”
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Fall 2025: Florida’s notices may begin referencing updated OBBB-related provisions as state systems and forms are updated. Because USDA is holding states harmless for QC for 120 days from each implementation date, expect a learning curve and occasional corrections.
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Renewals overlapping this period: You may get “mixed” notices referencing both old and new standards; read carefully and call your caseworker (or us) with questions.
Key facts and sources to bookmark
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The new law is in effect: On July 4, 2025, Public Law 119-21 (OBBB) was signed, changing SNAP eligibility, benefits, and administration. See USDA FNS’s OBBB implementation memo (Sept. 4, 2025).
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Non-citizen and work rules are changing: USDA’s public SNAP eligibility and non-citizen pages say updates are in progress to reflect OBBB.
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COLA resets your SNAP math every Oct. 1: USDA adjusts SNAP maximums, deductions, and income standards annually based on the Thrifty Food Plan. See USDA’s SNAP COLA Information and SNAP and the Thrifty Food Plan.
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National participation and average benefit levels fell in FY 2024: ERS reports 41.7 million participants and an average benefit of $187.20/person/month in FY 2024, with a 11.7% drop in total SNAP spending. See ERS’s FY 2024 annual report.
Frequently asked questions we’re hearing
Will my benefit go up on October 1?
- It depends. USDA adjusts amounts annually based on the cost of food. Some households see small increases; others may see little change or small decreases depending on updated deductions and income thresholds. See USDA’s COLA page for how it works.
I’m a green card holder. Are my SNAP rules changing?
- USDA says non-citizen eligibility rules are changing under OBBB and is updating its public page. Be ready to provide current immigration documentation at renewal and watch for state guidance. See USDA’s SNAP Eligibility for Non-Citizens.
Do I need to work more hours to keep SNAP?
- USDA has flagged changes to work requirements. Watch your case notices and, if asked, submit proof of hours, training, or any exemption. See USDA’s general eligibility page noting work-rule updates are pending.
Why did my friend’s benefit drop last year?
- ERS shows the average benefit per person dropped to $187.20/month in FY 2024 as temporary pandemic measures ended and P-EBT declined. Your household’s result depends on your specific income, deductions, and size. See ERS’s FY 2024 report.
Bottom line
Two separate forces are affecting SNAP right now: the annual October 1 cost-of-living reset and the new federal law changing eligibility and work rules. USDA has confirmed both are happening and is updating public materials. If you act early—keep documents ready, read every notice, and ask for help—you can avoid gaps and make sure your household gets the maximum you qualify for under the 2025–2026 rules.
Need one-on-one help in Florida? Healing Tampa Bay can walk you through your SNAP application or renewal, prepare for the October recalculation, and coordinate with other benefits you may qualify for. Reach out to our benefits team, and we’ll get you ready for the changes ahead.
Cited resources
- USDA FNS: SNAP Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 – Information Memorandum (Sept. 4, 2025)
- USDA FNS: SNAP Eligibility (USDA notice on OBBB updates to eligibility and work requirements)
- USDA FNS: SNAP Eligibility for Non-Citizens (USDA notice on OBBB updates to non-citizen rules)
- USDA FNS: SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information (annual Oct. 1 updates; FY 2026 materials)
- USDA FNS: SNAP and the Thrifty Food Plan (how USDA sets maximum allotments)
- USDA ERS: The Food and Nutrition Assistance Landscape: Fiscal Year