Following an annual adjustment to account for food costs and inflation, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced increases to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s income limits and maximum benefit amounts starting October 1, 2026. These changes will benefit all SNAP recipients and no one will experience a decrease in benefits because of these updates.
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) made the changes as part of an annual re-evaluation of SNAP’s income eligibility standards, the maximum benefit amount, and the minimum benefit amount. This adjustment is a routine, annual process.
“SNAP is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program. I strongly encourage anyone who may need food assistance to apply for SNAP,” said PA DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “SNAP helps more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians afford food for themselves and their families, and PA DHS will always help Pennsylvanians facing food insecurity keep food on their tables.”
The average increase for most SNAP recipients will be $18.
Below are the new SNAP Federal Poverty Income Guideline (FPIG) income limits and maximum benefit amounts a household can receive effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027:
Household Size | 200% FPIG (Max Monthly Income) | Maximum Benefit Amount |
1 | $2,660 | $306 |
2 | $3,608 | $562 |
3 | $4,554 | $808 |
4 | $5,500 | $1,023 |
5 | $6,448 | $1,217 |
6 | $7,394 | $1,463 |
7 | $8,340 | $1,616 |
8 | $9,288 | $1,841 |
9 | $10,236 | $2,066 |
10 | $11,184 | $2,291 |
Each additional member (through household size 17) | +$948 | +$225 |
The minimum benefit amount will increase from $24 to $25 effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
