us-or/guidance/odhs/oep-transmittal

(pt-25-034)OEP-PT-25-034: FFY2026 COLA Standards for SNAP (Oregon Eligibility Partnership policy transmittal)#

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Transmittal Oregon Eligibility Partnership Date Issued: 9/9/2025 Transmittal #: OEP-PT-25-034 Date Updated: 9/10/2025 Subject/Topic: FFY2026 COLA Standards for SNAP Primary Audience: Eligibility Leadership Family Coach LTSS Case Management Support Other: Effective Date: 10/1/2025 Transmittal Type: Policy Impacted Area(s): New/Updated Policy/Rule Policy Clarification Reference Materials System(s), specify Other: Annual Updates Reference Material(s): ODHS 5530 & OARs 461-155-0180, 461-155-0190, 461-160-0420 and 461-160-0430 Summary: The new Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) and Standard Utility Allowances (SUA) utilized in the SNAP program effective FFY2026 (10/01/2025 through 09/30/2026) have been released for the SNAP program by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). The new standards are in ONE and will be applied to all SNAP determinations for October 2025 or later. There was a mass update run on September 6, 2025, on all active SNAP cases to ensure the new standards are used for Eligibility Determination Groups (EDGs) in October and moving forward. To support this change, the new standards will be reflected in the ODHS 5530 and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) 461-155-0180, 461-155-0190, 461-160-0420, and 461-160-0430. In addition, the online SNAP Calculator (staff access only), and

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(pt-25-034)OEP-PT-25-034: FFY2026 COLA Standards for SNAP (Oregon Eligibility Partnership policy transmittal)#

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Transmittal Oregon Eligibility Partnership Date Issued: 9/9/2025 Transmittal #: OEP-PT-25-034 Date Updated: 9/10/2025 Subject/Topic: FFY2026 COLA Standards for SNAP Primary Audience: Eligibility Leadership Family Coach LTSS Case Management Support Other: Effective Date: 10/1/2025 Transmittal Type: Policy Impacted Area(s): New/Updated Policy/Rule Policy Clarification Reference Materials System(s), specify Other: Annual Updates Reference Material(s): ODHS 5530 & OARs 461-155-0180, 461-155-0190, 461-160-0420 and 461-160-0430 Summary: The new Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) and Standard Utility Allowances (SUA) utilized in the SNAP program effective FFY2026 (10/01/2025 through 09/30/2026) have been released for the SNAP program by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). The new standards are in ONE and will be applied to all SNAP determinations for October 2025 or later. There was a mass update run on September 6, 2025, on all active SNAP cases to ensure the new standards are used for Eligibility Determination Groups (EDGs) in October and moving forward. To support this change, the new standards will be reflected in the ODHS 5530 and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) 461-155-0180, 461-155-0190, 461-160-0420, and 461-160-0430. In addition, the online SNAP Calculator (staff access only), and

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the online SNAP Benefits Estimator (available to the public), will be updated with the new figures. Because this is considered a mass change, decision notices will not be sent for ongoing cases. A media release will be distributed to announce this change, per OAR 461-175-0250(2) and federal regulations. Note: The FUA is used to calculate the community spouse housing allowance for certain married individuals receiving OSIPM and long-term services and supports (LTSS). The LUA is used to calculate the Accommodation Allowance special needs payment for temporary absence from the home. See details in the Non-MAGI Medical Update section below. Details: New Income Limits: Persons in group Adjusted Income Limit (100%) Use number in need group Gross Countable Income Limit (130%) Use number in need group Separate HH with Elderly and Disabled (165%) *Categorical eligibility limit (200%) Use number in filing group 1 $1,305 $1,696 $2,152 $2,609 2 $1,763 $2,292 $2,909 $3,525 3 $2,221 $2,888 $3,665 $4,442 4 $2,680 $3,483 $4,421 $5,359 5 $3,138 $4,079 $5,177 $6,275 6 $3,596 $4,675 $5,934 $7,192 7 $4,055 $5,271 $6,690 $8,109 8 $4,513 $5,867 $7,446 $9,025 +1 $459 $596 $757 $917 *Note: The Categorical Eligibility Limit (200%) was adjusted on 03/01/2025 and is presented above as an FYI. Shelter Deductions: Maximum Excess Shelter Deduction $744 Homeless Shelter Deduction $198.99 Utility Allowances: FUA $515 LUA $404

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TUA $81 IUA $65 Room and Board Shelter Costs remain the same until 1/1/2026 Standard Deduction: 1-3 $209 4 $223 5 $261 6+ $299 Maximum SNAP Allotments (Thrifty Food Plan): 1 $298 2 $546 3 $785 4 $994 5 $1,183 6 $1,421 7 $1,571 8 $1,789 +1 $218 The new Minimum Monthly Allotment amount: Filing Group Size Minimum Allotment 1-2 $24 3+ $0+ SNAP resources limits remain the same: Household Type Resources Limit 60+ or disabled $4,500* All Others $3,000 *The resources limit for 60+ or disabled is also the threshold for substantial lottery or gambling winnings. Non-MAGI Medical Update The FUA is used to calculate the community spouse housing allowance, which can potentially increase the Community Spouse Income Allowance and reduce the client liability. A ONE mass update was completed on 127 affected medical cases over the

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weekend of 09/06. A total of 123 cases were successfully updated for October and ongoing. The ONE mass update process failed for 4 cases - 4 cases failed as they had outstanding RFIs or were in In Progress status. For the failed cases, the new FUA standard will be applied when the case is manually rerun by a worker. If there is a pending Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA), it must be re computed to update the FUA deduction and re-determine the income shortfall. The LUA is used to calculate the Accommodation Allowance special needs payment for temporary absence from the home under OAR 461-155-0660(1)(c). This update will result in an increase of $11 for that payment. Payments for the month of October 2025 and later should be updated in the MRP screen to reflect the additional $11.00. Refer to the Program Payments and Supports EG for instructions on updating payments. For information on the specific eligibility factors for MRP’s, see OPEN Chapter 2 Section 11 for eligibility details.

APD 450 Form A request was sent to update the APD 450 on the Forms Server effective 10/1/25, but until the update is completed, if a 450 needs to be completed or sent outside of ONE, you can use the APD 450 Worksheet found on Non-MAGI Financial Eligibility Staff Tools under Worker Guides and Tools.

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Authorizing Signature: Meorah Solar, SNAP Manager Questions? SNAP.Policy@odhsoha.oregon.gov APD.MedicaidPolicy@odhsoha.oregon.gov