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DATE: August 21, 2026 SUBJECT: SNAP – Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments TO: All State Agencies Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program This memorandum provides the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions. In accordance with the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (“the Act”), the COLAs are effective as of October 1, 2026. Attached are FY 2027 COLAs for the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia (D.C.), Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The maximum allotments will increase for the 48 States and D.C., Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The maximum allotment for a family of four in the 48 States and D.C., will be $1,023. Maximum allotments for a family of four will range from $1,306 to $2,027 in Alaska. The maximum allotment for a family of four will be $1,507 in Guam and $1,315 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The maximum allotment for a family of four in Hawaii will decrease to $1,655. The minimum benefit for the 48 States and D.C. will increase to $25. Section 3(u)(2) of the Act outlines the process for adjusting SNAP maximum allotments by household size. This provision requires an additional 22 percent of the maximum four-person allotment per person for households of nine or more persons. It also caps the total benefits for those additional persons at 200 percent of the maximum four- person allotment. In effect, for FY 2027, this caps the maximum allotment for households with 18 or more persons at $3,887 in the 48 States and the District of Columbia. The maximum allotment cap is different for Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Alaska, and Hawaii. The shelter cap value will increase to $769 for the 48 States and D.C. The shelter cap values for Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will also increase. The Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available through their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. Food and Nutrition Administration, 1400 Jefferson Dr, Washington, DC 20250 USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.