Quick answer: What may change to SNAP eligibility in 2026?

In 2026, most households will notice routine FY26 updates to income limits and deductions (effective Oct 1, 2025). Some adults will face stricter work/time-limit enforcement under federal rules implemented in late 2024–2025. And in a growing number of states, new 2026 waivers restrict purchases of soda/energy drinks/candy with SNAP—Florida (Jan 1, 2026) and Texas (Apr 1, 2026) are the first two with official approvals. Food and Nutrition Service+3Food and Nutrition Service+3Federal Register+3

Bottom line: Expect normal FY26 income updates nationwide, tighter work/time-limit enforcement for some adults, and state-by-state purchase restrictions in 2026. Always verify your state’s rules.

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Always confirm with your state SNAP agency.

Key dates & vocabulary: FY vs. calendar years

• Federal fiscal year (FY) runs Oct 1 – Sept 30. SNAP’s annual COLA (max allotments, income standards, deductions) changes Oct 1 each year. For FY26, that’s Oct 1, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service
• Calendar year (CY) runs Jan 1 – Dec 31. Some changes (like state waivers limiting purchases) may begin on specific CY dates (e.g., Jan 1, 2026 in FL; Apr 1, 2026 in TX). Food and Nutrition Service+1

Bottom line: Mark both: Oct 1, 2025 (FY26 adjustments) and your state’s 2026 implementation date(s).

Income, deductions & COLA for FY26 (effective Oct 1, 2025)

Each year, USDA updates maximum allotments, income eligibility standards, and deductions to reflect price changes. For FY26, updates took effect Oct 1, 2025. USDA’s FY26 memo outlines the standard deduction and homeless shelter deduction changes, among others. Your gross and net income tests and benefit amounts can shift a bit with these updates. Food and Nutrition Service+1

• Standard deduction (48 states/DC): increased for FY26 (see USDA memo for the exact monthly amount by household size).
• Homeless shelter deduction: increased for FY26 (see USDA memo).
• State variations: Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have different figures.

Why this matters for eligibility:

• Households just above last year’s threshold may qualify in FY26 due to updated income standards and deductions. Conversely, some may see benefits adjust even if income is unchanged, because max allotments and deductions changed.

Bottom line: Even if your income didn’t change, re-check eligibility after Oct 1. Small COLA changes can alter results.
Source: USDA FNS FY26 COLA materials, last checked: September 17, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service+1

Work requirements & time limits in 2026 (who, hours, exemptions)

SNAP has two broad “work” frameworks: (1) general work requirements, and (2) the ABAWD (able-bodied adults without dependents) time limit, where benefits are generally limited to three months in a 36-month period unless the person is working/participating enough or is exempt. USDA finalized a rule implementing FRA provisions in Dec 2024, and agencies issued guidance through 2025. Federal Register

What to expect in 2026:

• Scope & hours: Under current federal implementation, adults in the ABAWD group must document work/participation (often cited as 80 hours per month in agency guidance) to avoid the time limit, unless exempt. Check your state SNAP agency for the exact hours and acceptable activities. Food and Nutrition Service
• Age range & exemptions: FRA expanded the ABAWD age up to 54 (phased in by Oct 1, 2024) and created temporary exemptions (e.g., veterans, people experiencing homelessness, certain former foster youth) that, under FRA, extend through Sept 30, 2030 unless changed by later law. Food and Nutrition Service
• Ongoing implementation: USDA’s Dec 2024 final rule codifies those FRA changes; states have been aligning operations and communications into 2025. Expect stricter verification and fewer blanket waivers in areas with lower unemployment. Federal Register

Bottom line: If you’re an adult without dependents, assume stricter reporting in 2026. Track hours, keep paperwork, and ask your state agency which exemptions may apply.
Source: USDA FNS—FRA provisions & final rule, last checked: September 17, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service+1

State-specific waivers for 2026: what you can’t buy (Texas & Florida)

USDA approved demonstration waivers that limit certain SNAP purchases starting in 2026:

• Florida: Prohibits SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts beginning January 1, 2026 (two-year demo). Food and Nutrition Service
• Texas: Prohibits purchases of candy and sweetened drinks (including those with artificial sweeteners or >5g added sugar), beginning April 1, 2026. Food and Nutrition Service

Local press and agency pages confirm the dates and categories; USDA’s waiver letters set terms/conditions and evaluation requirements. Other states may follow. Food and Nutrition Service+3Statesman+3Houston Chronicle+3

Bottom line: Check your state’s SNAP site—purchase rules can differ in 2026.
Source: USDA FNS waiver approvals (Texas & Florida), last checked: September 17, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service+1

Other moving parts to watch in 2026

• Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) process for FY26: USDA issued guidance to ensure FY26 SUA values are compliant and approved on time. SUA affects the excess shelter deduction and thus net income. Food and Nutrition Service
• Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) FY26 income tests: FY26 D-SNAP tables updated (used only during declared disasters). Food and Nutrition Service
• Program purpose & ABAWD provisions: USDA’s Dec 2024 final rule implements FRA changes, which continue to shape eligibility and time-limit policy in 2026. Federal Register
• Additional 2025 law changes (Public Law 119-21): Congress.gov confirms enactment; agriculture/policy institutes summarize expected impacts; USDA/FNS is publishing program guidance across 2025–2026. Monitor for work-rule scope and admin/funding changes that can indirectly influence eligibility and operations. Congress.gov+2Farm Bureau+2

Bottom line: Eligibility hinges on income math + work rules + your state’s policies; keep an eye on official USDA/state updates.
Sources: USDA FNS SUA & D-SNAP pages; Congress.gov; policy institute summaries, last checked: September 17, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service+2Food and Nutrition Service+2

2026 eligibility survival checklist

Use this if you think your SNAP could be affected in 2026.

• Re-check income after Oct 1, 2025 (FY26 COLA): Recalculate gross and net income with FY26 standard deduction and shelter calculations. Keep pay stubs and bills. Food and Nutrition Service
• Confirm your work category: Are you under ABAWD rules? If yes, plan to document 80 hrs/month of work/qualifying activities (or verify exemptions). Food and Nutrition Service
• Know your state’s 2026 rules: If you’re in FL or TX, learn which items go off-limits and when. Food and Nutrition Service+1
• Set reminders: Renewal dates, reporting deadlines, hour logs, and EBT balance checks.
• Ask about help: SNAP Employment & Training (E&T), community legal aid, or caseworker support.
• Save documents: ID, residency proof, income/expense proofs, disability/veteran/homelessness/foster-youth documentation if you may be exempt.

Bottom line: Proactive paperwork = fewer interruptions. Keep receipts, logs, and letters handy.

2025 vs 2026 at a glance (comparison table)

Category	2025 (pre-FY26)	2026 (FY26 & state actions)
Income standards & deductions	FY25 figures in effect through Sept 30, 2025.	FY26 COLA effective Oct 1, 2025 (affects eligibility/benefit math during 2026). Food and Nutrition Service+1
ABAWD time limit	FRA expansions phased through Oct 2024; continued implementation in 2025.	Same framework continues, with enforcement/verification emphasized in 2026 under USDA rule. Exemptions per FRA remain time-limited unless superseded. Food and Nutrition Service+1
Work hours (typical guidance)	State guidance commonly references ~80 hrs/month to avoid time limit, with variations by activity.	Expect 80 hrs/month documentation emphasis and fewer waivers in eligible areas; confirm locally. Food and Nutrition Service
Purchase restrictions	Nationally, soda/candy allowed; some states pursuing waivers in 2025.	Florida (Jan 1, 2026) and Texas (Apr 1, 2026) restrict soda/energy drinks/candy under USDA waivers. Others may follow. Food and Nutrition Service+1
SUA administration	FY25 values/methods.	FY26 SUA processes/guidance in effect; can alter net income math. Food and Nutrition Service

Bottom line: The math changes Oct 1 (FY26), documentation tightens in 2026, and state rules may diverge on what SNAP can buy.

How to verify your status & avoid interruptions

1. Go to your state SNAP site (search “SNAP [your state] eligibility”).
2. Call or message your caseworker about ABAWD status and exemptions (veteran, homeless, certain former foster youth, disability, pregnancy, caring responsibilities, etc.). Food and Nutrition Service
3. Ask for E&T options if you need hours. Food and Nutrition Service
4. If in FL/TX: learn category bans and store rollout timelines. Food and Nutrition Service+1

Bottom line: The most accurate rulebook is from USDA FNS and your state SNAP agency.

Citations & sensitive-fact notes

• FY26 COLA & deductions: Source: USDA FNS (FY26 COLA materials), last checked: September 17, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service+1
• FRA provisions (ages/exemptions to 2030) & final rule (Dec 17, 2024): Source: USDA FNS & Federal Register, last checked: September 17, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service+1
• State waivers (Florida Jan 1, 2026; Texas Apr 1, 2026): Source: USDA FNS waiver approvals, last checked: September 17, 2025. Food and Nutrition Service+1
• Public Law 119-21 enacted July 4, 2025 (H.R. 1): Source: Congress.gov + ag policy analyses, last checked: September 17, 2025. Congress.gov+1

Takeaways & next steps

Takeaways

1. FY26 income & deduction updates started Oct 1, 2025—recheck eligibility math. Food and Nutrition Service
2. Work/time-limit rules continue tightening—ABAWD adults should track hours and confirm exemptions. Federal Register
3. State divergence: FL and TX limit certain SNAP purchases in 2026; others may join. Food and Nutrition Service+1
4. Watch official updates: some 2025 law changes need USDA/state guidance to fully implement into 2026. Congress.gov

Next steps

• Check your state SNAP page today.
• Update your documents and set reminders for reporting/renewals.
• If subject to ABAWD: enroll in E&T or verify an exemption.
• If in TX/FL: review grocery lists for 2026 compliance.

FAQs

Q1. What are the SNAP income limits for FY 2026?
USDA updates income standards and deductions annually; FY26 changes took effect Oct 1, 2025. See the USDA FY26 COLA documents or your state SNAP site for the exact tables. Food and Nutrition Service+1

Q2. Do SNAP work requirements change in 2026?
The ABAWD time-limit framework and exemptions implemented under FRA continue, with emphasis on documentation (often 80 hours/month). States are aligning operations in 2026. Check your state for specifics. Federal Register+1

Q3. Are veterans, people experiencing homelessness, or former foster youth exempt?
Under FRA, certain temporary exemptions exist (time-limited under federal law unless changed). Verify with your state agency whether you qualify. Food and Nutrition Service

Q4. Can I buy soda or candy with SNAP in 2026?
Florida (from Jan 1, 2026) and Texas (from Apr 1, 2026) will restrict soda/energy drinks/candy under USDA-approved waivers. Other states may apply for similar waivers. Food and Nutrition Service+1

Q5. When do SNAP changes take effect—calendar or fiscal year?
Annual benefit/eligibility COLA updates occur Oct 1 (start of the federal fiscal year). State changes (like waivers) can start on calendar dates (e.g., Jan 1 or Apr 1, 2026). Food and Nutrition Service

Q6. What is the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) and why does it matter?
SUA affects your excess shelter deduction, which feeds into net income. USDA issued FY26 SUA guidance; states approve values that can shift eligibility. Food and Nutrition Service

Q7. How do I keep my SNAP from stopping in 2026?
Confirm your category, track hours, keep proof, respond to state notices, and renew on time. If in a waiver state, learn the new purchasing rules. Food and Nutrition Service+2Food and Nutrition Service+2