The federal food assistance program known as SNAP will raise maximum monthly benefits starting Oct. 1 under 2027 standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. In California, the program is called CalFresh, and the same standards apply in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.
For a household of one, the maximum monthly benefit will rise from $298 to $306. For a family of four, it will increase from $994 to $1,023. But not every household receives the maximum amount, since SNAP benefits are calculated using household size and qualifying income deductions.
The benefit increase comes as SNAP faces major changes under a Republican-backed budget law that tightened work requirements. Nationwide, about 5 million people have lost benefits, including more than 1.5 million children, according to the article.
The age limit for the work requirement has also been raised from 54 to 64. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said enrollment is dropping faster than the Congressional Budget Office projected when the law was passed.
