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Changes to SNAP benefits take effect in October: What to know

Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, annual cost-of-living adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) took effect on October 1, 2025, marking the start of the new fiscal year. The increases are minimal — most recipients will see only about $6 more per month, while a family of four gets $19 more, a rise of less than 2%, even as grocery costs have climbed roughly 3% over the past year.

The new maximum monthly SNAP benefits for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. now range from $298 for one person to $1,789 for eight people, with $218 for each additional person. Some territories, however, are faring worse: Hawaii and the Virgin Islands actually saw benefit reductions of $34 and $24 for a family of four, respectively, while rural Alaska households can receive up to $1,995 due to higher food costs.

Eligibility remains based on income, assets, and household factors — individuals earning under $1,696/month or families of four earning under $3,483/month typically qualify. Meanwhile, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 introduced controversial changes that critics say will shrink access to SNAP over time. These include expanded work requirements, the elimination of an obesity prevention program, higher state administrative costs, and removal of some legally present immigrants, such as refugees and trafficking survivors, from eligibility. Read More.

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‘Big Short’ investor Steve Eisman warns the U.S. economy is a ‘tale of two cities’ that ‘is not even growing 50 basis points outside of AI’

Billionaire investor Steve Eisman cautioned that the U.S. economy would look far weaker if AI-driven gains were removed, suggesting that artificial intelligence is currently masking broader economic weakness. His warning echoes concerns from other leaders, like AT&T’s CEO, who recently said AI-related power shortages could become America’s next major economic and social issue. Read More.