SNAP benefits, age requirements rise in latest echo of debt ceiling fight. What it means.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users are expected to see a small increase in their benefits this month as cost of living adjustments take effect.

The adjustments are accompanied by an increase in the age that is considered a “working adult without dependents” from 52 to 54 years. The increase is the final part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which led to the suspension of the debt ceiling until 2025 and the abolition of then-Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.

The law required those considered “able-bodied adults without dependents” to prove that they work at least 80 hours per month or participate in an education or training program in order to receive benefits. The requirements apply until 2030.

SNAP benefits are increasing

Household benefits will increase by a few dollars per month, although allocations will be higher in Hawaii, Alaska, the Virgin Islands and Guam to offset higher food costs.

As the rules were updated, income eligibility for the program also changed. The eligibility threshold for net monthly income for a family of four was moved from $2,500 for fiscal year 2024 to $2,600 for fiscal year 2025.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SNAP benefits rise with cost of living adjustments in October