Starting October 1, 2025, many SNAP (food stamps) recipients will see higher benefit amounts thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment. But the biggest increase, by far, is not in California or Florida — it is in Alaska. If you meet certain requirements, your household could receive up to $1,995 per month in SNAP benefits. Here is what you need to know.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit increase in Alaska?
Alaska’s maximum SNAP allotments are rising significantly for fiscal year 2026, effective October 1, 2025. For a family of four, the maximum benefit will range from $1,285 to $1,995, depending on whether you live in an urban area or a more rural part of the state.
To put that in perspective: in the 48 contiguous states (plus Washington, D.C.), the maximum for a family of four will be $994. The jump in Alaska reflects its much higher cost of food, utilities, transportation, and other living expenses.
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Who qualifies for the $1,995 SNAP payment in Alaska?
Not everybody in Alaska will get the top benefit. To qualify for the maximum allotment, you typically have to meet these conditions:
- Your household size matches (for example, a family of four if you are claiming the four-person maximum).
- Your net income (after allowable deductions) is low enough that you qualify for the maximum SNAP allotment.
- You live in a part of Alaska with the “urban” or “rural 1 or rural 2” classification that allows for that upper range of benefits. The $1,995 maximum is assigned to rural areas labeled “Rural 2” for a family of four.
If your income is higher, or your deductions lower, or you live in an area with less generous allotments, your benefit will be less.
How do the new SNAP benefits compare in California and Florida?
If you are in California or Florida, your maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four will be the same as most of the contiguous U.S., namely $994 per month starting in October 2025.
That is a big difference compared to what some qualifying households in Alaska will get. The higher benefit in Alaska is not because its program works totally differently but because of geographic cost adjustments and differences in allowable deductions, shelter caps, etc.
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What other states or territories get higher than mainland U.S. benefits?
Besides Alaska, some U.S. territories and states with high living costs also have higher SNAP maximums:
- Hawaii will have a benefit of $1,689 for a family of four.
- Guam will have a max allotment of $1,465 for family of four.
- The U.S. Virgin Islands will see a maximum of $1,278 for a family of four.
What are the eligibility rules and how to prepare?
If you are wondering whether you will qualify for the higher rates in Alaska (or similar high-cost areas), here are some steps to take:
- Keep your household size and income records up to date. If more people move in or out, or your income changes, that may affect your benefit.
- Make sure you are claiming all allowable deductions: rent or mortgage, utilities, medical expenses (especially if you are elderly or disabled) may reduce your net income.
- Know which SNAP area you live in—urban vs rural classifications matter in Alaska.
- Apply or recertify in good time as benefits increase, so there is no delay.
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