How will the 2026 FPL update affect SNAP income eligibility thresholds by state?
Executive summary
The federal FY2026 SNAP income tables (effective Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026) rise with the 2025 federal poverty guidelines and a USDA cost‑of‑living adjustment, which sets baseline gross/net tests states must apply (tables published by USDA/FNS) [1]. States retain authority to expand eligibility above the federal baseline—many states already use Broad‑Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) or higher gross‑income tests (200% FPL in Florida, North Carolina; Arizona 185% cited; Colorado and many states use 130%/165% variations) so the practical effect of the FY2026 update will vary by state [2] [3] [4] [5].
1. Federal FPL tables raise the floor — but not the ceiling
USDA/FNS published FY2026 monthly income eligibility standards and allotments that take effect Oct. 1, 2025; those tables adjust for inflation and provide the baseline gross‑ and net‑income tests used nationwide [1]. These federal numbers determine the minimum standards every state must use for SNAP eligibility and for calculating net income limits [1].
2. States decide how much above federal rules to go
Several states use federal options that intentionally expand gross income eligibility beyond the basic federal test. Florida and North Carolina, for example, apply BBCE or explicit 200% FPL gross‑income pathways for some applicants, allowing much higher gross incomes to qualify while still applying net‑income tests (Florida: BBCE to 200% FPL; North Carolina: 200% FPL expanded eligibility) [2] [3]. Arizona, Colorado and others show state‑specific departures (Arizona listed 185% FPL and Colorado applies special rules for elderly/disabled at 165% FPL) [4] [5].
3. What the FY2026 update will change for each state — the practical mechanics
For states that stick with federal baseline rules, the FY2026 update primarily increases the dollar thresholds in line with the 2025 poverty guidelines and USDA COLA, modestly raising the gross and net ceilings households must fall below [1]. For states that already use BBCE or higher statutory percentages, the FY2026 federal increase will raise the underlying FPL amounts those state multipliers apply to, but the degree of increased access depends on each state’s policy [2] [3].
4. Examples that show divergent outcomes across states
Under FY2026 tables, a family of four’s gross/net thresholds differ by state because of policy choices. Online state guides show: Florida and North Carolina using 200% FPL permit gross incomes up to roughly $5,358/month for a family of four under their BBCE/expanded rules, while federal‑baseline states often use 130% FPL gross or 138% variants cited in November 2025 guidance — e.g., one summary put 138% FPL for a family of four at about $3,132/month gross [2] [3] [6]. Colorado maintains the standard 130% gross test for most households while allowing 165% for elderly/disabled households [5].
5. Net income and other gates still limit eligibility
States and FNS enforce a net income cap (typically 100% FPL after deductions) and various deductions and asset rules; those elements matter as much as gross‑income thresholds. NCOA and other summaries reiterate that net income must be at or below the federal poverty line and that asset limits (e.g., $4,500 for elderly/disabled noted in several guides) remain part of the test in many contexts [7] [8]. New federal rules noted in November 2025 reporting also tightened some counting rules (e.g., child support count, childcare deduction changes) that affect net‑income calculations [6].
6. Where reporting and official guidance diverge — and why to verify with state offices
Many private “SNAP income limits by state” pages republish the FY2026 federal tables and overlay state choices; those sites show differing effective percentages (130%, 138%, 165%, 185%, 200%) and sometimes different dollar amounts because of rounding, state policy choices, or additional state rules [6] [4] [5] [2]. Because states implement options like BBCE differently and can change them administratively or by law, applicants should confirm with their state SNAP office or official portals rather than rely only on aggregators [9] [8].
7. Bottom line for residents and advocates
The FY2026 federal update raises the baseline eligibility thresholds via updated FPL/COLA tables [1]. Whether that produces meaningful access gains in any single state depends on that state’s elected policy: states that already use BBCE or higher FPL multipliers will see their dollar‑limits rise proportionally and thus wider gross‑income eligibility (Florida, North Carolina examples), while states that remain at the federal baseline will see smaller absolute increases [2] [3] [1]. Available sources do not mention a comprehensive, state‑by‑state table of how FY2026 changes alter exact dollar thresholds for every state; consult your state’s SNAP page for precise numbers (not found in current reporting).