Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Information

We adjust Food Stamp Program maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each Federal fiscal year. The changes are based on changes in the cost of living. COLAs take effect on October 1 each year.

Maximum allotments are calculated from the cost of a market basket based on the Thrifty Food Plan for a family of four, priced in June that year. The maximum allotments for households larger and smaller than four persons are determined using formulas that account for economies of scale. Smaller households get slightly more per person than the four-person household. Larger households get slightly less.

Income eligibility standards are set by law. Gross monthly income limits are set at 130 percent of the poverty level for the household size. Net monthly income limits are set at 100 percent of poverty.

	FY 2005 Income Eligibility Standards
	FY 2004 Income Eligibility Standards
	FY 2005 Maximum Allotments and Deductions
	FY 2004 Maximum Allotments and Deductions
	FY 2005 Maximum Allotments for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands
	FY 2004 Maximum Allotments for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands

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