COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026

Protect SNAP when benefits rise

If enacted, this bill would stop certain cost-of-living increases from being counted as income when SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts are calculated. It would exclude COLA increases to Social Security (Title II), SSI (Title XVI), Railroad Retirement section 3(a)(1), and VA benefits (38 U.S.C. 5312). It would also exclude supplementary payments under section 1616 of the Social Security Act. The exclusion would apply only to increases made on or after January 1 through September 30 of a fiscal year, and only if the household was certified for SNAP or received a SNAP allotment in the month immediately before the COLA first took effect. These changes would take effect October 1, 2027.