COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026
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This bill would exclude cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security and veterans' benefits when determining SNAP eligibility.
What it does
This bill would change how eligibility and benefit levels are calculated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It proposes to exclude income from certain cost-of-living adjustments related to Social Security, railroad retirement, and veterans' benefits, as well as specific supplementary payments under the Social Security Act.
Who is affected
This bill affects individuals and households applying for or receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits who also receive Social Security, railroad retirement, or veterans' benefits. Specifically, it impacts those who receive cost-of-living adjustments or supplementary payments under the Social Security Act. By excluding these specific income increases from SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations, the bill affects how these beneficiaries' financial resources are assessed by the program.
Key provisions
- Exclusion of cost-of-living adjustments from SNAP calculations. The bill amends SNAP eligibility and benefit requirements to exclude income increases resulting from cost-of-living adjustments made under the Social Security Act, railroad retirement, and veterans' benefits.
- Exclusion of Social Security supplementary payments. The legislation specifies that supplementary payments received under the Social Security Act are not to be counted as income when determining a household's SNAP eligibility or benefit levels.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill modifies the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by revising the criteria used to determine eligibility and benefits. It specifically amends how income is calculated by excluding certain cost-of-living adjustments and supplementary payments established under the Social Security Act, railroad retirement laws, and veterans' benefits.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to modify Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility and benefit calculations by excluding income from specific cost-of-living adjustments and supplementary payments. This exclusion applies to adjustments made under the Social Security Act, railroad retirement benefits, and veterans' benefits.