COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026
Summary
The "COLAs Don't Count Act of 2026" aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. It seeks to exclude cost of living adjustments (COLAs) from income calculations when determining eligibility and benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This exclusion applies to COLAs received from Social Security, Railroad Retirement Act, and Veteran's benefits, as well as supplementary payments under the Social Security Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would allow individuals receiving SNAP benefits to retain eligibility or receive higher benefits despite increases in income from COLAs. This could lead to increased participation in SNAP and potentially higher overall program costs. The changes would take effect on October 1, 2027.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents a reduction in SNAP benefits due to COLAs, helping low-income individuals maintain food security.
- Simplifies the income calculation process for SNAP eligibility.
- Provides more consistent support for vulnerable populations relying on fixed income sources.
- May reduce administrative burdens associated with recalculating benefits due to small income changes.
- Could improve overall household financial stability for SNAP recipients.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially increases the overall cost of the SNAP program.
- May create a disincentive for individuals to seek additional income if it could affect their SNAP eligibility (though COLAs are generally fixed).
- Could be perceived as unfair by taxpayers who do not receive similar benefits.
- May lead to increased reliance on government assistance.
- Potential for increased complexity in program administration due to the need to track and exclude specific types of income.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate in areas concerning social welfare programs. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).