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Congress·In Committee·6 months ago

House Bill Would Boost SNAP Benefits by Switching to Higher-Cost Food Plan Baseline

Also known as: Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(10)
Unemployment Benefits
Helps
Gig Worker
Helps
Snap Food Stamps
Helps
Housing Assistance
Helps
Child Tax Credit
Helps
Renter
Helps
Retiree
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps
Chronic Illness
Helps
Homeowner
Helps

State Impacts

HawaiiHI
Positive

The bill requires the SNAP food plan cost to be adjusted to reflect Hawaii’s higher food prices. If SNAP maximums rise under the low-cost food plan, Hawaii households would still get an additional cost adjustment on top of that baseline.

AlaskaAK
Positive

The bill requires separate SNAP food cost adjustments for urban and rural Alaska to reflect higher food prices. With the shift to the low-cost food plan, Alaska SNAP maximums could rise, with additional Alaska-specific adjustments still applied.

Key Points

  • Would change how SNAP benefits are set by using a “low-cost food plan” instead of the cheaper plan used now, which would likely raise monthly food help for many families.
  • Requires the Agriculture Department to regularly update the low-cost food plan based on current food prices, eating habits, and nutrition guidance.
  • Raises the built-in SNAP minimum benefit amount from 8% to 10% (a change that affects the smallest benefit amounts).
  • Creates a standard medical expense deduction for older adults and people with disabilities, with a set dollar amount that can rise over time.
  • Removes the SNAP time limit that applies to some adults, which could let more people keep food help longer when they are out of work.
Consumer ProtectionHealthcareDisability RightsLabor Employment

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Sep 4, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Sep 4, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After enactment, once states update rules and stop applying the time limit

Time limit removal takes effect for adults previously cut off after about 3 months without meeting work-hour rules

People who would have lost SNAP due to the time limit could keep benefits while job searching or working unstable hours

After enactment; timing depends on each state’s computer system changes

States update SNAP systems to apply the uncapped shelter deduction

Households with high rent/mortgage or utilities may qualify for higher SNAP because more housing costs can be counted

After enactment and USDA/state guidance updates application and verification rules

Standard medical deduction rules are put into place (with CPI-based updates going forward)

Older adults and disabled SNAP members may qualify for higher benefits without having to document every medical cost, unless they choose to claim actual costs

Related News

4 articles
Crain's New York Business·6 months ago

Democrats' proposed SNAP expansion could spur retail sales, raise state costs

The Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 would increase the average value of SNAP benefits and expand eligibility by allowing participants to deduct medical and housing expenses. The bill aims to counter cuts from a previous Republican reconciliation package that threatened benefits for thousands.

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Civil Eats·6 months ago

Democrats Introduce Legislation to Boost SNAP Benefits

Lawmakers introduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 to strengthen SNAP as a response to recent federal budget cuts. The bill would increase the baseline benefit for all households and eliminate arbitrary time limits that currently restrict access for many working-age adults.

L+
St. Thomas Source·5 months ago

SNAP Funding Freeze Hits 24K in V.I. as Shutdown Continues

As a federal government shutdown freezes SNAP benefits, Democrats in Washington are pushing the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025. The legislation would update outdated formulas to boost monthly allotments and expand eligibility for low-income families facing immediate food insecurity.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 5129
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
D: 4

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.