Congress·In Committee·H.R. 5129

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

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025

7 months ago·View on Congress.gov

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

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.
From policy text
“by striking ``thrifty food plan'' each place it appears and inserting ``low-cost food plan''”
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Requires the Agriculture Department to regularly update the low-cost food plan based on current food prices, eating habits, and nutrition guidance.
From policy text
“By December 31, 2029, and at 5-year intervals thereafter, the Secretary shall reevaluate and publish the market baskets of the low-cost food plan, based on current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance.”
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Raises the built-in SNAP minimum benefit amount from 8% to 10% (a change that affects the smallest benefit amounts).
From policy text
“in the proviso, by striking ``8 percent'' and inserting ``10 percent''.”
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Creates a standard medical expense deduction for older adults and people with disabilities, with a set dollar amount that can rise over time.
From policy text
“Except as provided in clause (ii), the standard medical expense deduction shall be-- ``(I) for fiscal year 2023, $140; and ``(II) for each subsequent fiscal year, equal to the applicable amount for the immediately preceding fiscal year as adjusted to reflect changes for the 12-month period ending the preceding June 30 in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.”
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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.
From policy text
“by striking subsection (o)”
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Consumer ProtectionHealthcareDisability RightsLabor Employment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

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.

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.

Civil Eats·7 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.

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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.