COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 20, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to protect low-income seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities from losing SNAP benefits when their other federal benefits increase due to COLAs or state supplements.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prevent cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) from reducing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or eligibility for certain recipients. Specifically, it excludes COLA increases from Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement, and certain Veterans' benefits from being counted as income for SNAP purposes, provided the household was already eligible. It also excludes state supplementary payments for SSI recipients from SNAP income calculations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill prevents the 'benefits cliff' phenomenon, where a modest COLA designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation instead leads to a reduction or loss of essential SNAP benefits. They contend it ensures that vulnerable populations, including seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, can maintain their purchasing power and access to nutritious food without being penalized for federal benefit adjustments.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that excluding these income sources from SNAP eligibility calculations could increase federal spending on the program and expand the pool of eligible recipients beyond what current law intends. They may contend that all income, including COLA increases, should be considered to ensure the program targets those with the greatest need based on their total financial resources.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core purpose.
Section 2(1), amending Section 5(d)(12) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
Exclusion of Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) from SNAP Income
This provision modifies existing law to ensure that increases in income resulting from annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement benefits, or certain Veterans' benefits are not counted as income when determining eligibility for or the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This exclusion applies through September 30 of any fiscal year if the COLA was effective on or after January 1st of that fiscal year, and the household was already receiving SNAP or certified eligible.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this exclusion is crucial for maintaining the economic stability of vulnerable households. Without it, the very adjustments designed to help them cope with inflation can paradoxically lead to a net reduction in their overall benefits, forcing them to choose between food and other necessities.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, such exclusions can complicate the SNAP eligibility process and potentially lead to some individuals receiving benefits who, based on their total adjusted income, might otherwise be deemed less in need. They may also raise concerns about the cumulative fiscal impact of such exclusions.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of protecting vulnerable populations' purchasing power against concerns about program integrity and overall federal spending. It addresses the 'benefits cliff' but introduces a specific carve-out in income calculations.
Section 2(4), inserting new Section 5(d)(19) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
Exclusion of State Supplementary Payments from SNAP Income
This provision adds state supplementary payments received under Section 1616 of the Social Security Act to the list of income sources that are excluded when determining eligibility and benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These payments are typically provided by states to supplement the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit.
The COLA exclusion is time-limited within a fiscal year, applying 'through September 30 of any fiscal year any increase in income attributable to a cost-of-living adjustment made on or after January 1st of such fiscal year'.
Section 2(1), amending Section 5(d)(12) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for specifying the precise temporal application of an amendment, ensuring it interacts correctly with annual budgeting and benefit cycles.
Case for: Supporters would argue this precise timing is necessary for administrative clarity and to ensure the COLA disregard functions as intended within the federal fiscal year framework, providing consistent protection for beneficiaries.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against the technical timing of such a provision, as it's an administrative detail. However, critics of the overall policy might see it as adding complexity to benefit calculations.
Estimated impact: This timing mechanism ensures that the COLA disregard is applied consistently for a specific period each year, impacting all beneficiaries who receive a COLA within that timeframe.