SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Montana

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Montana)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Montana with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Montana. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Montana, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Montana includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Montana, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Montana, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Montana includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Montana include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Montana to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Montana. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Montana. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Montana, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Montana if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Montana. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Montana, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

What are the SNAP income limits in Montana?

Montana follows the federal SNAP income limits. The calculator checks the correct household size limits and applies both gross and net income rules automatically.

How much can a 1 person household get in food stamps in Montana?

A 1-person household could receive up to about $291 maximum per month depending on net income and deductions.

Can I qualify for SNAP in Montana if I rent a room?

Yes — you can still qualify. If you purchase and prepare food separately you may even be considered a separate SNAP household.

Do rent and utility bills affect SNAP amounts in Montana?

Yes. Montana uses Standard Utility Allowances. Housing + utilities can greatly increase your deductions and the calculator considers this.

Do Social Security and SSI count as income for SNAP in Montana?

Yes — Social Security retirement, SSDI and SSI count as unearned income. The calculator includes these amounts when estimating net income.

Can seniors qualify for food stamps in Montana if they only get Social Security?

Yes — especially if they have medical costs or high rent. These deductions may increase your benefit.

Do college students qualify for SNAP in Montana?

Students must meet special exemption conditions. The calculator screens for things like work hours, work-study, disability, or having a dependent child.

Does Montana have an asset limit for SNAP?

Most Montana households do not have an asset/resource limit because of categorical eligibility. Only some elderly/disabled cases may have limits.

Can I still qualify for SNAP in Montana if I’m unemployed?

Yes — SNAP is based on income not employment. Zero income applicants can still qualify. The calculator supports zero income entry.

Does child support paid reduce countable SNAP income in Montana?

Yes. Legally owed child support paid out is deducted and reduces your net SNAP income.

Do medical expenses help increase SNAP benefits in Montana?

Yes — elderly and disabled households can deduct out-of-pocket medical costs. This increases shelter deductions and may raise benefit amounts.

Do SNAP benefit amounts change every year in Montana?

Yes — SNAP benefit maximums and income limits update every October 1. The calculator always uses current values.

Does Montana require the net income test after deductions?

Yes — most households must meet the net income test after all deductions are applied unless special elderly/disabled rules apply.

How does Montana define a SNAP household?

A SNAP household is whoever lives together AND buys & prepares food together. That is the definition used in Montana.

Where do I apply for SNAP in Montana after using the calculator?

You apply through the Montana DPHHS (Department of Public Health & Human Services). Applications can be done online or through local county offices.