The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Montana provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase nutritious food, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote access to healthy meals. Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as the Montana Access Card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
This guide outlines the 2025 eligibility criteria, income limits, benefit amounts, and application process for Montana SNAP, based on federal and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) guidelines.
Use the SNAP Eligibility Screening Tool on the Montana DPHHS ApplyMT portal to estimate your benefits, assuming you meet Montana’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Montana SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP in Montana, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines or meet categorical eligibility through programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Household Size: Determined by individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, asylees, or children under 18).
- Residency: Must reside in Montana.
- Work Requirements: Certain adults (able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs) must meet work obligations unless exempt.
- Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits due to Montana’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Households with elderly or disabled members exceeding specific income thresholds may face asset limits.
Households receiving TANF, SSI, or other means-tested benefits are often categorically eligible, meaning they automatically qualify for SNAP without meeting standard income or asset tests, provided their net income is low enough. Contact the Montana DPHHS at (888) 706-1535 for detailed guidance.
Montana SNAP Income Guidelines (2025)
Eligibility is based on gross income (pre-tax) and net income (after allowable deductions). The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), are as follows:
Gross Income Limit (130% of Federal Poverty Level)
Most households must have a gross monthly income below these amounts unless categorically eligible:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,871 |
| 2 | $2,538 |
| 3 | $3,205 |
| 4 | $3,872 |
| 5 | $4,539 |
| 6 | $5,206 |
| 7 | $5,873 |
| 8 | $6,540 |
| Each Add’l | +$667 |
Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households where all members are 60+ or disabled qualify under higher limits if exceeding the 130% FPL:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,439 |
| 2 | $1,946 |
| 3 | $2,453 |
| 4 | $2,960 |
| 5 | $3,467 |
| 6 | $3,974 |
| 7 | $4,481 |
| 8 | $4,988 |
| Each Add’l | +$507 |
Note: Households receiving TANF or SSI are categorically eligible and may not need to meet these income limits, but their net income must be low enough to receive benefits. Montana’s BBCE allows most households to qualify with higher incomes (up to 200% FPL in some cases) and no asset test.
Income Sources
Countable income includes:
- Earned: Wages, self-employment earnings (before taxes, with allowable business expenses deducted).
- Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.
Exempt income may include certain educational grants or loans used for tuition and fees.
Asset Rules for Montana SNAP
Due to Montana’s adoption of broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), most households are not subject to asset limits. For households with elderly (60+) or disabled members exceeding the 165% FPL gross income limit, the asset cap is $4,500. Countable assets include:
- Liquid resources (e.g., cash, bank accounts)
- Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
- Stocks, bonds, money market funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
- Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401k plans)
- Vehicles (Montana excludes all vehicles used for household transportation)
Households that are categorically eligible (e.g., receiving TANF or SSI) are exempt from asset limits.
Defining a SNAP Household
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with parents
- Individuals living together but purchasing and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households.
Disabled or elderly individuals (60+) unable to prepare meals due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the FPL (e.g., $2,375/month for one person).
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., Montana’s SNAP Employment and Training Program).
Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period. Exemptions include:
- Under 18 or over 52
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent child
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Receiving disability-related benefits (e.g., SSI, Social Security disability)
All non-exempt adults aged 16–59 must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter.
Deductions to Improve Eligibility
Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:
- Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $291 (6+)
- Earned Income: 20% deduction
- Dependent Care: Costs for child or dependent care needed for work or school
- Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled (unreimbursed costs only; standard deduction of $136 available without full verification)
- Shelter Costs: Rent/mortgage and utilities, up to $712 (no cap for households with elderly/disabled members)
- Standard Utility Allowance: Varies (e.g., $374 for heating/cooling, updated annually)
- Homeless Deduction: Up to $190.30
- Court-Ordered Child Support: Payments made to non-household members
Montana SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
Maximum monthly allotments by household size (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):
| Household Size | Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,755 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Benefits are calculated by multiplying net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting the result from the maximum allotment for the household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit. A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has been applied for 2025 to account for rising food prices.
Applying for SNAP in Montana
Apply through the following methods:
- Online: ApplyMT portal
- In-Person: Visit a local DPHHS Office of Public Assistance
- Mail: Download, complete, and mail the application (Form DPHHS-HCS-100) from the DPHHS website to a local DPHHS office
- Fax: Fax the completed application to a local DPHHS office (check local office for fax number)
- Phone: Call (888) 706-1535 for assistance
An interview (phone or in-person) is required to finalize the application. Households with urgent needs (e.g., less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs) may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. Keep your confirmation number and copies of submitted documents.
Post-Approval Process
- Receive a Montana Access Card by mail, which must be activated before use.
- Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online (e.g., Amazon, Walmart). SNAP cannot cover delivery fees.
- Benefits are loaded monthly on a staggered schedule based on the last digit of the primary applicant’s case number (e.g., 0-3 on the 1st, 4-7 on the 2nd, 8-9 on the 3rd).
- Check balances via receipts, the ApplyMT portal, by calling 1-866-850-1556, or through resources like How to Check SNAP Balance.
- Protect your EBT card from scams by changing your PIN regularly and reporting issues immediately to 1-866-850-1556. Note: Replacement of stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) is not available for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024.
EBT Card Perks
- Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Walmart, and other approved retailers.
- Farmers’ Markets: Purchase fresh produce at participating markets, with programs like Montana’s Double Up Food Bucks offering dollar-for-dollar matches (up to $20/visit) for fruits and vegetables.
- Discount Programs: Discounts on services like Amazon Prime or museum admissions (check Museums for All).
Items Not Covered by SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Vitamins or medications
Key Information
- Income and benefit limits are updated annually (October 1).
- Most Montana households are categorically eligible, easing income and asset restrictions.
- Use the Montana DPHHS SNAP Eligibility Screening Tool to estimate eligibility.
- Apply even if unsure—you may qualify.
- Report stolen benefits (for thefts before December 20, 2024) within 30 days of discovery and seek emergency food assistance via Montana 2-1-1 or Montana Food Bank Network.
Resources
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility
- Montana Food Bank Network: (406) 721-3825
- Montana 2-1-1 for emergency food assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for SNAP in Montana?
Apply online at the ApplyMT portal, in person at a DPHHS Office of Public Assistance, by mail, fax, or call (888) 706-1535 for help.
What are the 2025 SNAP income limits for Montana?
For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $1,871 (130% FPL) or $2,375 (165% FPL for elderly/disabled). Limits vary by household size. Categorically eligible households may have higher limits.
How long does SNAP approval take in Montana?
Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 7 days for emergencies.
Can I use my Montana SNAP EBT card online?
Yes, it’s accepted at retailers like Amazon and Walmart for eligible grocery purchases.
Are there work requirements for Montana SNAP?
Adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt (e.g., disabled, pregnant, or caring for a child).
This guide is based on 2025 federal and Montana DPHHS guidelines. Verify details with your local DPHHS office for accuracy.