The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the nation’s largest federal nutrition assistance program. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), it helps over 41 million low-income Americans afford healthy food each month.
As of October 2025, the program operates under updated 2025–2026 fiscal year guidelines, effective from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, introduced significant changes—including stricter work requirements, reduced federal funding, and more frequent recertification—impacting millions of recipients starting November 2025.
This comprehensive guide covers SNAP income limits, eligibility rules, benefit calculations, application steps, and state-specific variations for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. (Alaska and Hawaii have 25% higher limits). Always verify with your state SNAP agency for final eligibility.
Detailed SNAP Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for SNAP depends on financial and non-financial criteria. A SNAP “household” includes everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together—even if they’re not related.
Financial Eligibility
- Gross Income Test: Total monthly income before deductions must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Exemption: Households with a member aged 60+ or disabled skip this test. - Net Income Test: Income after deductions must be at or below 100% FPL. All households must pass this.
- Resource (Asset) Limit:
- $2,750 for most households
- $4,250 if at least one member is elderly or disabled
Exempt assets: Primary home, one vehicle per adult, retirement accounts, personal belongings.
Allowable Deductions (Used to Calculate Net Income)
| Deduction Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Deduction | $204 (1–3 people), increases with household size |
| Earned Income | 20% of wages/self-employment income |
| Shelter Costs | Rent/mortgage + utilities; capped at $712/month (uncapped for elderly/disabled) |
| Medical Expenses | Out-of-pocket costs over $35/month (elderly/disabled only) |
| Dependent Care | Childcare or adult care to enable work/training |
Non-Financial Eligibility
- Citizenship/Immigration Status: U.S. citizens and certain qualified non-citizens (e.g., refugees, lawful permanent residents with 5+ years) are eligible.
- Work Requirements (Expanded under OBBBA):
- ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents): Ages 18–64 must work, train, or volunteer 80 hours per month or lose benefits after 3 months in 36 months.
- General work registration for ages 16–59 (exemptions apply).
- Student Rules: College students (18–49) must work 20+ hours/week or meet exemptions (e.g., caring for a child under 6).
- Disqualifications: Drug-related felony convictions (in most states), fleeing felons, or voluntary job quitters face temporary bans.
SNAP Income Limits (2025–2026)
SNAP income limits are updated annually on October 1. The 2025 FPL for one person in the 48 states and D.C. is $15,650/year ($1,304/month).
Federal SNAP Income Limits (48 States & D.C.)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Income (100% FPL) | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 | $292 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 | $535 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 | $766 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 | $975 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $3,357 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $3,785 | $1,524 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $4,214 | $1,751 |
| Each Additional | +$557 | +$429 | +$219 |
Alaska & Hawaii (25% Higher Limits)
| Region | 1-Person Gross | Max Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $1,975 | $365 |
| Hawaii | $1,975 | $365 |
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)
39 states use BBCE to raise gross income limits to 200% FPL ($2,427/month for one person) and eliminate the resource test. Examples:
- California, New York, Washington: 200% FPL + no asset limit
- Texas, Florida, Georgia: Stick to federal 130% FPL + $2,750 asset limit
SNAP Benefits: What You’ll Receive
SNAP issues benefits via an EBT card (like a debit card) usable at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers.
How Benefits Are Calculated
Benefit = Maximum Benefit − (30% of Net Income)- Example: Family of 4 with $1,800 net income
$975 (max) − $540 (30%) = $435/month
Average & Maximum Benefits
- Average per person: $181/month
- Average per household: $258/month (down from $281 in 2024 due to OBBBA cuts)
- Maximums: See tables above
What You Can Buy
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy | Hot prepared foods |
| Bread, cereals, seeds, plants | Alcohol, tobacco |
| Baby formula, snacks | Vitamins, supplements |
Benefit Delivery
- Loaded monthly (1st–15th, depending on state)
- Expedited: Within 7 days if income < $150 and resources < $100
- OBBBA Impact: 5% benefit cut for non-compliant ABAWDs starting November 2025
State-by-State SNAP Variations
While SNAP is federal, states customize rules:
SNAP Income limits Guideline by State: Choose Your State
Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check your state’s exact rules.
How to Apply for SNAP: Step-by-Step
- Check Eligibility
Use your state’s online pre-screener or the SNAP Eligibility Calculator. - Gather Documents
- ID (driver’s license, birth certificate)
- Income proof (pay stubs, SSI letter)
- Bills (rent, utilities)
- Social Security numbers
- Submit Application
- Online: Most states (e.g., YourTexasBenefits.com)
- In-person: Local DHS or social services office
- Mail/Fax: Download form from state website
- Complete Interview
- Phone or in-person within 30 days
- Expedited cases: same-day or next-day
- Get Decision
- Standard: 30 days
- Expedited: 7 days
- Receive EBT Card
- Mailed within 7–10 days
- Check balance online or by phone (How to Check SNAP Balance)
- Recertify
- Every 6–12 months (more often under OBBBA)
Track your application status online: How to Check SNAP Application Status
FAQs: SNAP Eligibility, Benefits & Application
What income doesn’t count for SNAP?
Child support, student loans, tax refunds, and certain veteran benefits are excluded. Learn more at What Income Is Not Counted for SNAP.
Can I get SNAP if I own a car?
Yes—one vehicle per adult is fully exempt. Additional cars may count only if equity exceeds $4,650.
How does OBBBA affect my benefits?
Starting November 2025, adults 18–64 without dependents must prove 80 hours/month of work or lose benefits after 3 months.
Can college students get SNAP?
Yes—if working 20+ hours/week, in work-study, or caring for a young child.
What if my application is denied?
Request a fair hearing within 90 days. Free legal help is available via 211.
How do I report a new job or income change?
Report within 10 days via your state’s online portal or hotline to avoid overpayment.
Need Help?
- National Hotline: 1-800-221-5689
- State Directory: fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
- EBT Card Issues: 1-800-997-9999
SNAP is a lifeline for millions. Apply today—even if you’re unsure, there’s no penalty for being denied.
Last updated: October 29, 2025 |