Wyoming SNAP Income Limits: How Much Can You Earn and Still Qualify?

Last Updated: July 2026 Source: USDA & state agency guidelines (FY2026)

Wyoming’s SNAP income limits follow the federal 130% FPL standard — Wyoming has not adopted Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), meaning the higher thresholds used in BBCE states like Washington or Virginia (200% FPL) do not apply here. Wyoming also enforces the standard federal asset test.

Wyoming is one of several states nationally that has not adopted BBCE — a group that also includes South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah, all of which use this same strict 130% FPL standard.

SNAP in Wyoming is administered by the Department of Family Services (DFS). Wyoming’s economy is shaped by its energy sector — coal, oil, and natural gas extraction across the Powder River Basin and around Casper and Gillette — alongside ranching and agriculture, and tourism tied to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. With the smallest population of any U.S. state, Wyoming serves over 50,000 residents through SNAP.

This guide covers every income threshold for 2026, how deductions work, and what changed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.


Wyoming SNAP Gross Income Limits 2026

Gross income is your total household income before any deductions — wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment, child support received, and all other sources combined. Your gross monthly income must be at or below 130% FPL to pass Wyoming’s first income test.

Household SizeMax Monthly Gross Income (130% FPL)
1$1,580
2$2,137
3$2,694
4$3,250
5$3,807
6$4,364
7$4,921
8$5,478
Each additional+$557

Source: USDA FNA and Wyoming DFS, effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.

Wyoming uses the same strict 130% FPL gross income standard as South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah. A household of 4 earning more than $3,250/month is automatically disqualified in Wyoming before deductions are calculated — compared to $5,000/month in neighboring BBCE states.

To see how Wyoming compares to every other state, see the national SNAP income limits guide.


Wyoming SNAP Net Income Limits 2026

Net income is what remains after SNAP’s allowable deductions are subtracted from your gross income. All Wyoming households — except those with elderly or disabled members — must pass both the gross and net income tests.

Household SizeMax Monthly Net Income (100% FPL)
1$1,215
2$1,644
3$2,072
4$2,500
5$2,929
6$3,357
7$3,785
8$4,214
Each additional+$429

Source: USDA FNA and Wyoming DFS, effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.


How Deductions Reduce Your Net Income in Wyoming

Deductions lower your gross income to arrive at your net income. Wyoming’s vast size and low population density create unique cost-of-living factors — from housing costs in energy boomtowns to the transportation costs of covering long distances between rural communities and services.

Standard Deduction

Every Wyoming household receives a flat standard deduction regardless of actual expenses:

Household SizeStandard Deduction
1–3 members$204/month
4 members$217/month
5 members$254/month
6+ members$291/month

Earned Income Deduction

If anyone in your household earns wages or self-employment income, 20% of that earned income is automatically deducted before the net income test.

Wyoming’s workforce includes oilfield and coal mining workers throughout the Powder River Basin and around Casper and Gillette, ranching and agricultural workers across the state’s rural counties, university employees and students in Laramie, and tourism-industry workers near Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Energy sector income can fluctuate significantly with commodity prices, and this 20% deduction plays a meaningful role for workers navigating that volatility.

Excess Shelter Deduction

Rent or mortgage payments plus utility costs that exceed 50% of your net income — after other deductions — can be deducted. For 2026, this deduction is capped at $712/month for most Wyoming households. The cap does not apply to households with an elderly or disabled member, who may deduct the full shelter and utility amount.

Energy boomtowns like Gillette have seen housing costs rise during periods of high energy sector activity, while much of rural Wyoming remains considerably more affordable.

Standard Utility Allowance

Wyoming offers a fixed Standard Utility Allowance for households paying heating or cooling costs. Wyoming winters are long, cold, and often severe, particularly at higher elevations — heating costs represent one of the most significant seasonal expenses for Wyoming households statewide.

Dependent Care Deduction

Childcare or adult dependent care costs paid so a household member can work, look for work, or attend job training are fully deductible — up to the actual amount paid.

Medical Expense Deduction

Elderly (60+) or disabled household members can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. Qualifying costs include prescriptions, doctor visits, dental care, transportation to medical appointments, and health insurance premiums not covered by insurance.

Given Wyoming’s rural geography, transportation to medical appointments can be a particularly significant deductible expense for households far from the nearest clinic or hospital.

For a full breakdown of income sources excluded from gross income, see what income is not counted for SNAP.


Worked Example: How Deductions Calculate Net Income in Wyoming

Here is how a Wyoming household’s gross income is reduced to net income step by step.

Household: Oilfield services worker, spouse, two children — household of 4 Location: Casper, Wyoming Gross Monthly Income: $2,850 (energy sector wages)

StepCalculationRemaining Income
Start with gross income$2,850
Subtract 20% earned income deduction$2,850 × 20% = $570$2,280
Subtract standard deduction (household of 4)$217$2,063
Subtract excess shelter costs (rent $900 + utilities $200 = $1,100; 50% of $2,063 = $1,032; excess = $68)$68$1,995
Net Monthly Income$1,995

Gross income test: $2,850 is below Wyoming’s 130% FPL limit of $3,250 for a household of 4. ✓ Passed. Net income test: $1,995 is below the net limit of $2,500 for a household of 4. ✓ Passed. Estimated monthly benefit: $975 (max for 4) − (30% × $1,995) = $975 − $599 = $376/month

This example reflects Casper’s energy sector workforce. A household of 4 earning $2,850/month qualifies for approximately $376/month in SNAP benefits.

The same household earning $3,300/month would be automatically denied under Wyoming’s strict 130% FPL gross limit, while qualifying for SNAP in neighboring BBCE states.


Special Income Rules for Wyoming Households

Elderly and Disabled Households

Wyoming households where at least one member is age 60 or older or has a qualifying disability are exempt from the gross income test entirely. They only need to pass the net income test at 100% FPL. Veterans with a 100% disability rating are generally auto-eligible in most cases.

For more detail, see our guide on whether seniors on Social Security can get food stamps.

Asset Limits

Wyoming applies the standard federal resource test alongside income limits:

  • $2,750 for most households
  • $4,250 for households with at least one elderly or disabled member

Exempt assets include your primary home, one vehicle per household, all retirement accounts, and personal property. Bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds count toward the limit.

POWER and Categorical Eligibility

Wyoming’s TANF program is called POWER (Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities). Households already receiving POWER, SSI, or other qualifying cash assistance may be automatically eligible for SNAP without a separate income determination.

Modified Drug Felony Rules

Wyoming applies a modified ban for SNAP applicants with drug-related felony convictions. You may still be eligible if you are in compliance with the terms of your sentence, including any required supervision and substance abuse treatment. Contact your local DFS office for specific guidance.

What Counts as Income in Wyoming

All of the following count toward your gross income in Wyoming:

  • Wages and salaries (gross, before taxes)
  • Self-employment net profit (after business expenses)
  • Social Security and SSI payments
  • Unemployment insurance benefits
  • Child support received
  • Pension and retirement income
  • Workers’ compensation

LIHEAP energy assistance payments, EITC tax refunds, and most student financial aid do not count toward gross income. For a full breakdown, see what income is not counted for SNAP.


How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Affects Wyoming SNAP in 2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025, introduced several changes affecting Wyoming SNAP recipients starting in the 2026 benefit year.

Expanded work requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must now meet 80 hours per month of work, training, or volunteering. The age range has expanded from 18–54 to 18–64, and parents of children aged 14 and older are also now subject to work requirements. Parents remain exempt from the general work requirement.

Wyoming’s rural counties, where job availability can be limited outside the energy and agriculture sectors, may qualify for local waivers based on documented conditions. See the full breakdown at SNAP work requirements and check who is exempt.

State administrative cost-sharing: Starting October 2026, Wyoming will pick up a larger share of SNAP administrative costs under OBBBA — a change affecting state budgeting rather than individual eligibility or benefit amounts.

More frequent recertification: Many Wyoming recipients recertify every 6 to 12 months. Complete your renewal through the DFS portal well before your certification end date to avoid a gap in benefits.

What has not changed: Wyoming’s income limits — 130% FPL gross and 100% FPL net — deduction rules, and asset limits remain in effect for 2026. For a full national breakdown of what changed, see our Big Beautiful Bill SNAP changes guide.


Wyoming SNAP Maximum Benefit Amounts 2026

If you qualify, your monthly benefit is calculated as:

Monthly Benefit = Maximum Benefit − (30% × Net Monthly Income)

A household with zero net income receives the full maximum benefit for their size.

Household SizeMaximum Monthly Benefit
1$292
2$535
3$766
4$975
5$1,155
6$1,386
7$1,524
8$1,751
Each additional+$219

Source: USDA FNA, effective October 1, 2025.


How to Apply for Wyoming SNAP

If your income falls within the limits above, here is how to move forward:

  1. Review full eligibility rules — income limits are one part of eligibility. Residency, citizenship, household composition, work requirements, and the asset test all apply in Wyoming. See the complete Wyoming SNAP eligibility guide before applying.
  2. Gather your documents — photo ID, proof of Wyoming residency, pay stubs or income statements for all household members, Social Security numbers, proof of housing costs, and bank statements since the asset test applies.
  3. Apply online through the DFS portal at dfs.wyo.gov — select “Apply for Benefits” to get started.
  4. Or apply in person — visit your local DFS office for assistance with the application.
  5. Complete your interview — a DFS caseworker will contact you to verify your information. Standard processing takes up to 30 days; households with very low income may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days.
  6. Receive your EBT card — once approved, benefits are loaded to your card each month, typically on a schedule based on the last digit of your case number or the first letter of your last name.

For a full step-by-step walkthrough, see the Wyoming SNAP application guide.


Frequently Asked Questions About Wyoming SNAP Income Limits

What is the Wyoming SNAP income limit for a single person in 2026?

For a single person, Wyoming’s gross monthly income limit is $1,580 (130% FPL) and the net monthly income limit is $1,215 (100% FPL). If you are 60 or older or have a qualifying disability, the gross income test does not apply — only the $1,215 net income limit matters.

Wyoming applies the standard asset test, so households with more than $2,750 in countable assets must also meet that requirement.

What is the Wyoming SNAP income limit for a family of 4?

A household of 4 must have a gross monthly income at or below $3,250 and a net monthly income at or below $2,500. As shown in the worked example above, a Casper energy sector household of 4 earning $2,850/month qualifies for approximately $376/month.

The maximum monthly benefit for a family of four is $975/month.

Does Wyoming use BBCE or expanded income limits?

No. Wyoming uses the federal 130% FPL standard and has not adopted BBCE — a group of states that also includes South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah. Wyoming also retains the standard $2,750 asset test.

A household of 4 earning between $3,250 and $5,000/month would qualify in a BBCE state but not in Wyoming.

What is POWER in Wyoming?

POWER (Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities) is Wyoming’s TANF cash assistance program. Households already receiving POWER may be automatically eligible for SNAP without a separate income determination.

Are disabled veterans automatically eligible for SNAP in Wyoming?

Veterans with a 100% disability rating are generally auto-eligible in most cases, subject to standard verification. Contact your local DFS office to confirm how this applies to your specific situation.

When do Wyoming SNAP income limits change?

Wyoming SNAP income limits are updated every October 1 to reflect the new federal fiscal year FPL guidelines. The figures in this guide are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Always confirm current limits with Wyoming DFS at dfs.wyo.gov before applying.


Additional Wyoming SNAP Resources


This guide reflects the 2026 SNAP fiscal year income limits, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Income limits and benefit amounts are updated each October. Always verify current figures with Wyoming DFS at dfs.wyo.gov before applying.