SNAP — Food Stamps & EBT Benefits

Eligibility for SNAP is based on several factors, including gross and net income, household size, and resources. Generally, gross income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), while net income should be at or below 100% of the FPL. For fiscal year 2026 (effective October 1, 2025), the maximum monthly benefit in the 48 contiguous states is $298 for a single person and $994 for a family of four.

### How SNAP EBT works

Benefits load to a **SNAP EBT card** (Electronic Benefits Transfer) on the same day each month. The SNAP EBT card looks and works like a debit card — you swipe it at checkout and enter a PIN. It is accepted at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and many online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, and others). Eligible purchases include bread, produce, meat, dairy, and seeds. The card cannot be used for hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items.

### Who qualifies to receive SNAP

To receive SNAP, your household's monthly income and resources must fall under federal limits. People with disabilities and adults aged 60+ get more flexible income rules and a higher resource limit. Work requirements apply to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18 to 54 in many states — they must work or join a SNAP Employment & Training work program to keep benefits beyond a three-month window.

### How monthly income changes your benefit

Your benefit shrinks as your monthly income grows. The formula starts with the maximum allotment for your household size, then subtracts 30% of your countable net income. Higher earners get a smaller benefit but may still qualify; very low income households usually receive the maximum.

### Big Beautiful Bill and recent SNAP changes

The 2025 federal law sometimes called the "Big Beautiful Bill" expanded work requirements and shifted some administrative costs to states. Check your state SNAP agency for current local rules — eligibility and benefit math can change as state plans update.

SNAP is not the same as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. They are separate programs with different eligibility criteria and types of food that can be purchased.

### Household size matters

SNAP looks at your whole household — everyone who buys and prepares food together. Larger households qualify at higher income levels because both the income limit and the maximum monthly benefit scale with household size. A four-person household, for example, can have substantially more monthly income than a single applicant and still qualify.

State rules vary on items like vehicle limits, expedited service, and broad-based categorical eligibility. See the state benefit guides for the rules and application links where you live.