SNAP Benefit Calculator
SNAP pays a monthly amount for groceries based on your household size, income and housing costs. For FY2026, a household of 3 in most states can get up to $785 a month and usually needs gross income under $2,888. Enter your details for an estimated range.
Free · No account needed · Private · About 2 minutes
How it works
- 1
Tell us about your household
Pick your state and how many people buy food together.
- 2
Add income and rent
Enter monthly income before taxes and your rent or mortgage.
- 3
See your estimate
Get likely eligibility and an estimated monthly benefit range.
What you get
- Whether you are likely to qualify, using FY2026 income limits
- An estimated monthly benefit range
- Whether your state uses a higher income limit
- A link to your state's benefits page
What this tool does
- • Uses the official FY2026 SNAP income limits and benefit amounts
- • Counts the standard and shelter deductions
- • Explains each part of your result in plain words
What this tool does not do
- • Does not decide if you qualify — only your state agency can
- • Does not count utility, child care or medical costs
- • Does not send your answers to any agency
How much SNAP could I get?
Your SNAP benefit depends on how many people are in your household and how much income is left after deductions. For FY2026, the most a household can get in the 48 states and DC is $298 a month for 1 person, $546 for 2, $785 for 3 and $994 for 4.
Most households must have gross monthly income at or under 130% of the poverty level and net income at or under 100%. Many states use a rule called broad-based categorical eligibility, which raises the gross limit. Households with someone 60 or older or with a disability only need to meet the net income limit.
Common questions
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Last updated November 2026. For general information only, not legal or medical advice.
Sources: USDA: SNAP FY2026 cost-of-living adjustments · USDA: SNAP eligibility · USDA: Broad-based categorical eligibility
How SNAP benefits are calculated
Step 1, the gross income test: add up everyone's monthly income before taxes. It must be at or under the gross limit for your household size (130% of the poverty level). Many states raise this limit through broad-based categorical eligibility. Households with someone 60 or older or with a disability skip this test.
Step 2, net income: take 20% off any income from work. Then subtract the standard deduction ($209 for 1 to 3 people, $223 for 4, $261 for 5 and $299 for 6 or more in the 48 states and DC).
Step 3, the shelter deduction: take half of what's left. If your rent or mortgage is more than that half, the extra is subtracted too, up to $744 a month in the 48 states and DC ($1,189 in Alaska, $1,003 in Hawaii). Households with someone 60+ or disabled have no cap. What remains is your net income, and it must be at or under the net limit (100% of the poverty level).
Step 4, the benefit: multiply net income by 30% and subtract that from the maximum benefit for your household size. Eligible 1- and 2-person households get at least $24 a month.
A worked example: a household of 3 in Texas has $2,000 a month in job income and pays $900 rent. That's under the $2,888 gross limit. 20% off leaves $1,600; minus the $209 standard deduction leaves $1,391. Half of that is $695.50, so $204.50 of rent counts, for $1,186 net income. 30% of that is $356 (rounded up), and $785 − $356 = $429 a month.
The calculator shows a range because it doesn't ask whether income is from a job or what you pay for utilities. The low end treats income as not from work and counts rent only. The high end treats it as job income and uses the full shelter deduction.
SNAP income limits by household size
These are the monthly income limits for FY2026. Most households need to be under both the gross and net limits. In states with broad-based categorical eligibility, the gross limit can be higher than shown here — check with your state agency.
| Region | Household size | Gross limit (130%) | Net limit (100%) | 165% limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 states & DC | 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 | $2,152 |
| 48 states & DC | 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 | $2,909 |
| 48 states & DC | 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 | $3,665 |
| 48 states & DC | 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 | $4,421 |
| 48 states & DC | 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 | $5,177 |
| 48 states & DC | 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 | $5,934 |
| 48 states & DC | 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 | $6,690 |
| 48 states & DC | 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 | $7,446 |
| 48 states & DC | Each extra person | +$596 | +$459 | +$757 |
| Alaska | 1 | $2,118 | $1,630 | $2,689 |
| Alaska | 2 | $2,864 | $2,203 | $3,635 |
| Alaska | 3 | $3,609 | $2,776 | $4,581 |
| Alaska | 4 | $4,354 | $3,350 | $5,527 |
| Alaska | 5 | $5,100 | $3,923 | $6,473 |
| Alaska | 6 | $5,845 | $4,496 | $7,419 |
| Alaska | 7 | $6,590 | $5,070 | $8,365 |
| Alaska | 8 | $7,336 | $5,643 | $9,311 |
| Alaska | Each extra person | +$746 | +$574 | +$946 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $1,949 | $1,500 | $2,474 |
| Hawaii | 2 | $2,635 | $2,027 | $3,344 |
| Hawaii | 3 | $3,321 | $2,555 | $4,215 |
| Hawaii | 4 | $4,007 | $3,082 | $5,085 |
| Hawaii | 5 | $4,692 | $3,610 | $5,956 |
| Hawaii | 6 | $5,378 | $4,137 | $6,826 |
| Hawaii | 7 | $6,064 | $4,665 | $7,696 |
| Hawaii | 8 | $6,750 | $5,192 | $8,567 |
| Hawaii | Each extra person | +$686 | +$528 | +$871 |
The 165% limit applies to some people 60 or older or with a disability who can't buy and cook food separately.
These figures come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SNAP FY2026 cost-of-living adjustments. Only your state SNAP agency decides if you qualify.
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