The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps households with low income buy groceries. Benefits arrive on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at authorized stores. This guide explains who counts as a household, how the income tests work, what the current limits are, and how the monthly benefit is figured. Every number below comes from the USDA page cited in the Sources list, and the limits are the ones USDA lists for applications filed from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
How SNAP works in brief
You apply in the state where you live. USDA does not process applications: the USDA eligibility page says each state has its own application form and process, and that a member of your household must contact the state agency directly. You can do that by visiting a local SNAP office, going to your state agency's website, or calling your state's toll-free SNAP information line. Some states let you finish the application online. Our guide on how to apply for SNAP in your state lists the phone number and application link USDA gives for every state.
If you are found eligible, benefits are loaded onto your EBT card every month. USDA says benefits go back to the date you submitted your application, so file as soon as you can even if you are unsure you qualify.
Who counts as a household
SNAP looks at your household, not just you. According to USDA, everyone who lives together and buys and prepares meals together is grouped as one SNAP household. Some people are grouped together even if they buy and prepare food separately, such as spouses and most children under age 22.
There is one exception for older adults. A person who is 60 or older and cannot buy and prepare meals separately because of a permanent disability may be a separate household if the other people they live with have income of no more than 165% of the poverty level.
Normally you are not eligible if an institution gives you most of your meals, although USDA notes there are exceptions for elderly and disabled people.
The income tests
SNAP uses two measures of income. USDA defines them like this:
- Gross income is the household's total income that is not excluded, before any deductions.
- Net income is gross income minus the deductions SNAP allows.
A household first has to be at or below the gross monthly limit (130% of the poverty level) and then at or below the net monthly limit (100% of the poverty level). USDA says a household with an elderly or disabled member only has to meet the net income limit.
Income limits, October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
USDA's table applies to the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
| Household size | Gross monthly income (130% of poverty) | Net monthly income (100% of poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 |
| Each additional person | +$616 | +$474 |
Source: USDA SNAP eligibility page, Table 1.
USDA updates these limits every year, so check the date on any table you find elsewhere.
Resource limits
SNAP also counts certain resources. USDA says households may have $3,000 in countable resources, such as cash or money in a bank account, or $4,750 if at least one household member is 60 or older or disabled. These amounts are updated annually.
Some things are not counted. USDA lists a home and lot, and most retirement and pension plans. Vehicles do count, and USDA says states decide how a vehicle counts toward household resources.
Many states also use what USDA calls broad-based categorical eligibility. Under it, a state can align its income and resource limits with its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. USDA adds that you still have to meet the non-financial rules and have income low enough to receive benefits. In practice, your state's limits can be different from the federal table, so confirm with your state agency.
Deductions that lower your net income
The step between gross and net income is where many households find they qualify. USDA lists these deductions:
- A 20% deduction from earned income.
- A standard deduction of $217 for households of 1 to 3 people. USDA says it is higher for some larger households and different in Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
- A dependent care deduction when the care is needed for work, training or education.
- Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members that are more than $35 for the month and not paid by insurance or someone else.
- Legally owed child support payments, in some states.
- A standard shelter deduction of $205.66 for homeless households.
- An excess shelter cost deduction, for shelter costs that are more than half of the household's income after the other deductions. Allowed shelter costs include heating and cooking fuel, electricity, water, the basic fee for one telephone, rent or mortgage payments and interest, and taxes on the home.
USDA says the shelter deduction is capped at $769 unless someone in the household is elderly or disabled. For those households, all shelter costs above half of the income can be deducted.
How the monthly benefit is calculated
USDA says SNAP households are expected to spend about 30 percent of their own resources on food. The benefit (called an allotment) is the maximum monthly allotment for your household size minus 30 percent of your net monthly income.
Maximum monthly allotments, October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
These are for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Allotments are different in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
| Household size | Maximum monthly allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $306 |
| 2 | $562 |
| 3 | $808 |
| 4 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person (9 to 17) | $225 |
Source: USDA SNAP eligibility page, Table 4.
A worked example from USDA
USDA's own example is a four-person household in the 48 states or DC with no elderly or disabled members, $1,500 in earned income and $550 in Social Security. Gross income is $2,050, which is under the $3,575 limit. After the deductions USDA shows, net income is $1,056.50, which is under the $2,750 net limit. Thirty percent of $1,056.50 is about $317 (USDA rounds up). The maximum allotment for four people is $1,023, so the benefit for a full month is $1,023 minus $317, or $706.
Your own number will differ, because it depends on your deductions and your state's rules. Only your state agency can tell you what you would get.
What happens after you apply
USDA says that in most cases your state agency or local SNAP office will send a notice within 30 days telling you whether you are eligible. During those 30 days you complete an eligibility interview, usually by phone or in person, and give proof of the information on your application.
Some households can get benefits faster. USDA says you may receive SNAP within 7 days of your application date if, for example, your household has less than $100 in liquid resources and $150 in monthly gross income.
If you cannot go to the office or call, you can name another person as an authorized representative to apply and be interviewed for you. USDA says you must name that person in writing.
When you are approved, you receive a notice that states your certification period, which is how long you will receive benefits. Before it ends you must recertify. Your local office will explain how.
What changed recently
At the top of its eligibility page, USDA says the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 changes certain SNAP eligibility factors, including the work requirements and non-citizen eligibility, and that it is still updating the page to reflect those changes. If you have a question about work rules or about a family member who is not a U.S. citizen, ask your state agency.
Where to go next
- Ready to apply? See how to apply for SNAP in your state.
- Need food before benefits start? Read how to find a food pantry today.
- Have a child under 5 or are pregnant? Read the WIC basics guide.
Sources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP eligibility (information for Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027), retrieved October 18, 2026.
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP state directory, retrieved October 18, 2026.
Last reviewed: October 18, 2026.