A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits
Federal Food Assistance Programs
There are many federal food assistance programs in the US, but their main goal is the same, to stop hunger across the country. Here is a list of each program, who may qualify for them and a brief description of each:
| SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – This program provides low-income families with targeted, temporary and timely benefits for groceries. Learn more about how SNAP works. |
| TEFAP – The Emergency Food Assistance Program – This program provides help through food banks and other emergency food providers to families in need of short-term hunger relief. |
| CSFP – The Commodity Supplemental Food Program – This program provides a monthly package of healthy USDA foods to low-income seniors. |
| CACFP – The Child and Adult Care Food Program – This program provides children and adults with nutritious meals and snacks at designated child and adult care centers. |
| NSLP – The National School Lunch Program – This program provides children who qualify with a nutritionally balanced lunch while at school. |
| SBP – The School Breakfast Program – This program provides children who qualify with a nutritionally balanced breakfast while at school. |
| SFSP – The Summer Food Service Program – This program provides low-income children with free meals and snacks over the summer. |
| WIC – Women, Infants and Children – This program provides low-income, at risk women and infants with nutritious food and educates on healthy nutrition. Learn about the differences between SNAP and WIC. |
What is the Difference Between SNAP and Food Stamps?
SNAP and food stamps are the same thing. In 2008, they changed the name from food stamps to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP for short. The program’s goal is to make healthy food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, accessible to the people who qualify and help them maintain healthy diets.
When Did They Stop Paper Food Stamps?
When the program was renamed in 2008, paper food stamps were eliminated and became electronic instead. This was mostly due to people committing fraud by selling their paper food stamps for cash.
How Much Will I Get in SNAP?
The amount you will receive depends on your income and family size.The amount you will receive depends on your income and family size. If you or your family receives no income, you qualify for the maximum amount, while individuals or families who do receive income are expected to use 30% of that income for food, while SNAP provides you with the difference after subtracting your 30% from the maximum amount for an individual or family of your size.
The maximum amount for food stamps is determined by the Department of Agriculture’s Thrifty Food Plan. As of 2025, SNAP benefits have been adjusted to reflect increased food costs and inflation, with a 12% permanent increase implemented since the 2021 re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan.
How Your Snap Benefits Work
Once it is determined that you are eligible for SNAP, you will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer card (or EBT card), where your benefits shall be transferred to you each month.
Your EBT card can be used at any authorized retailers and food stores. You will have access to your account online to check your card balance and status.
Many states now offer mobile applications that allow you to check your balance, find authorized retailers, and receive notifications about your benefits. Online grocery shopping with SNAP benefits has also expanded nationwide, allowing recipients to order groceries online from approved retailers for delivery or pickup.
What is Covered Under SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP only covers food and plants or seeds that grow food that you may eat.
Items such as alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and supplements are not covered, as well as non-food items, such as toilet paper, pet food, household and hygiene supplies, etc.
Hhot prepared foods may now be purchased with SNAP benefits in some states through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which has expanded to serve elderly, disabled, and homeless SNAP recipients.
How Long Can You be on SNAP?
If you have children or dependents living with you, or are under 18 years old or older than 50, there are no limits to how long you may be on SNAP benefits.
For able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between ages 18-54, work requirements have been updated. As of 2025, these individuals must participate in qualifying work activities for at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP benefits beyond a 3-month period in a 36-month timeframe, unless they qualify for an exemption. However, states can request waivers for areas with high unemployment or insufficient jobs.
SNAP/Food Stamps Eligibility
How and Where to Apply for Food Stamps (SNAP)
There are multiple ways to apply for food stamps:
- Online: Most states now offer online applications through their benefits portal
- In-person: Visit your local SNAP office
- By mail: Download and print an application from your state’s SNAP website
- By phone: Call your state’s SNAP hotline to apply over the phone
To find your state’s SNAP resources, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website at fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory or call the SNAP information line at 1-800-221-5689.
The documents required for application include:
- Proof of Identity – Such as driver’s license, birth certificate, passport or Social Security card.
- Proof of Residency – Such as a utility bill, driver’s license (if it has the correct address) or tax returns.
- Social Security number – This will be required for every member of your family that will be applying to the SNAP program.
If you or someone in your family receives income, you may be required to present:
- Income earned – Such as a letter from your employer or pay stubs going back 4 weeks that show your earnings before taxes.
- Other income – Such as Unemployment, Social Security payments, workers compensation, child support and/or pension.
- Rental Income – If you are renting a room or apartment and are paid rent, you must present a copy of the lease agreement or a statement from your tenant that shows the amount paid to you.
- Self-employment income – They require your business records from the last three months or your most recent tax returns.
- Assets – you may be required to present asset information for elderly or disabled households.
There are some documents you can submit that may help you receive SNAP benefits or increase the amount you will receive:
- Rent costs – You may submit a letter from your landlord, a receipt of your rent or a copy of your current lease.
- Homeowner cost – You may submit proof of property taxes, your homeowners insurance or a mortgage statement.
- Medical expenses – This option is only for people who are disabled, over 60 years old or both, and receive disability-based benefits. You may submit evidence such as health insurance payments, receipts of co-payments, over the counter or prescription medicine, and transportation expenses due to doctors appointments.
- Utility expenses – You may submit bills such as your electric, telephone, gas, water and air/heat conditioning bills. Learn about energy assistance for low-income households
- Child or adult care expenses – Cost of care, fees and transportation to and from the location (if being cared for out of the home)
- Child Support payments – You may submit proof of any court ordered payments. Find information about Child Tax Credit payments
- Non-citizen status – If you or someone in your family that is part of your application is a non-citizen, must present proof such as a “green card” or immigration papers.
How Long Does it Take to be Approved for Food Stamps?
After the SNAP office receives your application and determines you qualify, you should receive your benefits within 30 days.
or people that need help right away, you may receive emergency SNAP benefits which can be available to you in as little as 7 days. The expedited processing timelines have been improved in many states, with some now providing same-day or next-day emergency benefits for those in critical need.
What is the Income Limit to Qualify for Food Stamps?
If you or someone in your household is elderly or disabled, you must meet SNAP’s net income limit, while households with no elderly or disabled members must meet both net and gross income limits.
SNAP evaluates and sets income limits each year. The following income eligibility limits are effective as of October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025:
(***This chart is for all 48 states, excluding Hawaii and Alaska which have higher net and gross income limits***)| Household Size | Gross monthly income (130 percent of poverty) | Net monthly income (100 percent of poverty; test for SNAP households with elderly and disabled members) |
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $3,357 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $3,786 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $4,214 |
| Each additional member | + $557 | + $429 |
What is the Income Limit to Qualify for Food Stamps?
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
| 1 | $302 |
| 2 | $554 |
| 3 | $796 |
| 4 | $1,010 |
| 5 | $1,201 |
| 6 | $1,441 |
| 7 | $1,591 |
| 8 | $1,818 |
| Each additional member | $227 |
Why Have I Not Received my SNAP Card?
Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you should receive your SNAP card in the mail within 30 days.
If 30 days have gone by and you still haven’t received your SNAP card, you must contact your state’s SNAP office or call their help line 1-888-328-6399. Once requesting a new card over the phone, you should receive one in the next 7 – 10 days.
Why Did my SNAP Benefits Go Down?
Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you should receive your SNAP card in the mail within 30 days.
If 30 days have gone by and you still haven’t received your SNAP card, you must contact your state’s SNAP office or call the EBT customer service help line at 1-888-328-6399. Once requesting a new card over the phone, you should receive one in the next 7 – 10 days.
Many states now offer virtual EBT cards through mobile applications, allowing immediate access to benefits while waiting for your physical card to arrive.
Why Did my SNAP Benefits Go Down?
SNAP benefits may go down for several reasons:
- Changes in your household income or composition
- End of temporary emergency allotments that were provided during economic crises
- Changes in deductible expenses
- Adjustments to state program funding
- Policy changes at federal or state level
Normally, when the Department of Agriculture has to make cuts, they’re primarily applied to able-bodied adults without dependents who can work.
People who are disabled, senior citizens, have minor dependents, pregnant women or have mental illness are usually protected from major cuts in SNAP benefits. Learn about SSDI and SSI benefits
What is Emergency SNAP?
Emergency SNAP or “Expedited SNAP” are SNAP benefits that are given to people in immediate need of help, because their income is too low or zero. Emergency SNAP must be provided within 7 days, once approved. For those facing housing emergencies, learn about emergency housing options
Can I Get Emergency SNAP?
You may qualify for emergency SNAP if:
- Your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid resources
- Your combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than your monthly rent or mortgage payment and utilities
- You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker household with $100 or less in liquid resources
What Do I Have to Do to Get Emergency SNAP?
To get emergency SNAP benefits, you must apply for SNAP and indicate your emergency need. Many states now have simplified emergency applications that can be completed online or by phone.
If you would like to receive emergency SNAP benefits, it’s advisable to apply for SNAP in person and talk to a representative about your situation, as they can expedite the process for qualifying households.
Disaster SNAP Benefits
The Disaster SNAP program, also known as D-SNAP, is a program dedicated to replacing food to SNAP beneficiaries when they’ve been lost or damaged due to a disaster.
This program also covers families who are not SNAP beneficiaries or who aren’t normally eligible, in a disaster situation. D-SNAP benefits are granted electronically, via a D-SNAP card, similar to a regular SNAP card.
D-SNAP can be activated by states following a Presidential disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance. In 2025, the program has been enhanced to provide more rapid response during large-scale disasters.
Does Social Security Income Affect Food Stamps?
Social Security Income is considered when applying for SNAP benefits.
Most states include a SNAP application when you apply for Social Security, because most Social Security recipients are deemed “categorically eligible,” which means you may automatically be eligible to receive SNAP benefits. It’s important that you contact your local SNAP office to verify if you’re eligible. Learn how to apply for Medicare online
As of 2023, the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases may affect SNAP benefit calculations, but many households remain eligible despite increased Social Security payments.
Do Cash Gifts Affect Food Stamps?
You may receive a cash gift from family or a friend, but the cash must be for a specific use and listed as such.
Example: If this month your uncle gives you $300 to buy tires for your car, SNAP won’t count it as income, as long as you present proof that you used the $300 for the tires. “One-time” gifts, that don’t surpass $30 in a 3-month period, or money paid directly to your landlord or utility bill are not considered gifts.
Anything in cash, above $30, given directly to you, without a specific purpose, may affect your SNAP benefit amount.
Do Food Stamps Affect my Taxes?
No, SNAP/Food Stamps do not affect your taxes because they’re not counted as taxable income. In addition, tax refunds don’t affect your eligibility or benefit amount either. Find out what to do if you didn’t file a tax return
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit are also not counted as income for SNAP purposes, allowing families to benefit from both programs simultaneously.
Can I Get SNAP if I Have Savings?
In most cases, having savings or assets does not affect SNAP eligibility due to “broad-based categorical eligibility” rules adopted by many states.
However, if someone in your household has been disqualified from SNAP or has been sanctioned, you WILL have to undergo the resource test and your household’s countable assets must not exceed $2,750 for most households or $4,250 for households with an elderly or disabled member.
Retirement accounts, education savings accounts, and certain investment accounts are typically excluded from asset calculations.
What is the Difference Between SNAP and WIC?
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food benefits to people of all ages, while WIC stands for the Women, Infants and Children program which has more exclusive eligibility requirements due to it catering specifically to low-income women, children under age 5, and infants. Learn more about enrolling for WIC
WIC provides specific nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education, and referrals to health care and other social services. Unlike SNAP, WIC benefits include a more limited range of foods specifically chosen for their nutritional value.
What is the Difference Between EBT and SNAP?
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is the system used to deliver SNAP benefits electronically. The EBT card works like a debit card, allowing recipients to access their benefits at authorized retailers.
SNAP refers to the actual nutrition assistance program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), while EBT is simply the delivery method for those benefits. The same EBT card can sometimes be used for other benefit programs as well, such as TANF cash assistance in some states.
How do I Re-Apply for Food Stamps? – (Food Stamps Recertification)
To continue receiving SNAP benefits, you must re-apply through a process called recertification. Recertification periods vary by state, but most require recertification every 12 months, with some households needing to recertify every 6 months.
You will receive a notice before your certification period ends, with instructions on how to recertify. Options typically include:
- Online recertification through your state’s benefits portal
- In-person recertification at your local SNAP office
- Mail-in recertification by completing and returning forms
- Phone recertification by calling your caseworker or SNAP office
After submitting your recertification application, you will likely need to complete an interview, which can be done by phone in most states. Be prepared to provide updated information about your household size, income, expenses, and any changes in your circumstances. state’s SNAP office and ask for their process to schedule an appointment, since it may vary from state to state.