Income limits
Most households face gross and net income tests. Households with an older or disabled member may have different rules.
Understand income limits →● UPDATED FOR FY 2026
Find out if you may qualify for SNAP benefits.
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YOUR BENEFITS, MADE CLEAR ✳
$298 / month
Maximum for a one-person household in the 48 contiguous states and DC.
FY 2026 guidelinesOct 2025 – Sep 2026
Actual amount depends on your state and household circumstances.01Tell us about your householdIncome, household size, and key expenses
02See an estimateWe use federal FY 2026 baseline figures
03Apply through your stateThe state agency makes the final decision
FREE SNAP CALCULATOR
See where you stand.
Use the estimator below. Some state rules and personal circumstances need a caseworker’s review.
THE BASICS
What goes into SNAP eligibility?
Allowed deductions
Work income, dependent care, some medical bills, and shelter expenses can lower countable income.
See the calculation →State rules
States administer SNAP and may use broad-based categorical eligibility. Check your local office for the final rules.
Browse states →FY 2026 SNAP GUIDE
How much could you receive?
These are the maximum monthly allotments for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Your actual benefit can be lower.
Read the full eligibility guide →| Household size | Gross income limit | Maximum benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $298 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $546 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $785 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $994 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $1,789 |
THE FEDERAL BASELINE
The four checks behind eligibility
The figures below describe the general federal route. Broad-based categorical eligibility and other state policies can change screening; only the agency can decide a particular case.
Gross income
Most households start with a gross income screen at 130% of poverty. A qualifying older or disabled member can change this test.
Read guide →Net income
Net income after permitted deductions is usually compared with 100% of the poverty level.
Read guide →Resources
Federal resource amounts are $3,000, or $4,500 with a qualifying older or disabled member in FY 2026. State BBCE policy can change this screen.
Read guide →Work requirements and other eligibility rules are separate from these three financial checks. The 2025 law changed aspects of SNAP work and non-citizen eligibility, so use current agency guidance rather than an older age-limit summary. Work rules → · Mixed-status households →
SNAP income limits and maximum benefits
FY 2026 runs October 1, 2025–September 30, 2026. FY 2027 begins October 1, 2026. The gross and net columns are federal baseline tests; Alaska and Hawaii have different standards. State BBCE programs can change the gross-income screen.
FY 2026
| People | Gross limit | Net limit | Maximum benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 | $298 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 | $546 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 | $785 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 | $994 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 | $1,789 |
For each additional person: +$596 gross, +$459 net, +$218 maximum. USDA FY 2026 source ↗
FY 2027 · from October 1
| People | Gross limit | Net limit | Maximum benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
For each additional person: +$616 gross, +$474 net. The 9–17 person maximum adds $225 each; USDA caps 18+ at $3,887. USDA FY 2027 source ↗
WHAT CAN LOWER COUNTABLE INCOME?
Deductions that may change the result
Standard deduction
Automatically applied. In FY 2026 it is $209 for a household of one to three in the lower 48 and DC.
Read guide →Earned income
The federal earned income deduction is generally 20% of eligible wages or self-employment earnings.
Read guide →Dependent care
Qualifying care needed for work, looking for work or training may count when documented.
Read guide →Medical expenses
Eligible unreimbursed costs over $35 can count for a qualifying older or disabled household member.
Read guide →Child support paid
Legally obligated child support paid outside the household can be deductible.
Read guide →Excess shelter
Rent or mortgage and an applicable utility allowance can count above half of adjusted income, subject to special rules and a cap.
Read guide →The lower-48 excess shelter cap is $744 in FY 2026 and $769 in FY 2027; a qualifying older or disabled household may have no cap. State utility allowances can differ from your actual utility bill. See USDA’s FY 2027 adjustment ↗
A WORKED EXAMPLE
From wages to an approximate benefit
Consider a three-person household in the lower 48 with $2,600 in monthly wages and $1,100 in allowable shelter costs. The example uses FY 2026 numbers and assumes no other deductions. It illustrates the formula; an agency can use a different utility allowance or other case-specific figures.
- Gross wages$2,600
- Less 20% earned-income deduction−$520
- Less standard deduction−$209
- Adjusted income$1,871
- Excess shelter: $1,100 − half of $1,871about −$165
- Estimated net incomeabout $1,706
- FY 2026 maximum $785 − 30% of net incomeabout $273
For a household of one or two that otherwise qualifies, a federal minimum benefit can apply: $24 in FY 2026 or $25 in FY 2027 in the lower 48 and DC. See the calculation guide →
FROM APPLICATION TO EBT
How to apply, in five practical steps
01
Find your agency
Use USDA’s state directory for the official portal, phone number and local office.
02
File the application
Submit the state form and keep a confirmation or dated copy. You can ask what is needed to establish a filing date.
03
Supply proof
Have income records and proof of any deductions requested by the agency. Do not delay filing just to collect every document.
04
Complete the interview
Answer promptly or contact the office to reschedule. Ask which verification is still outstanding.
05
Read the notice
Routine decisions generally arrive within 30 days. Qualifying urgent households may receive benefits within seven days.
If food is urgently needed, ask to be screened for expedited SNAP when you apply. Expedited service guide → · Check an application →
Find guidance for your household
Older adults and disability
A different gross-income screen, qualifying medical costs and shelter deductions can matter.
Read guide →College students
Enrollment at least half time may introduce separate exemption rules.
Read guide →Mixed-status families
Each applicant’s current eligibility must be assessed; do not rely on an old blanket immigration summary.
Read guide →No permanent address
Homelessness does not automatically bar applying; ask about notices, expedited service and shelter rules.
Read guide →Veterans
VA payments, disability status and household expenses affect the case differently.
Read guide →Denied or reduced benefits
Read the notice, gather the calculation and request a fair hearing within your state deadline.
Read guide →USING AN EBT CARD
What the card can buy
Generally eligible
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, poultry and eggs
- Milk, cheese and other dairy
- Bread, cereals and pantry staples
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Generally excluded
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Hot prepared food at the point of sale
- Vitamins, medicines and supplements
- Pet food and household supplies
- Cosmetics and personal care products
Some states have approved food-restriction waivers; check the current local rule for products such as sweetened beverages. An optional Restaurant Meals Program operates only in participating states for eligible clients. State food rules → · Card declined? → · Farmers markets →
Seven checks before submitting
01
Count the right household members, including family members who must be grouped under SNAP rules.
02
Use actual income records instead of guessing from a single unusual paycheck.
03
Report eligible rent, utility arrangements, care costs and qualifying medical expenses.
04
Watch for interview calls and respond to any verification notice by its deadline.
05
Ask whether expedited service applies when food is urgently needed.
06
Keep your recertification date and report changes under your state’s instructions.
07
Read a denial or reduction notice and ask about fair-hearing rights promptly.
RELATED HELP
Other programs to check separately
WIC
Specified foods and services for qualifying pregnant or postpartum people, infants and young children. A separate application may be needed.
Read guide →Medicaid
Health coverage uses its own eligibility and renewal rules. One approval does not automatically decide the other.
Read guide →LIHEAP
Home energy help is locally administered and subject to funding and deadlines.
Read guide →Quick answers before you apply
Can I get SNAP while employed?
Yes, working does not automatically disqualify a household. Income, deductions and other rules determine eligibility.
Can I get SNAP while unemployed?
Possibly. Current income still matters, and work requirements can apply to some adults. Ask your state agency for the current policy.
How long does an application take?
A routine decision generally arrives within 30 days. Households meeting expedited criteria may receive benefits within seven days.
Does rent affect my benefit?
Potentially. Eligible shelter costs enter an excess shelter calculation, but they are not simply subtracted dollar for dollar.
What is the difference between SNAP and EBT?
SNAP is the benefit program. EBT is the card system used to deliver the benefit.
Can a student qualify?
Some students enrolled at least half time can qualify through an exemption. Ask the state agency which conditions apply.
Can I use an EBT card at a restaurant?
Only if the state operates the optional Restaurant Meals Program and the client and restaurant qualify.
What if I disagree with a decision?
Read the notice and request a fair hearing within the deadline provided by your state agency.
Are there special rules for a senior or disabled household member?
Yes. The gross-income screen, medical expenses and shelter deduction can be treated differently.
Is this calculator an official approval?
No. It is an educational federal baseline estimate. Only the state agency can determine eligibility and amount.
FIND LOCAL HELP
SNAP by state
Select a state for the application starting point. The directory pages explain the federal baseline and point to the administering agency. They do not claim to calculate every local BBCE, utility and nonfinancial option.
Alabama ↗Alaska ↗Arizona ↗Arkansas ↗California ↗Colorado ↗Connecticut ↗Delaware ↗District of Columbia ↗Florida ↗Georgia ↗Hawaii ↗Idaho ↗Illinois ↗Indiana ↗Iowa ↗Kansas ↗Kentucky ↗Louisiana ↗Maine ↗Maryland ↗Massachusetts ↗Michigan ↗Minnesota ↗Mississippi ↗Missouri ↗Montana ↗Nebraska ↗Nevada ↗New Hampshire ↗New Jersey ↗New Mexico ↗New York ↗North Carolina ↗North Dakota ↗Ohio ↗Oklahoma ↗Oregon ↗Pennsylvania ↗Rhode Island ↗South Carolina ↗South Dakota ↗Tennessee ↗Texas ↗Utah ↗Vermont ↗Virginia ↗Washington ↗West Virginia ↗Wisconsin ↗Wyoming ↗
Guides for the next question
The net-income test
How allowances and deductions change the number an agency compares.
Read guide →Renewal without a gap
Keep SNAP recertification and other benefits on separate calendars.
Read guide →Food rules in your state
Check current waivers before relying on a national eligible-food list.
Read guide →Explore rules that affect your SNAP estimate
The federal formula is a starting point. These guides explain shopping rules, state screening options and why your official benefit may differ.
What broad-based categorical eligibility means for SNAP →Categorical eligibility and SNAP: TANF, SSI and other pathways →Why your SNAP payment can be less than the maximum →SNAP minimum benefit for a one- or two-person household →2027 SNAP changes: maximum benefits and income limits →Can you use SNAP EBT at a gas station? →Can SNAP buy hot food or restaurant meals? →Online grocery shopping with SNAP EBT →
SOURCES & EDITORIAL PRACTICE
Where these figures come from
Income limits, maximum allotments and deductions above are from USDA’s FY 2026 table and the published FY 2027 adjustment. We reviewed those tables on September 24, 2026. Rules on work, immigration, food restrictions and state options can change at a different pace, so those topics link to the agency responsible for the current decision.
USDA FY 2026 tables ↗ · USDA FY 2027 adjustment ↗ · Eligibility overview ↗ · State agency directory ↗
Calculator methodology → · Editorial policy → · Independent-site disclaimer →