SNAP (Food Stamps): Eligibility & Benefit Amounts

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers' markets. SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and run by each state.

SNAP amounts in effect now: FY2027

Effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, these are the current maximum monthly amounts for the 48 contiguous states and DC (also on USDA’s SNAP eligibility page). Your actual amount may be lower because the state considers income, household size, and allowed expenses.

For the same FY2027 effective dates, these are the standard monthly income limits for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Gross income is before allowed deductions; net income is after them.

Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits. For a household of four, the gross monthly income limit is $4,469 in Alaska and $4,112 in Hawaii, and the net limit is $3,438 in Alaska and $3,163 in Hawaii. The maximum monthly amount for four is $1,306 in urban Alaska, higher in rural Alaska, and $1,655 in Hawaii. USDA's FY2027 tables list every household size.

FY2027 deductions and asset limits for the 48 states and DC: standard deduction $217 for households of 1–3, $229 for 4, $268 for 5, and $308 for 6 or more; maximum excess shelter deduction $769 (no cap when a household member is 60 or older or disabled); homeless shelter deduction $205.66; asset limit $3,000, or $4,750 when at least one household member is age 60 or older or disabled. Depending on your state, you may still qualify with more income or savings than these standard limits.

What changed on October 1, 2026?

USDA's yearly cost-of-living adjustment took effect October 1, 2026. In the 48 states and DC, income limits, deductions, and the minimum benefit went up, and so did the maximum monthly amounts for households of 1 to 17 people. Households of 18 or more now have one flat maximum of $3,887 a month, which is lower than their FY2026 maximum (USDA’s FY2026 maximum allotments table). For a household of four, the maximum is now $1,023 a month (up from $994) and the gross monthly income limit is $3,575 (up from $3,483); the minimum benefit for one- and two-person households is $25 (up from $24); the shelter deduction cap is $769 (up from $744), with no cap if a household member is 60 or older or disabled; and the asset limit for a household with a member age 60 or older or disabled rose to $4,750 from $4,500, while it stays $3,000 for other households.

Hawaii is different: its maximum monthly amounts went down for every household size, even in this cost-of-living adjustment year. A Hawaii household of four can now get up to $1,655, down from $1,689. In Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum monthly amounts went up for households of 1 to 17 people; for households of 18 or more, the new flat maximum is lower than the FY2026 amount. See the USDA FY2027 tables for those amounts.

Soda and candy restrictions in some states

USDA has approved waivers in 18 states that stop SNAP benefits from being used for soda, candy or similar items, four of them starting November 1, 2026 (Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia). USDA moved Ohio’s start to April 1, 2027. A June 22, 2026 court order blocked four others. See every state’s restriction, start date and status.

Last year’s amounts: FY2026 (ended September 30, 2026)

From October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, these were the maximum monthly amounts for the 48 contiguous states and DC. They are shown for comparison.

For the same FY2026 effective dates, these were the standard monthly income limits for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Gross income is before allowed deductions; net income is after them.

How to apply

You apply through your state's SNAP agency — online, by mail, or in person. You can find your state's application and contact information on the USDA's official SNAP page. After applying, you'll typically complete an interview and provide documents verifying income and expenses.

Official USDA SNAP eligibility & how to apply →

Frequently asked questions

Why these figures change each year

USDA updates SNAP amounts every October 1. The FY2027 figures on this page took effect October 1, 2026 and apply through September 30, 2027; they were checked against USDA's official tables on October 15, 2026. Read the FNA FY2027 page, USDA's FY2027 SNAP tables, and the August 21, 2026 USDA memo.