What Is Snap? How To Apply, Eligibility and How Much To Expect

Stretching every dollar to cover necessities is daunting for many Americans, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital lifeline for millions, offering crucial support to ensure access to nutritious food. In 2024, nearly 42 million people used the SNAP program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to feed their families. That’s one out of every eight Americans. SNAP is not only offered in the 50 states and Washington, D.C., but also in Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Let’s take a look at SNAP benefits, how to qualify, what they pay and how accessing SNAP can help with debt relief for low-income Americans.

What Is SNAP?

SNAP provides monthly benefits to low-income individuals and families to pay for food for food. It’s the biggest nutrition program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, accounting for 68% of the department’s nutrition program funding in 2024.

Known for decades as Food Stamps, SNAP has been around since the Great Depression. Most states call it SNAP. Three – Idaho, Georgia and Utah – still call it Food Stamps. In California, it’s CalFresh; in Florida, Kansas and Michigan it’s the Food Assistance Program. Eight other states also have different names for it. But no matter what it’s called, the goal is the same as it’s been since 1939: to help ease hunger and food insecurity  across America.

The average SNAP benefit per participant was $187 a month in 2025.

More than a third of SNAP benefits – 38.6% – go to children under the age of 17; 18.3% go to people over 60; 92% go to households with income at or below the federal poverty line

Recent Changes to SNAP Benefits

The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), signed by President Joe Biden in June 2024, changed SNAP eligibility requirements, including raising the age of able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) who must participate in a work program to receive extended benefits from 50 5o 54.

Able-bodied adults between 18 and 54 must work or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours a month to get benefits beyond three months’ worth during a 36-month period. The overall work requirement age window to be eligible for benefits is 16 (and not in school at least half-time) to 59, with some exceptions, which we’ll cover in a later section.

SNAP benefits increase annually, to match the cost of living. In 2025, the minimum overall allotment in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, was $23. Maximums amounts depend on family size, but as an example, the maximum for a family of four was $975, with higher amounts for Hawaii ($1,723), Alaska ($1,258-$1,953), Guam ($1,437) and the U.S. Virgin Islands ($1,254).

Applying for SNAP

A household member can apply for SNAP benefits at the local, state or county office. The USDA provides a webpage with a link to each state’s SNAP website and online application. After application, there is usually an in-person interview, where proof of income and expenses is required. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply, or a noncitizen who has lived in the United States for at least five years, be receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, or be a child under 18.

Required documentation for SNAP may include:

• Proof of identity (with a federally issued identification card, such as a driver’s license).
• Proof of residence and citizenship; for noncitizens, proof of documented permission to live in the United States.
• Social Security numbers for everyone in the household.
• Proof of monthly income before taxes or deductions.
• Information on all household members (name, age, relationship).
• Information on household expenses.
• Proof of any disabilities.
• Proof of school attendance.
• Proof of medical and childcare expenses.

People who can’t visit an office or complete an online application can have another person (called an authorized representative) apply and be interviewed on their behalf. The authorized representative must be designated in writing.

In some cases, someone from the local office can interview candidates by telephone or do a home visit, which must be scheduled with the household.

A household is defined by SNAP as everyone who lives in a home and buys and prepares meals together. Those who have meals provided through an institution are generally not eligible for SNAP benefits. Exceptions are elderly people living in federally subsidized housing and disabled people who live in nonprofit group homes with no more than 16 residents.

SNAP benefits can be denied for many reasons, including:

• Citizenship status
• State residency restrictions
• Excessive income and assets
• Failure to meet work requirements
• Incomplete verification.

How to Appeal a Denial of SNAP Benefits

If you’re denied SNAP benefits, but disagree with the decision, you can make an appeal through your state, at the same agency where you applied. The contact information will be on your verification letter.

If your benefits are denied because you didn’t supply required documentation, your income is too high, you didn’t meet work requirements, or another reason that you can use documentation to prove otherwise, you may be able to reverse the decision by providing the correct documentation.

If it goes beyond that, you have the legal right to a fair hearing. You must request the hearing within 90 days of being denied benefits. You can request it by phone, in writing, or in person at the local SNAP office.

Impact of SNAP on Communities and Economy

SNAP is one of the few means-tested government benefit programs (provides benefits according to income and assets) available to almost all low-income households in the U.S.

The program also benefits local communities, through economic multipliers, and is a boost to the economy as a whole.

SNAP improves household food security – defined as a household’s access to enough food for members to live active, healthy lives. In other words, if people in the household have to skip meals or eat less because they can’t afford food, they are a food-insecure household.

Multiple studies and data from the USDA’ Economic Research Service have found a close link between food insecurity and poverty. That may seem obvious, but specifically, access to food promotes long-term health and well-being, especially for children, as well as lifelong positive economic outcomes, several studies show. The earlier children living in low-income households receive SNAP benefits, the better the outcome for both health and quality of life as they grow into adults.

Specific findings, as cited by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, include:

• SNAP lifted 6.6 million people a year, 3 million of them children, above the poverty guideline from 2014-2019; after 2019, with increased pandemic benefits, that figure rose to a high of 14 million.
• People in food-insecure households spend roughly 45% more on necessary medical care a year ($6,100) than people in food-secure households ($4,200)
• There is a strong link between food insecurity and chronic health conditions across all age groups: children, young and working-age adults, and elderly adults.
• SNAP participants are more likely to report excellent or very good health than low-income non-participants.
• Pregnant mothers and those with young children who receive SNAP benefits have improved birth outcomes and their children have improved long-term health as adults, compared to those of similar income who don’t use SNAP.
• Elderly SNAP participants are less likely to skip their full prescribed dosage of medicine because of cost, compared to those of similar income who don’t get SNAP.

“Unfortunately, there are people who have a negative impression about SNAP and look down on others who are receiving SNAP, but not everyone feels that way,’’ said Craig Gundersen, a University of Illinois agriculture and consumer economics professor who has spent 20 years researching food insecurity and SNAP. “I think it’s a fantastic program and I’m proud we have a government to help out those in need.”

He said it’s one of the most successful American federal programs — ever.

“The central goal of SNAP is to alleviate food insecurity in the United States and study after study has shown it has done an incredible job,’’ Gundersen said. “It’s the most effective government program we have today.”

SNAP Economic Benefits

The USDA found that during multiple economic downturns over the past 40-plus years, a 1-percentage point increase in the unemployment rate generally spurred an additional 2 million–3 million SNAP participants. That SNAP participation put more money into the community and stimulated the economy. In general, an increase of $1 billion in SNAP benefits increases the gross domestic product (GDP) by $1.54 billion and supports an estimated 13,560 additional jobs.

In short, SNAP benefits free up money that would otherwise be spent on food, allowing a household to use it for other needs. “This, in turn, augments the income and spending of producers, processors, distributors, retailers, and their employees,” ERS says. “Thus, SNAP benefits start a multiplier process that supports macroeconomic spending and production.”

How SNAP Works

People who qualify for SNAP use an EBT card, similar to a debit card, to pay for food. The benefit amount is automatically loaded into their account each month, and the EBT card can be used for groceries at most grocery stores, as well as large department stores that sell groceries, like Walmart. Most stores that except an EBT card will have a sticker on their door indicating they do.

An EBT card can also be used at some farmers markets, and, in many states, online. The card can’t be used to pay food delivery service, like Door Dash or Grub Hub, or fees for Insta Cart.

SNAP benefits are usually distributed within 30 days of approval. Emergency SNAP benefits, available within seven days, are available for households with income and money in the bank adding up to less than their monthly housing expenses.

SNAP recipients are required to recertify their income, usually yearly. If recertification is not completed, SNAP benefits may be canceled, and you must reapply.

You can apply for SNAP or learn more about it through the agency office in your state that administers the program. Type your state name and SNAP into the computer browser to find your state webpage, or check out the state links on the USDA website.

Each state has its own application form, and most offer online applications.

The U.S Department of Agriculture provides a free SNAP information page to help determine if you are eligible for SNAP benefits. If you don’t have Internet access, call Project Bread (1-800-645-8333) for help.

What You Can and Can’t Buy With SNAP Benefits

SNAP-eligible food is defined as any food or food product for home consumption, so it can be used for items like bread, cereal, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products and even seeds and plants that produce food. It can also be used for soft drinks, candy, cookies, crackers, ice cream, and “luxury items” like seafood, steak, and bakery cakes. SNAP can’t be used at restaurants, with the exception of some qualified unhoused, elderly or disabled people.

Items that CAN NOT be bought with SNAP include beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco, pet food, soap, paper products, household supplies, vitamins, medicine, cosmetics, grooming items, food that will be eaten in the store and hot food.

The USDA maintains a list of what’s eligible and what’s not on its website.

SNAP Benefit Amounts

Households are expected to spend about 30% of their resources on food, so the SNAP benefit is calculated by multiplying the household’s net monthly income by 0.3, then subtracting the result from the maximum monthly allotment for household size. The benefit is higher in Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the cost of living is higher.

The maximum monthly allotments in 48 states and Washington, D.C., for SNAP in 2025:

In addition to receiving benefits from SNAP, look for other ways to save money on food. Qualifying for SNAP can automatically qualify you for government benefit programs, like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you need help paying your electric bill, reach out before your power is turned off.

SNAP Computation Examples

Calculating whether you qualify for SNAP is based on a complicated formula made even more so by each state having different standards. An adjusted gross monthly income of $2,000 would qualify in Ohio, Oklahoma, or South Carolina, but not in North Carolina or Oregon, for instance. Assets could mean you are eligible in some states, but not in others. Deductions also must be calculated to determine income eligibility.

Contact your local SNAP office, which is familiar with your state’s requirements, and ask them to help with the calculations. The national network Feeding America also offers free help completed a SNAP application.

SNAP Eligibility and Income Limits

SNAP benefits require households to meet tests that measure resources and income. Here’s a look at the requirements for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. (Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. territories have higher limits.)

Resources

Resources, or assets also affect SNAP eligibility in some states.

Most states have adopted broad-based categorical eligibility, which means that anyone who qualifies for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or state maintenance of effort (MOE) is eligible for SNAP. This means the federal $3,000 resource limit isn’t in play ($4,500 if someone in the household is over 60 or disabled). Resources include assets like savings accounts, not included are retirement savings or your home.

As of 2025, 13 states had resource requirements. Utah, Wyoming, Tennessee, South Dakota, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, Alaska, and Arkansas used the federal guideline of $3,000 ($4,500). Texas, Indiana and Idaho’s limits were $5,000; Michigan $15,000, Nebraska $25,000.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), TANF, and retirement and pension beneficiaries are exempt from the limit. Check with your state to find out what the resource/asset guidelines are when you apply.

Income Limits

SNAP applicants must come under an income limit unless all members are receiving SSI, TANF or general assistance. If a family member is older than 60 or someone who’s getting disability payments, only the adjusted net income test must be met.

SNAP income limits change yearly and vary by state. Many states use the federal poverty guideline for income and household size that’s used to determine TANF and MOE benefits, with 27 states setting the SNAP limit for adjusted gross income at 200% of that amount. Other states’ limits range from 130% to 185%.

Federal SNAP income guidelines call for adjusted gross monthly income (taxable income before deductions) being no more than 130% of the federal poverty guideline and net monthly income (what you take home) no more than 100% of the federal poverty guideline, after deductions. States can increase the limits but can’t decrease them. If someone in the household is over 60 or has a disability, the AGI limit increased to 165%. The numbers for all categories are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.

The federal SNAP income limits for 2025 in 48 states, Washington DC and U.S. territories:

Note: Gross income is a household’s total non-excluded income before deductions. Net income is the gross income minus allowable deductions.

Allowable Deductions

Deductions allowed to decrease your income when applying for SNAP, like income limits, change yearly. For updated information, visit the USDA’s website.

Some current SNAP allowable deductions include:

• 20% from earned income
• $204 for households of one to three people (higher for some larger households, and for those in Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Island and Guam)
• Dependent care
• Medical expenses of more than $35 a month for elderly or household members with a disability not paid by insurance or someone else
• Legally owed child support payments in some states
• $190.30 standard for unhoused individuals or families
• Deductions for the cost of keeping a roof over your head, known as “shelter deductions” that are determined by income, assets and family size.

Employment Requirements

SNAP has work requirements for recipients, particularly those between 16 (who are not attending school at least half-time) and 59, who are able to work. Failure to comply means losing eligibility. If you’re receiving SNAP benefits and are in that age window you must:

• Register for work
• Not voluntarily quit a job or reduce hours
• Take a job if offered
• Participate in state employment and training programs

Those between 18 to 54 who are able to work and don’t have dependents are limited to three months of SNAP benefits every 36 months. If they want to extend their benefit, they must work or be in a training program at least 80 hours a month.

Those exempt from work requirements are:

• Already working at least 30 hours a week (or earning wages equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours – $217.50 a week).
• Meeting work requirements for another program (TANF or unemployment compensation).
• Taking care of a child under 6 or someone who’s incapacitated.
• Can’t work because of physical or mental limitation.
• Participating regularly in an alcohol or drug treatment program.
• In school or a training program at least half-time (college students are subject to other eligibility rules).

There are additional programs for those who are unemployed and in debt.

Special Rules for Elderly or Disabled

People who have a disability or are over 60 (which SNAP defines as elderly) have separate qualification standards.

A person is considered disabled for SNAP purposes if they are:

• Receiving federal disability or blindness payments under the Social Security Act or SSI.
• Receiving a disability retirement benefit from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act.
• Receiving an annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act while being eligible for Medicare and considered disabled under the SSI rules.
• A veteran who is totally disabled, permanently housebound or in need of regular aid or attendance.
• A surviving spouse or child or a veteran who is receiving VA benefits and is considered to be permanently disabled.

The SNAP program is one of several programs offering financial help for senior citizens.

Immigrant Eligibility

Immigrants – those with a green card — who have lived in the country for five years, are receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, or are under 18, are generally eligible for SNAP. Non-citizens, such as those admitted for humanitarian reasons or those admitted for permanent residence, may also be eligible.

Non-citizens in the U.S. temporarily, such as students, are not eligible, nor are U.S. residents who are in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program.

Eligibility for College Students

College students are assumed to benefit from the support of their parents, which is why they do not qualify for SNAP benefits by default. To qualify, they must meet at least one of the qualifying exemptions to be eligible. The list of exemptions is pretty inclusive, so it is worth investigating if you are a college student.

» Learn More: SNAP for College Students

Use of SNAP for Debt Relief

SNAP is a program designed to ensure people with low incomes – including children, those who are retired or elderly and those with disabilities – have enough money to eat. If you are having trouble finding money to feed yourself or your family, you should apply for SNAP.

SNAP is a debt relief program, providing money for food, freeing up money for other bills, including credit card payments. It also helps keep families from running up credit card bills for groceries.

By the end of 2024, credit card debt in the U.S. was at $1.21 trillion, with 7.18% of card holders in serious delinquency, which means they’re 90 days or more behind on their payments.

Some of that debt is related to grocery bills, items that ideally would be paid for with money that’s on hand, not put on credit, with revolving interest.

The Urban Institute found in 2024 that 33.4% of adults paid for groceries with a credit card. Of those 20% paid less than the full balance on a credit card, and 7.1% were not able to make their minimum payment.

Nutrition Education and Healthy Eating with SNAP

The USDA believes that educating SNAP recipients about healthy eating and living will save them money, and make them less reliant on such programs. The USDA SNAP-Ed program was created to support this philosophy. It educates SNAP recipients on making their benefit dollars stretch, teaching them how to shop for and cook healthy meals, and lead physically active lifestyles.

People often feel that buying healthy food, particularly fresh fruit, vegetables and proteins, is too expensive. SNAP-Ed shows people how to maximize what they spend, guiding them to make inexpensive choices, including buying local and seasonal products.

The program partners with state and nonprofit organizations “to meet people where they are,” with initiatives that include nutrition education classes, social marketing campaigns, and efforts to improve policies, systems, and the environment of communities. Every state has its own SNAP-Ed program, and the USDA provides links to them.

The USDA SNAP-Ed website also includes pages on where to find nutrition education materials, seasonal produce guides and healthy recipes and menus, including for different times of the year and  holidays. All the recipes meet USDA MyPlate Kitchen Criteria, which emphasizes nutritious recipes that minimize added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and focus on vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.

Additional Resources Like SNAP

SNAP is the largest government food-assistance program in the country, with eligibility based on household income, expenses, and family size. Recipients must meet specific requirements, providing monthly benefits. If you don’t qualify, or SNAP doesn’t meet all your needs, there are other ways to supplement your food budget.

Aside from snap, you may qualify for government or national nonprofit programs, like Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Meals on Wheels, or local General Assistance. Others, like food pantries, food banks and local meals programs often don’t have qualification requirements. There are also programs with a scope beyond food and nutrition, like TANF, Community Action Programs, and other government and nonprofit assistance that can help with bills and resources.

Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a USDA program that provides free healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals to services to women who are pregnant or have young children, as well as to children. To be eligible, in general, a woman must be pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding. Children up to age 5 are also eligible. There are income guidelines and other requirements, depending on the state.

To apply, visit the department in your state that administers the program, usually Health and Human Services. The USDA has a prescreening form on its website that’s not an application, but a way to determine if your household is eligible.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels America is a national nonprofit organization that supports more than  5,000 community-based programs that address senior isolation and hunger by bringing meals to their homes. Meals on Wheels is funded by donations and government grants, and manned mostly by volunteers.

Eligibility requirements depend on the local program, but in general you must be over 60 or have a disability, be home-bound and unable to cook or prepare meals regularly and live in the local program’s geographic area. To find out more, enter your zip code into the national Meals on Wheels page program locator, or contact your state’s office on aging or a local senior services organization.

Food Pantries

No matter where you live in America, you can likely find a food pantry or food bank. Some states have a network that provides food, like Maine’s Good Shepherd Food Bank, which provides food to more than 400 food pantries across the state. Aside from state programs, churches and local nonprofits may have their own. Many food pantries don’t have eligibility rules – you show up when they’re open and can get free food. Others may have income or identification requirements. Feeding America has a webpage that links to food banks and pantries in every state. Don’t be embarrassed about visiting a food bank or food pantry if you can’t feed yourself or your family. They don’t judge people and see people of every situation. They’re there to help.

Community Action Programs

The Community Action Program network was established in 1964 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. CAP offices can be found across the country, usually at the county level. While each is different, they provide resources that may include day care and food assistance, as well as help accessing SNAP, WIC and other programs. The Community Action Program Network has a locator page for state programs. There is no eligibility requirement or application process to contact the program and find out about what they offer or if they can help you.

General Assistance

General Assistance programs operate in 26 states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts. Michigan. Minnesota. Nebraska. Nevada. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Washington state. They’re overseen by the state but usually administered by counties or municipalities. They provide emergency aid to residents, often in the form of a small one-time grant to help with food, utility bills, or a home or medical emergency.  If you live in a GA state, check with your municipal, county or state government for a local program and eligibility rules.

Low-Income Assistance Programs

For eligibility and application process for these programs, check with your state’s human services department.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides temporary financial assistance for low-income families.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides cash assistance for disabled, blind, or elderly individuals with limited income and resources.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Assists low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals in affording safe and sanitary housing.

Disability Resources

For eligibility and application process, check with your state’s human services department.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides benefits to disabled individuals who cannot work due to a medical condition.
• Medicaid: Offers health coverage to eligible low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): Assists individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.

Debt Relief and Financial Counseling

• Debt Management Plans (DMPs): Offered by credit counseling agencies to help individuals repay debts through structured repayment plans. InCharge tools and resources can help you determine the strategy for repaying debts.
• Financial Counseling Services: Offered by nonprofit organizations to provide guidance on budgeting, debt management, and financial literacy.