The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often called food stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase groceries, allowing recipients to maintain a healthy diet. You can even buy garden seeds with SNAP benefits!
SNAP benefits are typically loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions similarly to a debit card and can be used at authorized retailers.
While SNAP is a vital resource, there are restrictions on what you can purchase. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Non-food items (e.g., household supplies, pet food)
- Payment for outstanding food bills
Increasingly, SNAP benefits can also be used for online grocery purchases. Check with your local SNAP agency for participating retailers.
Determining Your Eligibility for SNAP
SNAP eligibility depends on several factors, including income, household size, and certain work requirements. Let’s break down the key requirements:
Income Limits
SNAP is designed to assist low-income households, so there are income limits that you must meet to qualify. These limits vary by state and household size. A general guideline for maximum monthly income limits is given below. However, it’s always best to check the specific limits for your state.
| Family size | Maximum monthly income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 2,005 |
| 2 | $ 2,712 |
| 3 | $ 3,419 |
| 4 | $ 4,125 |
| 5 | $ 4,832 |
| For each additional person, add: | $ 707 |
Note: These income limits are subject to change. Contact your local SNAP office for the most up-to-date information.
Household Definition
SNAP considers a “household” to be all individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together. This is an important distinction, as it determines the income and resource calculations for eligibility.
Work Requirements
Many adults between the ages of 16 and 59 are subject to work requirements to receive SNAP benefits. These requirements typically involve:
- Registering for work
- Accepting suitable job offers
- Participating in work programs, if assigned
- Not voluntarily quitting a job without good cause
There are exceptions to these work requirements for individuals who are:
- Medically unfit to work
- Caring for a dependent child under age 6
- Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Attending school more than half-time
Resource Limits
In addition to income limits, SNAP also has resource limits. Resources include things like bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Certain resources, such as your home and a certain amount of your car’s value, are typically excluded. Many states have increased or eliminated asset limits. Contact your local SNAP office to confirm resource limits in your state.
Special Circumstances and SNAP Eligibility
Certain populations may have different eligibility rules or access to streamlined SNAP application processes.
Elderly or Disabled Households
Households where all members are elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled may be eligible for the Texas Simplified Application Project (TSAP), which simplifies the application process and provides benefits for an extended period.
Adults Without Dependents
Most adults aged 18 to 52 without children in their home can only receive SNAP benefits for three months within a three-year period unless they meet certain work requirements. Working at least 20 hours a week or participating in a job training program can extend the benefit period. Certain individuals, such as those with disabilities or who are pregnant, may be exempt from these requirements.
How to Apply for SNAP
The SNAP application process varies slightly by state, but generally involves the following steps:
- Contact your local SNAP office: You can find contact information for your local SNAP office online or by calling your state’s social services department.
- Complete an application: You can typically apply online, in person, or by mail.
- Provide documentation: You will need to provide documentation to verify your income, household size, and other relevant information.
- Attend an interview: In most cases, you will need to attend an interview with a SNAP caseworker.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Allotments
The maximum amount of SNAP benefits you can receive depends on your household size. The following table shows the maximum monthly SNAP allotments for the contiguous United States:
| Family size | Monthly SNAP amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| For each additional person, add: | $219 |
Note: These amounts are subject to change. Check with your local SNAP office for the most up-to-date information.
Navigating the SNAP System
Understanding the requirements to get food stamps can seem overwhelming. However, SNAP is a valuable resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and program rules, you can determine if SNAP is right for you and access the nutrition assistance you need.
If you need help communicating in English or have a disability, language assistance and other aids are available free of charge. Please call 211 or 877-541-7905 for assistance.
