Do I Qualify for Food Stamps (SNAP)?
Income limits and benefit amounts for federal fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026), and how to apply in all 50 states
SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) helps families buy groceries. The gross income limit depends on your state. 29 states set it at 200% of the federal poverty guidelines ($64,300/year for a family of 4). 15 states hold it at 130% ($41,795/year), and the rest sit between. Pick your state to check the exact limit and apply.
Per-state rules: USDA FNS, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) state chart, print version June 2026 (page updated June 29, 2026), as of June 29, 2026.
SNAP Has Two Income Tests
Gross Income Test
Total household income before deductions. Regular limit: 130% FPL. 44 of 51 jurisdictions use broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE); 29 of those set the limit at 200% FPL, others at 130% to 185%. The BBCE chart also decides whether an asset test applies.
Net Income Test
Income after allowed deductions (shelter costs, childcare, earned income deduction). Must be at or below 100% FPL. This test applies in all states.
Elderly (60+) and disabled households are exempt from the gross income test but must still meet net income requirements.
What SNAP Provides
Monthly EBT Benefits
- • Groceries at any SNAP-authorized retailer
- • Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables
- • Meat, poultry, fish, and dairy
- • Bread, cereal, and grains
- • Seeds and plants for home food gardens
Max Monthly Benefit (48 states + DC, FY2026)
- • 1 person: $298/month
- • 2 people: $546/month
- • 3 people: $785/month
- • 4 people: $994/month
- • Each additional: +$218/month
Source: USDA SNAP FY2026 cost-of-living adjustments, effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have higher allotments.
SNAP cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, prepared hot food, or non-food items.
SNAP Income Limits by State — All 50 States + DC
Click any state for the interactive eligibility checker. "BBCE" means the state uses broad-based categorical eligibility; the percent is the state's gross income limit from the FNS chart. "Regular rules" means 130% FPL gross, 100% net, and a $3,000 asset limit.
| State | Gross limit (fam. of 4) | BBCE | Asset test | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Alaska | $80,380/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Arizona | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Arkansas | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | $5,500 * | Check eligibility → |
| California | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Colorado | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Connecticut | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Delaware | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| District of Columbia | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Florida | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Georgia | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Hawaii | $73,960/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Idaho | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | $5,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Illinois | $53,048/yr (165% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Indiana | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | $5,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Iowa | $51,440/yr (160% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Kansas | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | Regular rules | $3,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Kentucky | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Louisiana | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Maine | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Maryland | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Massachusetts | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Michigan | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Minnesota | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Mississippi | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | Regular rules | $3,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Missouri | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | Regular rules | $3,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Montana | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Nebraska | $53,048/yr (165% FPL) | BBCE | $25,000 for liquid assets * | Check eligibility → |
| Nevada | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| New Hampshire | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| New Jersey | $59,478/yr (185% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| New Mexico | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| New York | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None * | Check eligibility → |
| North Carolina | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| North Dakota | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Ohio | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Oklahoma | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Oregon | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Pennsylvania | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Rhode Island | $59,478/yr (185% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| South Carolina | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| South Dakota | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | Regular rules | $3,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Tennessee | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | Regular rules | $3,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Texas | $53,048/yr (165% FPL) | BBCE | $5,000 * | Check eligibility → |
| Utah | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | Regular rules | $3,000 | Check eligibility → |
| Vermont | $59,478/yr (185% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Virginia | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Washington | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| West Virginia | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Wisconsin | $64,300/yr (200% FPL) | BBCE | None | Check eligibility → |
| Wyoming | $41,795/yr (130% FPL) | Regular rules | $3,000 | Check eligibility → |
Source: USDA FNS, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) state chart, print version June 2026 (page updated June 29, 2026) (FNS BBCE page), as of June 29, 2026. Dollar limits: USDA FNS FY2026 income standards (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026).
* Arkansas: 130% FPG for most households; 165% FPG for households with an elderly or disabled member. The $5,500 resource limit applies for one 12-month period per five years; after that $3,000 ($4,500 elderly/disabled).
* Nebraska: Asset limit $25,000 in liquid assets.
* New York: BBCE applies only to households with dependent care expenses (200% FPG) or earned income (150% FPG). All other households are under the regular 130% gross income test.
* Texas: Asset limit $5,000, excluding one vehicle worth up to $22,000.
Common Questions
What is broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE)?
A state with BBCE confers SNAP eligibility on households that qualify for a TANF-funded benefit or service. The state sets that program's gross income limit (130% to 200% FPL per the FNS chart) and decides whether an asset test applies. 44 jurisdictions use BBCE; 7 states (Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wyoming) do not. The net income test (100% FPL) still applies everywhere.
What deductions can I claim?
Common SNAP deductions include: 20% earned income deduction, standard deduction ($209 for 1-3 people, $223 for 4, more for larger households in FY2026), excess shelter costs above 50% of adjusted income, dependent care costs (childcare while working), and medical expenses for elderly/disabled members over $35/month.
How long does SNAP last?
SNAP certification periods are typically 6-12 months. At recertification, you resubmit income documentation. Most households are recertified every 12 months. Report changes in income, household size, or address between certifications.
Can I get SNAP if I work?
Yes. Most SNAP households have at least one working member. The 20% earned income deduction means your first $1 of wages only counts as 80 cents toward the income test. Working families often qualify at higher gross incomes than the limit suggests.
Can I get SNAP and WIC?
Yes — they are separate programs. SNAP provides a general food budget on EBT. WIC provides specific food items (formula, milk, produce) for pregnant women and young children. Many families receive both. WIC food does not reduce your SNAP benefit.