Do You Qualify for Food Stamps in 2026?
Quick Answer: Most single people can earn up to $1,696 per month. Families of four can earn up to $3,483 per month and still get SNAP benefits.
Your state, household size, and monthly income decide if you qualify for food stamps. People over 60 and disabled individuals have higher income limits. To check your exact eligibility and benefits, try our SNAP Calculator.
Income limits change every October. The 2026 limits started October 1, 2025.
SNAP Income Limits by State 2026
How Much Can You Make and Get Food Stamps?
Your gross income (before taxes) must be under 130% of the federal poverty level. Your net income (after deductions) must be under 100% of the poverty level.
48 States, DC, Guam, Virgin Islands
| Household Size | Max Gross Income | Max Net Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,696 | $1,305 |
| 2 people | $2,292 | $1,763 |
| 3 people | $2,888 | $2,221 |
| 4 people | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 people | $4,079 | $3,138 |
| 6 people | $4,675 | $3,596 |
| 7 people | $5,271 | $4,055 |
| 8 people | $5,867 | $4,513 |
Alaska Food Stamp Limits
Alaska has higher income limits because living costs more.
| Household Size | Max Gross Income | Max Net Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,118 | $1,630 |
| 2 people | $2,864 | $2,203 |
| 3 people | $3,609 | $2,776 |
| 4 people | $4,354 | $3,350 |
| 5 people | $5,100 | $3,923 |
| 6 people | $5,845 | $4,496 |
| 7 people | $6,590 | $5,070 |
| 8 people | $7,336 | $5,643 |
Hawaii SNAP Income Limits
| Household Size | Max Gross Income | Max Net Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,949 | $1,500 |
| 2 people | $2,635 | $2,027 |
| 3 people | $3,321 | $2,555 |
| 4 people | $4,007 | $3,082 |
| 5 people | $4,692 | $3,610 |
| 6 people | $5,378 | $4,137 |
| 7 people | $6,064 | $4,665 |
| 8 people | $6,750 | $5,192 |
What Income Counts for SNAP?
Income That Counts:
- Job wages and salary
- Social Security payments
- Unemployment benefits
- Child support you get
- Disability payments
- Money from rental property
Income That Doesn’t Count:
- SNAP benefits you already get
- Student financial aid
- Tax refunds
- Money from selling your stuff
- Loans you must pay back
SNAP Asset Limits 2026
How Much Money Can You Have in the Bank?
Most families can have up to $3,000 in assets. Families with someone over 60 or disabled can have up to $4,500.
What Counts as Assets:
- Cash in bank accounts
- Savings accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Second car worth over $4,650
What Doesn’t Count:
- Your house and land
- One car (any value)
- Household items
- Life insurance
- Burial funds up to $1,500 per person
SNAP Deductions Lower Your Income
Deductions reduce your income for SNAP calculations. Lower income means more food stamp benefits.
Standard Deduction (Everyone Gets This)
48 States and DC:
- 1-3 people: $209 per month
- 4 people: $223 per month
- 5 people: $261 per month
- 6+ people: $299 per month
Alaska: $358-$374 per month Hawaii: $295-$344 per month
Work Income Deduction
Get 20% off all work income. Earn $2,000 from work? Subtract $400 from your SNAP income.
Childcare Costs
- Kids under 2: Up to $200 per child per month
- Kids 2-17: Up to $175 per child per month
- Must be real childcare costs for work or school
Medical Costs (Age 60+ or Disabled Only)
Subtract medical costs over $35 per month. No limit on this deduction.
Housing Costs
Subtract housing costs over half your remaining income.
Maximum housing deduction:
- 48 States and DC: $744 per month
- Alaska: $1,189 per month
- Hawaii: $1,003 per month
No limit for households with elderly or disabled members.
How Much SNAP Benefits Will You Get?
Your SNAP benefit equals the maximum for your household size minus 30% of your net income.
Maximum SNAP Benefits 2026
48 States and DC
| Household Size | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| 6 people | $1,421 |
| 7 people | $1,571 |
| 8 people | $1,789 |
Alaska Benefits (Higher Costs)
| Household Size | Urban | Rural 1 | Rural 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $385 | $491 | $598 |
| 4 people | $1,285 | $1,639 | $1,995 |
Hawaii Maximum Benefits
| Household Size | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $506 |
| 4 people | $1,689 |
Minimum benefit: $24 per month for small households.
SNAP Eligibility Calculator Example
Family of 4 earning $3,200 per month:
- Gross income test: $3,200 is under $3,483 ✓
- Net income after deductions:
- Start with: $3,200
- Standard deduction: -$223
- Work deduction (20%): -$640
- Housing deduction: -$315
- Final net income: $2,022
- Net income test: $2,022 is under $2,680 ✓
Result: This family qualifies for SNAP food stamps.
Special Rules for Elderly and Disabled
People 60 and older or disabled get easier SNAP rules:
- Skip gross income test – only net income matters
- No housing deduction limit – deduct all housing costs over half income
- Medical expense deduction – subtract costs over $35 per month
- Higher asset limits – can have up to $4,500 in assets
Work Requirements for SNAP
Able-bodied adults 18-49 without kids must work or train 20 hours per week. They can only get SNAP for 3 months in 36 months without meeting work requirements.
Everyone else has no work requirements, including:
- Parents with kids under 18
- Pregnant women
- People over 50
- Disabled individuals
- Students in approved programs
How to Apply for Food Stamps
Required documents:
- Photo ID
- Pay stubs from last 30 days
- Bank statements
- Utility bills
- Social Security cards for everyone
Application process:
- Apply online or at your local SNAP office
- Phone or in-person interview within 30 days
- Decision within 30 days (7 days if emergency)
Emergency SNAP: Get benefits in 7 days if you have very low income or high expenses.
SNAP Changes You Must Report
Tell your SNAP office within 10 days if:
- Monthly income changes by more than $125
- Household size changes
- Address changes
- Job changes
Not reporting changes can cause benefit overpayments you must pay back.
College Student SNAP Rules
Most college students cannot get SNAP. Exceptions include:
- Work 20+ hours per week
- Care for child under 6
- Get work study
- Age 18-22 in foster care
- Participate in job training program
Frequently Asked SNAP Questions
Can working families get food stamps?
Yes. About 75% of SNAP households with adults work. Income limits are the same for working and non-working families.
Does Social Security count as income?
Yes. Social Security, disability, and retirement benefits count as income for SNAP.
Can I own a house and get SNAP?
Yes. Your home doesn’t count as an asset for food stamps.
How often do SNAP limits change?
Every October 1st. The USDA updates income limits, deductions, and benefit amounts yearly.
What if I’m denied SNAP benefits?
You can ask for a fair hearing within 90 days. Your state will review the decision.
Can immigrants get SNAP?
Some immigrants qualify. Citizens, permanent residents, and some other immigrants with 5+ years residence may qualify.
State-Specific SNAP Information
Each state runs its own SNAP program following federal rules. Some states have:
- Online applications available 24/7
- Phone interviews instead of office visits
- Expedited processing for emergencies
- Broad-based categorical eligibility with higher income limits
Contact your state SNAP office for local rules and application help.
SNAP Program Changes for 2026
What’s new in 2026:
- Asset limits increased to $3,000 (was $2,750)
- Elderly/disabled asset limits increased to $4,500 (was $4,250)
- Standard deductions increased
- Maximum benefits increased
- Shelter cost deductions increased
These changes help more families qualify and get more food assistance.
Important: This guide covers federal SNAP rules effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your state may have different rules. Contact your local SNAP office or visit your state’s food stamp website for specific information and to apply.
