Food stamps are a federal program that puts money on a card you use like a debit card to buy food at grocery stores

The program is officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Each month, the government deposits money into an account linked to a card — usually called an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer). You use that card to buy groceries: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other food items. You cannot use it for restaurant meals, alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items like soap or paper towels.

The amount you receive each month depends on your household size and income. A single person might receive between $200 and $300 per month; a family of four might receive $600 to $1,000. These amounts change yearly based on inflation and the cost of food. The card works at most supermarkets, farmers markets, and some smaller grocery stores — you can check which stores near you accept it on the SNAP website.

SNAP is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but you apply through your state or county. Each state administers the program slightly differently, so the exact process, the income limits, and the monthly benefit amounts vary by where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP puts money on an EBT card each month that you can use to buy groceries at participating stores.
  • The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, and which state you live in.
  • You apply through your county or state office, not through a federal office, and the process takes two to four weeks in most places.
  • You can use the card for food like produce, meat, and dairy, but not for prepared meals, alcohol, or non-food items.
  • Your state will send you a new card every few years and will notify you if your benefits are about to end or change.

Who can receive SNAP and what the income limits are

To receive SNAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant, and your household income must fall below a certain level. That level changes by state and by household size. For example, in 2024, a single person in most states cannot earn more than roughly $1,400 per month; a family of four cannot earn more than roughly $2,900 per month. But these numbers shift yearly and differ between states, so you need to check your specific state's limit.

You also must have limited assets — usually under $2,500 for a single person or $3,750 for a household with an elderly or disabled member. A car, your home, and retirement accounts do not count toward this limit. You must also be a resident of the state where you apply.

Some people are categorically exempt from the income and asset limits. These include households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). If you receive either of those programs, you may be able to get SNAP without meeting the usual income test.

How to apply and what documents you will need

You apply through your county or state human services office, not online through a federal website. Some states let you start an application online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone. Call your county office or search "[your state] SNAP application" to find the right office and the current process.

You will need to bring or provide proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of income (recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or tax returns). If you are self-employed, bring bank statements or records showing what you earned. You will also need to report any assets you own and list everyone in your household.

The office will ask you questions about your living situation, your expenses, and your income. Be honest and complete — incomplete applications get denied. The process usually takes two to four weeks. Some states are faster; some take longer. The office will tell you when to expect a decision.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, your state will mail you an EBT card. The card looks like a debit card and has your name on it. You set a PIN (personal identification number) when you receive it. Each month on a set date — usually the first through the tenth of the month, depending on your state — new money appears on the card automatically.

You can check your balance online, by phone, or at an ATM. You can also get a receipt when you swipe the card at the store. Your benefits do not roll over: if you do not spend them in one month, they disappear at the end of that month. You cannot withdraw cash from the card, and you cannot sell or trade your benefits.

Your state will send you a notice before your benefits end or if your income changes and you no longer may have access to. You can reapply if your situation changes. If you move to a different state, you must apply in your new state — your old card will not work there.

Rules about what you can and cannot buy

You can use SNAP to buy any food intended for home preparation: vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, and beverages. You can buy frozen and canned food. You can buy seeds and plants that produce food.

You cannot use SNAP for hot or prepared food, even if you buy it at a grocery store deli. You cannot buy alcohol or tobacco. You cannot buy vitamins, medicine, or personal care items like soap, shampoo, or diapers. You cannot buy pet food. You cannot use the card to pay a cashier to shop for you — you must be present and use the card yourself.

If you accidentally use your card for something not allowed, the transaction will be declined at the register. The cashier will tell you what the problem is. If you intentionally use SNAP benefits for prohibited items or sell your card or benefits, you can be prosecuted and required to repay the money.

How SNAP benefits change if your income or household changes

Your benefits are recalculated every 12 months. Your state will send you a notice telling you to report any changes in your income, household size, or living situation. If you get a job, earn more money, or someone moves into or out of your household, you must report it. If you do not report changes, your benefits might be calculated wrong, and you could owe money back.

If your income goes up, your benefits go down or stop. If your income goes down, your benefits go up. If someone in your household loses a job, report it right away — your benefits can increase within days. If you move, report your new address so your card and notices reach you.

Some states have a simplified reporting process where you report changes online or by phone. Others require you to come in person. Check your state's website or call your local office to learn how to report changes in your situation.

What to do if your card is lost, stolen, or not working

If your EBT card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or contact your state's EBT customer service line immediately. Your state will cancel the old card and mail you a new one, usually within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can request an emergency replacement card or emergency cash benefits to use while you wait.

If your card is not working at the store, check your balance first — you may have run out of benefits for the month. If you have money on the card but it is declined, the store's system might not be connected to the SNAP network. Ask the cashier to try again or go to a different store. If the problem continues, call your state's customer service line.

Never give your PIN to anyone, including store employees or government workers. Never share your card with someone else. If someone steals your benefits, report it to your state immediately. Your state can investigate and may be able to restore stolen benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work to get SNAP?

Most able-bodied adults between 18 and 49 without dependents must work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP for more than three months in a three-year period. However, many people are exempt: parents caring for children, people over 60, people with disabilities, and people in certain training programs. Your state office will tell you if this rule applies to you.

Can I use SNAP at farmers markets?

Many farmers markets accept EBT cards, but not all. Some markets use a special system where you buy tokens with your card and then use the tokens to buy from vendors. Call your local farmers market or check the SNAP website to see which markets near you accept benefits.

What happens if I report a change in my income late?

If you report a change after the deadline your state gave you, your benefits may be recalculated based on the old information. You could receive more than you were supposed to and owe money back. Report changes as soon as they happen to avoid overpayment.

Can I transfer my SNAP benefits to someone else?

No. Your EBT card is for your household only. You cannot give your card to someone else to use, and you cannot transfer your benefits to another person's card. Doing so is fraud and can result in criminal charges and repayment requirements.

How long does SNAP last?

SNAP benefits are recertified every 12 months. You will receive a notice before your benefits end telling you to renew. If you do not renew by the deadline, your benefits stop. You can reapply at any time, but there may be a gap in benefits if you miss the renewal deadline.