SNAP is a federal program that puts money on a card you use like a debit card at grocery stores
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the federal food program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It gives you a monthly benefit loaded onto a card called an EBT card — Electronic Benefits Transfer. You swipe it at checkout to buy food, the same way you'd use a debit card. The money comes from the federal government, but each state runs its own SNAP program and sets some of its own rules within federal limits.
SNAP is not a loan. You don't pay it back. The benefit amount depends on your household size, income, and expenses. Most households get between $150 and $1,200 per month, though amounts vary widely. The card works at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some other food retailers — but not restaurants, gas stations, or non-food items.
Your state's SNAP office processes your information and decides whether you meet the income and resource limits. Once you're approved, benefits load onto your card automatically each month, usually on the same date. You can check your balance online or by phone, and unused benefits roll over to the next month.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP loads money onto an EBT card each month that you use to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets.
- The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, and certain expenses like rent or childcare.
- SNAP is run by your state but funded by the federal government, so rules and benefit amounts vary by state.
- You must meet income limits set by your state — most states use 130% of the federal poverty line, though some are higher.
- Benefits do not roll over indefinitely; your state sets a time limit for how long unused benefits stay on your card.
What you can and cannot buy with SNAP
SNAP covers food you cook at home: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and frozen foods. You can buy seeds and plants that produce food. You can use SNAP at farmers markets, including at vendors who accept EBT cards.
SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, paper products, soap, or anything non-food. You cannot use SNAP at restaurants, even if they serve food. Some states have pilot programs that let SNAP users buy prepared meals at certain restaurants, but this is not available everywhere.
If you buy a mix of SNAP-may be able to access and ineligible items, the cashier will separate them. Your EBT card pays for the may be able to access food; you pay cash or another card for the rest.
Income limits and household size
SNAP has a gross income limit — the total money your household makes before taxes and deductions. Most states use 130% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person earning more than about $1,691 per month or a family of four earning more than about $3,481 per month would not meet the income limit in most states. However, some states have higher limits, and some have lower ones.
Your household size includes everyone living with you and buying food together. Children, elderly relatives, and non-relatives all count if you share food costs. Spouses always count as one household. The more people in your household, the higher your income limit can be.
Your state also looks at your resources — money in the bank, vehicles, property. Most states allow a household to have up to $2,750 in resources, though some allow more. A car you use for work usually does not count against this limit.
How benefits are calculated each month
Your monthly benefit is not the same as your income limit. The program uses a formula: it takes 30% of your net income (income after certain deductions) and subtracts that from the maximum benefit for your household size. The result is what you receive.
Deductions your state can subtract from your income include rent or mortgage, utilities, childcare costs, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members. If you have very low income or no income, you may receive the maximum benefit for your household size.
Your state recalculates your benefit each month based on changes you report — a job loss, a new job, a change in rent, a new child in the household. If your circumstances change, you must report it within 10 days in most states, or you could be overpaid and asked to repay the difference.
How to report changes and keep your benefits active
After you're approved, you must report changes to your household or income. Most states let you report changes online, by phone, or in person at your local SNAP office. The deadline is usually 10 days after the change happens.
You also have to recertify — prove you still meet the rules — at least once a year. Your state will send you a notice telling you when. If you miss the deadline, your benefits stop, and you have to reapply. Some states give you a grace period; others do not.
If you receive more benefits than you should have, your state may ask you to repay the overpayment. You can request a hearing to dispute it if you think the overpayment was not your fault.
SNAP and work requirements
Most states require able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) to work or participate in a work program to receive SNAP. The requirement is usually 20 hours per week of work, job training, or community service. If you don't meet the requirement, your benefits end after three months.
Parents caring for children under 6, people over 60, people with disabilities, and pregnant people are usually exempt from work requirements. Your state may have other exemptions. If you think you may have access to for an exemption, ask your SNAP office.
Some states have waived work requirements during economic hardship or public health emergencies. These waivers change, so check with your state SNAP office about what applies now.
How long SNAP benefits last and what happens if you're overpaid
SNAP benefits do not expire at the end of the month if you don't use them — they roll over to the next month. However, each state sets a time limit for how long unused benefits stay on your card. Most states keep benefits for 12 months; if you don't use them in that time, they're gone. Some states keep them longer.
If you receive more money than you should have — because you didn't report a change in income, or because of an error by your state — your state will ask you to repay it. The state may reduce your future benefits to recover the overpayment, or it may ask you to pay it back directly. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the overpayment.
If you move to another state, your benefits do not transfer automatically. You must reapply in your new state. Your new state may take up to 30 days to process your application, so plan ahead if you're moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SNAP online or have groceries delivered?
Some states allow SNAP to be used with certain online grocery retailers like Amazon Fresh and Walmart.com, but not all states participate and not all retailers accept SNAP online. Call your state SNAP office or check the USDA website to see if online ordering is available where you live. Delivery fees are not covered by SNAP.
What happens if I lose my EBT card?
Contact your state SNAP office right away to report it lost or stolen. They can freeze the card to stop anyone else from using it and issue you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, ask if your state can give you an emergency replacement or a temporary PIN so you can access your benefits.
Can I use someone else's EBT card?
No. The EBT card is for the person whose name is on it. Using someone else's card is fraud and can result in criminal charges, loss of benefits, and being asked to repay money. Each household member gets their own card if they're listed on the case.
Do I have to report cash income or side jobs?
Yes. All income your household receives must be reported to your SNAP office, including cash from side work, gifts of money, and child support. Failing to report income is fraud. Report changes within 10 days so your benefits stay correct.
What if my state says I make too much money?
You can request a hearing to dispute the decision. You have the right to explain your situation, bring documents, and ask questions. If you think your state made an error in calculating your income or deductions, a hearing officer can review it. Ask your SNAP office how to request a hearing — you usually have 30 days from the notice.