SNAP pays for food at the grocery store, not prepared meals or household items
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that puts money on a card you use like a debit card to buy food. The money can only be spent on groceries — things you cook at home. It cannot be used for restaurant meals, hot food from a deli counter, vitamins, medicine, pet food, or anything that is not food meant to be eaten raw or prepared at home.
The amount you receive each month depends on your household size, income, and expenses. SNAP does not give you cash. The benefit loads onto an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) that you swipe at checkout, and any money left over rolls into the next month. You cannot withdraw cash from an ATM using SNAP benefits.
The program is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but each state administers it slightly differently. Your state's SNAP office determines how much you receive and how long you can stay on the program. The benefit amount changes once per year, usually in October, based on the cost of living.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP money can only buy unprepared food from a grocery store — no restaurant meals, hot deli items, or non-food products.
- Benefits load onto an EBT card each month and do not expire within that month, though rules vary by state for how long unused benefits carry forward.
- The amount you receive is based on household size, income, and certain expenses like rent or utilities, and it changes once per year.
- You must recertify your income and household situation periodically — usually every 12 months — to keep receiving benefits.
What you can and cannot buy with SNAP
SNAP covers fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can buy frozen and canned versions of these foods. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food — so a tomato plant or herb seeds count, but ornamental plants do not.
SNAP does not cover alcohol, tobacco, hot or prepared foods, vitamins, medicine, pet food, soap, paper products, or anything you cannot eat. This means you cannot use SNAP to buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli, a sandwich from the deli counter, or food from the grocery store's prepared foods section. You can buy raw chicken and cook it at home.
Some items sit in a gray area. Certain grocery stores sell prepared salads or hot foods in the regular grocery section. Whether these count as SNAP-may be able to access depends on whether they are considered "hot" or "prepared for immediate consumption." When in doubt, ask the cashier before checkout — they can tell you whether an item will go through on your EBT card.
How much SNAP money you receive each month
The federal government sets a maximum benefit amount for each household size. In 2024, a single person can receive up to a certain amount per month, a family of two up to a higher amount, and so on. Your actual benefit is usually less than the maximum because it is reduced based on your income and certain expenses.
SNAP counts your gross income (before taxes) and subtracts a standard deduction that varies by state. It also allows deductions for expenses like rent, utilities, child care, and medical costs for elderly or disabled household members. The remaining income is multiplied by a percentage (set by the federal government) to calculate how much SNAP reduces your benefit.
If your income is very low or you have high expenses, you may receive the maximum benefit for your household size. If your income is higher, your benefit will be lower. Your state's SNAP office will calculate the exact amount when you provide your income and expense information.
When your benefits arrive and how long they last
SNAP benefits are deposited onto your EBT card on a specific day each month, usually between the 1st and the 23rd depending on your state and the last digit of your case number. Your state SNAP office will tell you your deposit date when you are approved. The money does not expire on a certain date — it stays on your card until you spend it.
However, some states have rules about how long unused benefits carry forward. A few states clear unused benefits after a certain period of inactivity (usually 12 months), but most states let benefits roll over indefinitely. Check your state's SNAP website or call your local office to confirm how long unused benefits stay on your card.
If you lose your EBT card or it is stolen, contact your state SNAP office immediately. They can issue a replacement card, and your benefits will transfer to the new card. You will not lose the money.
How often you need to recertify your benefits
SNAP is not permanent. You must recertify your income and household situation periodically to keep receiving benefits. Most states require recertification every 12 months, though some require it every 24 months if your situation is stable. Your state SNAP office will send you a notice telling you when to recertify.
Recertification means providing updated proof of income, household composition, and expenses. You can usually do this by mail, online, or in person at your local SNAP office. If you miss the deadline, your benefits will stop, but you can reapply if your situation still qualifies.
Your benefits can also change if your income or household size changes during the year. Some states allow you to report changes right away, while others wait until your next recertification. Contact your local SNAP office if your situation changes significantly.
How SNAP interacts with other assistance programs
SNAP is separate from other programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), housing assistance, or Medicaid, but they often use the same income limits and application process. In many states, you can apply for multiple programs at the same time through your local social services office.
If you receive TANF or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), your SNAP benefit may be calculated differently. Some income from other programs is counted toward your SNAP income, which can reduce your SNAP benefit. Your state SNAP office will explain how other benefits affect your SNAP amount.
SNAP does not affect your tax return or your ability to claim dependents. It also does not count as income for purposes of other means-tested programs, though you should check with each program individually to be sure.
What happens if you report a change in your situation
If your income increases, decreases, or your household size changes, you should report it to your state SNAP office. Some changes increase your benefit, and some decrease it. If you do not report changes, you may receive more than you are supposed to, which can lead to an overpayment that you will be asked to repay.
Most states allow you to report changes online, by phone, or by mail. The change usually takes effect in the next month or the month after, depending on your state's rules. If you are unsure whether a change affects your SNAP benefit, call your local office and ask — they can tell you whether you need to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SNAP to buy food online?
Some states allow SNAP to be used for online grocery orders through certain retailers like Amazon Fresh or Walmart, but not all states participate. Check your state SNAP website or call your local office to see if online ordering is available in your area. If it is, you will need to set up your EBT card with the retailer's website first.
What if I have leftover SNAP money at the end of the month?
In most states, unused SNAP benefits roll over to the next month and stay on your card indefinitely. A few states clear benefits after 12 months of no activity, but this is uncommon. Your state SNAP office can tell you the specific rule where you live.
Can someone else use my EBT card?
No. Your EBT card is for your use only. If someone else uses it without your permission, report it to your state SNAP office immediately. If someone in your household uses your card with your permission, that is allowed, but you are responsible for how the benefits are spent.
Does SNAP cover baby formula or diapers?
SNAP does not cover diapers, wipes, or other non-food items. Baby formula is covered because it is considered food. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a separate program that covers formula, diapers, and other items for families with young children, and it has different income limits and rules.
What if my SNAP benefit seems wrong?
Contact your state SNAP office and ask them to review your case. Bring documentation of your income and expenses so they can recalculate your benefit. If you disagree with their decision, you have the right to request a hearing, which is a formal review by someone outside your local office.