SNAP is a federal program that puts money on a card you use to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets

SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — is a monthly benefit that arrives on a debit card called an EBT card. You use it like a regular card to buy groceries, produce, meat, dairy, and other food items. The money is yours to spend on food however you choose, within the rules about what counts as food.

SNAP is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but your state administers it. That means the amount you receive, how long you can stay on the program, and how you apply all depend on where you live. The federal government sets the basic rules; your state decides how to run the details.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to receive SNAP, though citizenship and immigration status rules are strict and vary by state. Most people who work, are unemployed, are retired, or are disabled can receive SNAP if their income and assets fall below the limits your state sets.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP money arrives monthly on an EBT card and can be used to buy food at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.
  • The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, expenses, and state — there is no single national benefit amount.
  • You must report changes in income, household size, or living situation to keep your benefits active, or they will stop.
  • SNAP cannot be used to buy prepared foods, hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items like soap or paper towels.
  • Each state has its own income limits and rules about how long you can receive benefits, so what works in one state may not work in another.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP

SNAP covers food you prepare yourself at home. That includes fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. You can buy frozen and canned food. You can buy bread, cereal, pasta, rice, and flour. You can buy baby formula and baby food. You can buy plants and seeds that produce food you will eat.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods — no rotisserie chicken, no deli sandwiches, no food from a restaurant or food truck. It does not cover alcohol or tobacco. It does not cover vitamins, medicine, or health products. It does not cover soap, paper towels, diapers, pet food, or anything that is not food for human consumption. Some states allow SNAP at farmers markets and farm stands; others do not. Some allow it for online grocery orders; others do not. Check your state's rules.

How much SNAP you receive each month

The amount varies by household size, income, and expenses. A single person with no income might receive between $200 and $300 per month, depending on the state. A family of four with no income might receive between $600 and $900 per month. But these numbers shift based on what your state decides to count as income, what deductions it allows, and what the federal cost-of-living adjustment is that year.

Your state looks at your gross income (before taxes), subtracts certain deductions like rent, utilities, and child care, and calculates your benefit from what remains. If you work, some of your earnings are not counted. If you pay for child care so you can work, that is deducted. If you pay utilities, that is deducted. The exact rules differ by state, so two households with the same income in different states will receive different amounts.

You can contact your state's SNAP office or use an online calculator to get a rough idea of what you might receive. The calculator will ask about your household size, income, and expenses, and give you an estimate — not a may provide, because the actual decision comes after you provide documents.

Income and asset limits that determine who can receive SNAP

Most states use a gross income limit of 130 percent of the federal poverty line. For a single person, that is roughly $1,400 to $1,500 per month, depending on the year. For a family of four, it is roughly $2,900 to $3,000 per month. Some states set their own limits higher or lower. A few states use a net income limit instead, which is what you have left after deductions.

Asset limits also vary by state. Most states say you cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets as a single person, or $3,500 as a family. Your home does not count. Your car usually does not count. A retirement account usually does not count. But cash in the bank counts, and so does money in a savings account. Some states have raised or eliminated asset limits in recent years, so check your state's current rules.

If your income or assets are above the limit, you will not receive SNAP. If they are below the limit, you still have to show that you need the help — meaning you cannot have enough money left over after paying for housing, utilities, and other essentials to buy food on your own.

How to report changes and keep your benefits active

SNAP benefits are not permanent. You have to report changes to your household — a new job, a job loss, a change in hours, someone moving in or out, a change in rent or utilities, a change in child care costs. If you do not report these changes, your benefits will stop, and you may have to repay money you received while your circumstances had changed.

Most states require you to report changes within 10 days. Some allow you to report online through your state's SNAP portal. Some require a phone call. Some require you to go in person. Your state will tell you how to report when you first receive your benefits. If you miss a deadline or do not report a change, your case will close, and you will have to reapply.

You also have to recertify — prove that you still meet the rules — at least once a year. Your state will send you a notice telling you when your recertification is due. You will have to provide documents again: proof of income, proof of rent or mortgage, proof of utilities, and anything else your state asks for. If you do not recertify by the deadline, your benefits stop.

Time limits and work requirements that vary by state

Some states have time limits on SNAP. If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents, your state may limit you to three months of benefits in a three-year period unless you work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program. Other states have waived this rule or made exceptions. Some states have no time limit at all.

If you are over 60, disabled, or caring for a child, time limits usually do not apply to you. If you are working, even part-time, you usually do not hit the time limit. But if you are unemployed and able-bodied and have no dependents, you need to know your state's rules before you apply, because your benefits may stop after three months.

Work requirements also vary. Some states require you to look for work, report your job search, or participate in a job training program. Some states have suspended these requirements. Some enforce them strictly. Ask your state's SNAP office what the current rules are in your state.

How SNAP differs from other food assistance programs

SNAP is the largest federal food program, but it is not the only one. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a separate program for pregnant people, new mothers, and young children — it covers specific foods like milk, cheese, eggs, and infant formula, and you cannot use it for other groceries. The Child and Adult Care Food Program reimburses child care centers and schools for meals. The National School Lunch Program provides free or reduced-price meals at school.

Some people receive both SNAP and WIC. Some receive SNAP and also use a local food bank. These programs work together, not against each other. If you are not sure which programs you might be able to use, your local 211 service can tell you what is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP to buy food online?

Some states allow SNAP at online retailers like Amazon Fresh and Walmart.com, but not all. A few states do not allow online purchases at all. Check your state's SNAP website or call your local SNAP office to find out which online stores accept EBT in your state.

What happens if I work part-time — can I still get SNAP?

Yes. SNAP counts only part of your earnings as income. Most states allow you to deduct a portion of your wages, so working part-time usually does not disqualify you. You have to report your job and your income when you apply, and report changes if your hours or pay change.

Do I have to pay SNAP back?

No. SNAP is not a loan. You do not repay it. But if you received benefits you were not supposed to receive — because you did not report a change in income or household size — your state may ask you to repay that amount. This is called an overpayment.

Can I receive SNAP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status and your state. Most non-citizens cannot receive SNAP. Some states allow certain non-citizens, like refugees or asylees, to receive benefits. Ask your state's SNAP office or a local immigration attorney about your specific situation.

What if I move to a different state?

Your SNAP case closes in your old state and you have to apply in your new state. The new state will use its own income limits, benefit amounts, and rules. You may receive more or less than you did before. Apply as soon as you move so there is no gap in your benefits.