SNAP Assistance Guide
Your resource for understanding and applying for food benefits.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides low-income individuals and families with funds to purchase groceries. While it's federally funded, each state manages its own application process and benefit distribution.
This page provides general information and links to help you find your state's official SNAP agency to apply and get the most accurate details for your situation.
How SNAP Works
Eligibility
Eligibility is typically based on your household's gross and net income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. Since thresholds vary by state and household size, it's essential to check with your local agency.
Benefit Amounts
Benefit amounts depend on factors like income, expenses, and family size. For 2024-2025, a family of four in the contiguous U.S. could receive up to $975 per month, with higher rates in Alaska, Hawaii, and other territories.
What You Can Buy
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase grocery items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread. They cannot be used for non-food items, alcohol, or hot, prepared foods.
Find Your State's SNAP Agency
Each state has its own SNAP application and website. Select your state below to be directed to the official agency where you can apply and find local information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility is federally based on a household's gross and net income. Gross income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), while net income must be at or below 100% of the FPL. For 2024–2025, the monthly net income limit for an individual starts at approximately $1,255 and increases with the size of the household.
Yes, states may adjust income thresholds. For example, the monthly gross income limits in California are $2,510 for one person and $5,200 for a household of four. In California, each additional household member adds $898 to the income limit.
In the contiguous United States and D.C., a family of four can receive a maximum of $975 per month. The maximum allotments are significantly higher in regions like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to account for higher living costs.
SNAP benefits are entirely funded by the federal government. The administration of the program, including processing applications and determining eligibility, is shared by states and counties.
Yes, some states are beginning to add restrictions. Twelve states are implementing bans on using SNAP funds for items like sugary drinks, candy, energy drinks, and prepared desserts.
The states implementing these new restrictions include Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. These bans are scheduled to start as early as 2026.
Nationally, 12.3% of the U.S. population received SNAP benefits in 2024. However, participation rates differ greatly by state. In fiscal year 2022, participation ranged from as low as 4.6% in Utah to as high as 24.5% in New Mexico.
In 2023, Hawaii had the highest average benefit per household member at $385. Minnesota had the lowest average benefit at $157 per household member
Benefit amounts differ mainly because of variations in the cost of living. States and territories with higher costs, such as Hawaii and Alaska, have higher maximum benefit allotments.
You should visit your state's SNAP agency for specific guidelines, information on what items are allowed, and to use benefit estimators.
A family of four in the contiguous U.S. can receive up to $975 per month. In higher-cost areas like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum allotments are significantly higher than that amount.