The Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the country’s largest public food assistance program. While most state programs have gone electronic, instead of issuing paper vouchers, many people still call the program by its former name, “food stamps.”
SNAP made headlines at the end of last year when the federal government “shut down,” and benefits were delayed or decreased. However, the maximum allotments for SNAP benefits in 2026 rose to compete with inflation, and enrolled participants may receive higher amounts than in the previous months. That being said, there are more proposed changes for the program in the new year.
Who can get SNAP Benefits in 2026?
The purpose of SNAP is to safeguard the health and well-being of qualified individuals and families by providing them with monthly funds to purchase groceries. To find out if you are eligible for SNAP, you need to apply to your state agency.
State SNAP agencies determine eligibility by checking applicants’ household income to see if they make less than the financial limit. In many states, that limit is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) gross limit and the 100% net limit.
- Gross income means a household’s total income (earned wages and unearned pay, such as Supplemental Security Income and death, disability, and veterans’ benefits) before deductions.
- Net income means a household’s gross income minus allowable deductions, such as medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, dependent care expenses, a standard deduction, etc.
The specific monthly amount depends on your household size, or the number of people who live with you. For example, the gross monthly limit for a household of three in the 48 contiguous states is $2,888 (until September 30, 2026). Applicants in Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
Likewise, states may have an asset or resource test, which means eligible applicants have cash or savings of less than a specific amount. As of 2026, households may have up to $3,000 in countable resources or up to $4,500 if at least one household member is elderly or disabled.
In addition to meeting the financial rules, you must:
- Live in the state where you apply,
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien,
- Have a Social Security number,
- And meet work or participate in work programs, if you are an able-bodied adult.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) expanded work requirements for able-bodied adults (ABAWDs) between 18 and 64 years old to now include veterans, the homeless, and caregivers with children 14 years old or older. ABAWDs must work, train, or volunteer 80 hours a month.
If you are elderly or disabled, you may have different eligibility requirements.
How SNAP Benefits are Funded and Administered
SNAP is a federally funded program, but state agencies handle and process applications. Since the federal government provides funding for participants’ benefits, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) sets the rules.
However, not all states follow the same rules. Rather, the federal government sets core requirements, or guidelines, and allows states some flexibility.
The federal rules ensure that the program has nationwide consistency. But the states’ flexibility lets local governments tailor the program to their residents.
Some areas of state variation may include:
- Setting higher income and resource limits. Meaning, a state may have stricter financial limitations.
- Discretion on which vehicles count as resources (per asset limits).
- Requiring more frequent recertification and reporting than the federal minimum.
- Implementing stricter work requirements or having work waivers, such as if applicants live in regions where the unemployment rate is more than 10%.
While the federal government pays for participants’ benefits, it doesn’t cover 100% of the cost to run the SNAP program. Until recently, states paid for about 50% of the administrative expenses, such as office space expenditures and caseworker salaries.
Another change to the SNAP program from the OBBBA is that states will start paying 75% of administrative costs starting in 2027. Also, states with more than 6% payment error must pay 5 to 15% of SNAP benefit costs, as an incentive to improve accuracy.
Types of SNAP Assistance
As mentioned, SNAP no longer uses paper vouchers. The food assistance program switched to the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System, which uses debit-style cards.
How the SNAP EBT works:
- Enrolled participants are given an EBT card with monthly food funds preloaded on it.
- Participants use the EBT car at authorized stores to buy approved groceries.
- At the beginning of the next period, a set dollar amount is reloaded onto the EBT card.
- · Unused benefits roll over to the next month.
SNAP funds can only be used for qualified food. You cannot purchase hot, prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, supplements, pet food, or non-food items. As of 2026, several states are being more restrictive on “non-nutritious” items (like sugary sodas or candy).
Additionally, you cannot withdraw funds as cash.
The amount of SNAP benefits you can receive is based on your household’s net income, number of household members, and your expected contribution. Benefit amounts are also based on the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which calculates what a low-cost, nutritious diet costs for a specific family size.
One SNAP benefit that will no longer be available in 2026 is SNAP-Education, which was a program that provided instruction on shopping for and cooking healthy meals. The current federal administration claims that cutting this benefit will save approximately $186 billion over the next decade.
The “Why” Behind the Program
SNAP exists because it helps society function better. While it puts food on the table of low-income families, its benefits stretch to more areas, including:
- Family and housing stability
- The economy
- Health care systems
- The workforce
Although SNAP only covers food costs, the benefit allows households to better afford rent, utilities, transportation, and other expenses. Families don’t have to make a choice between having food on the table or a roof over their head. Fewer trade-offs mean less stress.
Likewise, families that can maintain their current housing can reduce other government spending, such as Section 8 and other housing programs, which can be more expensive per family than covering groceries.
SNAP benefits also help improve the economy. When participants spend benefits at local grocery stores, those dollars circulate to:
- Store employees
- Distributors
- Farmers
- Suppliers
Economists estimate that every $1 in SNAP benefits generates about $1.54 in local economic activity. That makes SNAP one of the most efficient stimulus tools available, especially during economic slowdowns. It supports small businesses, stabilizes rural and urban food systems, and keeps money flowing in communities that need it most.
SNAP indirectly lessens the strain on health care systems. People who are affected by food insecurity are more likely to have chronic illness, be hospitalized, and use emergency care services.
When people can afford groceries, they are more likely to manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension through consistent meals instead of crisis care.
SNAP protects the current and future labor force and reduces the likelihood of intergenerational poverty.
- For adults, reliable access to food means better health, more consistent energy, and fewer days lost to illness or burnout, which directly impacts job stability and productivity.
- For kids, proper nutrition supports brain development, focus, and learning, which shapes academic outcomes and long-term earning potential.
SNAP stabilizes families, boosts local economies, strengthens public health outcomes, and invests in short- and long-term human potential. In other words, the food assistance program operates as preventative maintenance. When people have access to food, everyone benefits.
