SNAP is a federal program that puts money on a card you use to buy food

SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition information Program — is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that gives money to people and families to buy groceries. The money loads onto a card that looks like a debit card, called an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer). You use it at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some other food retailers to pay for food. The program does not cover restaurant meals, prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, or household items.

SNAP is the largest federal food information program in the country. It is run by your state's department of social services or human resources, but the federal government sets the basic rules and pays for most of the cost. Each state runs the program slightly differently — the amount of money you receive, the exact income limits, and how you explore all vary by state.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP money loads onto an EBT card and can only be used to buy food at authorized retailers, not prepared meals or non-food items.
  • The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, and expenses, and varies by state.
  • Your state's department of social services handles SNAP, and you explore through them — not through a federal office.
  • SNAP has income and resource limits that vary by state, and you must report changes in your household or income to keep receiving benefits.
  • You can use your EBT card at most grocery stores, some farmers markets, and online retailers like Amazon Fresh and Instacart in many states.

How much money you get each month

The amount of SNAP money you receive is based on your household size, your income, and certain expenses you pay. The federal government sets a maximum amount per person per month — this varies slightly year to year but is roughly $280 to $300 per person. Your state calculates what you actually receive by taking that maximum, subtracting a portion of your income, and adding back certain deductible expenses like rent, utilities, and child care.

Because the calculation depends on your specific situation, two households with the same income can receive different amounts. Your state's SNAP office will calculate your benefit amount when you explore. You can also use your state's SNAP calculator online — most states have one on their department of social services website — to get a rough estimate before you explore.

Income and resource limits vary by state

SNAP has income limits, but they are not the same everywhere. Most states use a gross income limit of around 130 percent of the federal poverty line, which means a single person earning roughly $1,800 per month might be over the limit in some states but under it in others. Some states have higher limits. Your state's SNAP office can tell you the exact limit for your household size.

SNAP also has resource limits — meaning you cannot have too much money or property and still receive benefits. The limit is usually around $2,500 for most households, though some states set it higher. A car, your home, and retirement accounts typically do not count toward this limit. Again, your state sets the exact rules, so check with your local SNAP office or your state's website.

how the process works through your state

You explore for SNAP through your state's department of social services, human resources, or department of human services — the name varies by state. Most states let you explore online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Some states also accept phone applications. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of income (like recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease).

The process asks about your household — who lives with you, their ages, and their income. It also asks about expenses like rent, utilities, and child care, because these reduce the income amount used to calculate your benefit. After you submit your process, your state has a important date to make a decision, usually 30 days. Some states process applications faster if you are in a crisis situation.

What happens after you are approved

Once you are approved, your state mails you an EBT card. The card works like a debit card — you swipe it or insert it at the checkout, enter your PIN, and the cost of may be able to access food comes out of your SNAP balance. Your monthly benefit reloads on the same day each month, usually between the 1st and the 21st depending on your state and the last digit of your case number.

You keep the card as long as you remain approved. Your state will ask you to recertify — meaning you report your current income and household situation — usually once a year, though some states require it more often. If your income, household, or expenses change, you should report it to your SNAP office, because your benefit amount may go up or down.

Where you can use your EBT card

You can use your EBT card at any grocery store, supermarket, or food retailer that displays the SNAP logo. This includes large chains like Walmart and Target, as well as small independent grocers and farmers markets. Many farmers markets accept EBT, and some states have programs that match your EBT spending at farmers markets dollar-for-dollar, up to a limit.

In recent years, more states have allowed online grocery shopping with SNAP. Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart.com accept EBT in many states, though not all. Check your state's SNAP website to see if online shopping is available where you live. You cannot use SNAP to buy prepared foods from a deli counter, hot foods, restaurant meals, vitamins, medicine, pet food, or household items.

Reporting changes and keeping your benefits

Your SNAP benefits continue as long as you remain approved and report required changes. If your income increases, your household size changes, you move, or your expenses change significantly, you must report it to your SNAP office. Some states let you report changes online, by phone, or by mail. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you may have to repay, or your benefits being stopped.

Your state will also send you a recertification form, usually once a year, asking you to confirm your current situation. You must return it by the important date or your benefits will stop. If your circumstances change and you no longer meet the income or resource limits, your benefits will end. If your situation improves and you earn more money, your benefit amount will decrease but you may still receive some SNAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP to buy food online?

Many states now allow online grocery shopping with SNAP through retailers like Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart.com, but not all states have this option yet. Check your state's SNAP website or call your local SNAP office to see if online ordering is available where you live.

What happens if I lose my EBT card?

Contact your state's SNAP office right away to report the card lost or stolen. They can issue you a replacement card, usually within 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, some states can give you emergency cash to buy food while you wait for the new card.

Can I use someone else's EBT card?

No. Your EBT card is for your use only. Using someone else's card or letting someone use yours is fraud and can result in criminal charges and repayment of benefits. The card holder must be present when the card is used, or you must enter your PIN yourself.

What if my income goes up — do I lose all my benefits?

Not necessarily. Your benefit amount decreases as your income increases, but you may still receive some SNAP until your income exceeds your state's limit. Report the income change to your SNAP office so they can recalculate your benefit. You will not lose benefits when ready — your state will adjust your amount going forward.

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

Most non-citizens cannot receive SNAP, with some exceptions. Refugees, asylees, and certain other legal immigrants may be able to receive benefits for a limited time. Check with your state's SNAP office about your specific immigration status, as the rules are complex and vary by state.