Use this pre-check to compare your household income with the federal SNAP (food stamps) income limits that took effect on October 1, 2026, and to get a rough idea of the monthly benefit. It takes about one minute and nothing you type is saved.
SNAP Eligibility Pre-Check (Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027)
Compare your household income with the federal SNAP gross income limit and see a rough benefit estimate. Uses the USDA figures in effect from October 1, 2026.
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP fiscal year 2027 cost-of-living adjustments (effective October 1, 2026). The benefit estimate uses only the standard deduction and the 20% earned income deduction. Deductions for rent, utilities, child care and medical costs can make the real benefit higher. Many states use broader rules that allow higher incomes. Alaska and Hawaii have higher maximum benefits than the amounts shown here, which are for the 48 states and D.C. Only your state SNAP office can decide your eligibility and benefit. This tool does not save or send anything you type.
SNAP income limits and maximum benefits, October 2026 to September 2027
These are the federal figures for the 48 states and Washington, D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits and benefits.
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit (130%) | Net monthly income limit (100%) | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person | Add $616 | Add $474 | Add $225 |
Official source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP eligibility.
How SNAP figures your benefit
SNAP expects a household to spend about 30% of its net income on food. Your benefit is the maximum amount for your household size minus 30% of your net income. To get net income, the SNAP office starts with your gross income and subtracts deductions:
- 20% of the money you earn from work.
- A standard deduction ($217 a month for 1 to 3 people in the 48 states and D.C.).
- Child care or dependent care costs you pay so you can work or study.
- Some medical costs over $35 a month for people 60 or older or with a disability.
- Part of your rent or mortgage and utilities when they are high compared with your income.
Example: a family of three with $2,000 a month in wages and no other income. Gross income is under the $2,960 limit. Net income before housing costs is $2,000 minus $400 (20% of wages) minus $217 = $1,383. Thirty percent of that is about $415, so the estimate is $808 minus $415, or about $393 a month. If the family pays high rent, the shelter deduction can raise that amount.
Who does not have to meet the gross income limit
Households with a member who is 60 or older or who has a disability only have to meet the net income limit. Many states also use a rule called broad-based categorical eligibility, which lets households with income above 130% of the poverty line qualify. That is why it is always worth checking with your state.
How to apply
You apply through your state SNAP agency, not through the federal government. Read our step-by-step guides: SNAP food stamps: how to apply and how to apply for food stamps online. You can also find your state office on the USDA SNAP state directory.