SNAP benefits primarily support vulnerable households, with 86% of benefits directed to households with a child, an elderly person, or someone with disabilities. Additionally, 92% of these benefits are allocated to households living at or below the federal poverty line.
A family’s SNAP benefit amount is determined by its income and certain expenses.
To be eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in the United States, individuals must have an income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
The SNAP payment
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as Food Stamp Program, is a program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that offers financial assistance to low-income individuals and families for food. The program is managed by state and local agencies.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), in 2024, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a single person is $202, with a maximum of $291. A family of four receives an average benefit of $713, with a maximum of $973.
SNAP benefits are received through an EBT card, similar to a debit card, and can be used to purchase groceries at approved stores, including some online stores and farmers markets, but cannot be used for food delivery service fees.
What is the highest income to qualify for SNAP Payment?
If your household does not have a member who receives SSI, TANF, or general assistance, you need to meet income requirements. However, if a family member is over 60 or receives disability payments, only the net income requirement needs to be met.
Income Limits: Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, based on SNAP standards
| Household size | Gross monthly income(130% of poverty) | Net monthly income(100% of poverty) |
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 |
| Each additional member | +$557 | +$429 |
The qualifying income limit might vary by state and amount. You can check the SNAP office for requirements in your state.
Which is the cut-off to get Food Stamps?
To be eligible for Food stamps, a household’s income and resources must meet three tests:
- Gross monthly income must generally be equal to or less than 130 percent of the poverty line. For instance, for a family of four, the poverty line used to determine SNAP benefits in the 2024 fiscal year is $2,500 per month.
Therefore, 130 percent of the poverty line for a three-person family is $3,250 per month, which equates to approximately $39,000 annually. The poverty threshold is higher for larger families and lower for smaller ones.
- The household’s net income must not exceed the poverty line.
- The household’s assets must be below specific limits.
