Struggling to put food on the table? You’re not alone. Thousands of Massachusetts families are getting help through SNAP (food stamps) — and you might qualify too, even if you’re working.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Massachusetts SNAP income limits for 2025–2026, using the latest official USDA FY2026 data.
Quick Facts You Need to Know
✅ A single person earning under $1,696/month might qualify
✅ A family of 4 earning under $3,483/month could get benefits
✅ Maximum benefit: $994/month for a family of 4
✅ Asset limits: $3,000 (or $4,500 if you’re 60+ or disabled)
✅ Approval time: 30 days (7 days for emergency cases)
👉 Try our Massachusetts SNAP Calculator (FY2026) to check eligibility instantly.
Page Contents
- 1 Do You Meet the Massachusetts SNAP Income Limits?
- 2 How Much SNAP Money Will You Get in Massachusetts?
- 3 What Income Actually Counts?
- 4 Did SNAP Benefits Go Up in 2025-2026?
- 5 How to Apply for SNAP in Massachusetts (2025–2026)
- 6 Top SNAP Questions Answered
- 6.1 1. What are the Massachusetts SNAP income limits for 2025–2026?
- 6.2 2. How much can a family of 4 get in food stamps in MA?
- 6.3 3. Did SNAP benefits increase in 2025?
- 6.4 4. How do I apply for SNAP in Massachusetts online?
- 6.5 5. What counts as income for SNAP eligibility?
- 6.6 6. How fast will I get approved for SNAP?
- 7 Don’t Wait — Apply for SNAP Today
Do You Meet the Massachusetts SNAP Income Limits?
Massachusetts uses two income tests — gross (before taxes) and net (after deductions).
Most households must meet both.
If your household includes someone 60+ or disabled, you only need to meet the net income limit.
Massachusetts SNAP Income Chart 2025–2026
(Effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026)
(Source: USDA SNAP FY2026 COLA Memo)
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit (130%) | Net Income Limit (100%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,696/month | $1,305/month |
| 2 people | $2,292/month | $1,763/month |
| 3 people | $2,888/month | $2,221/month |
| 4 people | $3,483/month | $2,680/month |
| 5 people | $4,079/month | $3,138/month |
| 6 people | $4,675/month | $3,596/month |
| 7 people | $5,271/month | $4,055/month |
| 8 people | $5,867/month | $4,513/month |
| Each additional person | +$596 | +$459 |
💡 Elderly and disabled households may qualify at 165% of the poverty level.
How Much SNAP Money Will You Get in Massachusetts?
Your benefit depends on your income and household size.
Here’s the updated maximum SNAP benefit chart for FY2026:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| 6 people | $1,421 |
| 7 people | $1,571 |
| 8 people | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | +$218 |
Even if you live alone, you’ll get at least $24/month — the new minimum benefit for 2026.
Use our Massachusetts SNAP Calculator to estimate your monthly benefit in under 2 minutes.
What Income Actually Counts?
SNAP looks at nearly all earned and unearned income, such as:
- Wages, tips, or self-employment income
- Unemployment or Social Security
- Child support payments received
But these don’t count:
- Student financial aid or loans
- Most veteran benefits
- Tax refunds
Deductions That Help You Qualify
The program lets you subtract certain expenses to lower your “countable income”:
- Standard deduction: $209–$299 depending on household size
- Housing & utilities: Up to $744 shelter deduction
- Homeless shelter deduction: $198.99
- Child care or dependent care costs
- Medical expenses (for elderly or disabled households)
Did SNAP Benefits Go Up in 2025-2026?
✅ Yes. SNAP income limits and benefit amounts increased on October 1, 2025, as part of the USDA’s annual cost-of-living adjustment.
That means more Massachusetts families now qualify — and those already receiving SNAP will automatically see higher amounts loaded onto their EBT cards.
How to Apply for SNAP in Massachusetts (2025–2026)
Applying for SNAP is easy and free. You have three options:
1. Apply Online (Fastest)
Go to DTAConnect.com.
Create an account, fill out your application, and upload documents with your phone.
2. Apply In Person
Visit your local Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office.
They can help you complete your application and answer questions.
3. Apply by Phone or Mail
Call 1-877-382-2363 to request a paper application or apply by phone.
Documents You’ll Need
Before applying, gather:
- ID or driver’s license
- Pay stubs or proof of income
- Rent or mortgage statement
- Utility bills
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Child care or medical expense receipts
🕐 Processing Time:
Most applications are processed within 30 days.
If you have less than $150 in cash and little or no income, you may get emergency SNAP within 7 days.
Top SNAP Questions Answered
1. What are the Massachusetts SNAP income limits for 2025–2026?
A single person can earn up to $1,696/month before taxes.
A family of four can earn up to $3,483/month.
2. How much can a family of 4 get in food stamps in MA?
Up to $994/month, depending on income and deductions.
3. Did SNAP benefits increase in 2025?
Yes — income limits and benefit amounts increased in October 2025 due to inflation adjustments.
4. How do I apply for SNAP in Massachusetts online?
Visit DTAConnect.com, create an account, and submit your application with photo uploads of required documents.
5. What counts as income for SNAP eligibility?
Wages, unemployment, child support, and Social Security all count.
Student aid, tax refunds, and most veteran benefits do not.
6. How fast will I get approved for SNAP?
You’ll usually hear back within 30 days, or within 7 days if you qualify for expedited benefits.
Don’t Wait — Apply for SNAP Today
Over 700,000 Massachusetts residents rely on SNAP each month to afford food.
If your income is close to the limits above, you probably qualify — especially after deductions.
That extra $300–$900/month can make a real difference.
Apply today at DTAConnect.com or call 1-877-382-2363.
Your family’s next meal matters — and help is available.
