SNAP Eligibility Criteria (2025–2026): Who Qualifies & How to Apply

Last Updated: January, 2026

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps low-income families buy food.

To qualify for SNAP in 2026, you must meet income limits, asset tests, and work requirements set by federal and state rules.

Most households need gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and net income under 100%.

Quick Summary:

• Income limits range from $1,696/month (1 person) to $5,867/month (8 people)
• Asset limits are $3,000 for most households, $4,500 for seniors or disabled
• Work requirements now apply to ages 18–64 (expanded in 2025)
• Rules vary by state—some states have higher income limits
• College students, seniors, and immigrants have special eligibility rules
• Apply online, in person, or by phone through your state SNAP office

Need help? Check the 2026 SNAP income limits by state or use a SNAP Eligibility Calculator to see if you qualify.

Who Is Eligible for SNAP Benefits?

To qualify for SNAP, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the USDA. These SNAP benefits requirements include income, assets, work rules, and household composition.

Key requirements include:

• Income Limits: Most households need gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line. Net income (after deductions) must be at or below 100% of poverty.
• Asset/Resource Limits: Households are limited to $3,000 in countable resources like cash or bank accounts. This rises to $4,500 if someone is age 60+ or has a disability.
• Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ages 18–64) must work 80 hours monthly to receive benefits beyond three months.
• Household Composition Rules: A household includes everyone living together who buys and prepares meals together.
• Citizenship/Immigration Status: Benefits are available to U.S. citizens and certain lawful immigrants, including refugees and green card holders who’ve lived in the U.S. for five years.
• State-Specific Flexibility: Some states use “Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility,” which raises income and asset limits. States may also waive work requirements in high-unemployment areas.

Check your state’s rules at the USDA SNAP State Directory.

SNAP Income Limits for 2025–2026

Income limits determine if your household qualifies for SNAP. These limits are updated yearly and are valid from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.

Gross Income vs Net Income Explained

SNAP uses two income tests:

Gross Income is your total household income before taxes or deductions. This generally must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.

Net Income is gross income minus allowable deductions. Your net income must be at or below 100% of the poverty line.

Note: Households with someone age 60+ or disabled only need to meet the net income limit.

What counts as gross income:

• Wages from jobs
• Self-employment earnings
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment compensation
• Child support received

Allowable deductions that reduce countable income:

• 20% of earned income
• Standard deduction ($209 for households of 1–3)
• Dependent care costs
• Medical expenses over $35/month (for elderly/disabled)
• Excess shelter costs

SNAP Income Limits by Household Size

Here are the federal monthly income limits for 2025–2026:

Household Size	Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL)	Net Monthly Income (100% FPL)
1	$1,696	$1,305
2	$2,292	$1,763
3	$2,888	$2,221
4	$3,483	$2,680
5	$4,079	$3,138
6	$4,675	$3,596
7	$5,271	$4,055
8	$5,867	$4,513
Each Additional	+$596	+$459

Important: Many states raise the gross income threshold to 200% of the federal poverty level ($2,610 for one person). Check your state’s limits at Benefits.gov.

Income Deductions That Can Help You Qualify

These deductions lower your gross income to calculate net income:

• Standard Deduction: $209 for households of 1–3 people
• Earned Income Deduction: 20% of job earnings
• Dependent Care Deduction: Childcare or care costs needed for work
• Medical Expense Deduction: Out-of-pocket costs over $35/month for elderly or disabled members
• Excess Shelter Deduction: Housing and utility costs exceeding half your income (capped at $744 in 2026)

These deductions can significantly lower your countable income and help you qualify.

SNAP Asset and Resource Limits

Many states have eliminated the asset test entirely. If your state requires one, federal limits for 2026 are $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with seniors or disabled members.

What Assets Count Toward SNAP Eligibility

Countable resources include:

• Cash on hand
• Money in checking accounts
• Money in savings accounts
• Some vehicles (rules vary by state)

Assets That Usually Do NOT Count

These items are excluded from the resource test:

• Your home and the lot it sits on
• Personal belongings like furniture and clothing
• Retirement accounts such as 401(k)s or IRAs
• Education savings like 529 college plans
• SSI or TANF benefits received by household members

SNAP Work Requirements (Updated Rules)

The 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” expanded work requirements significantly. These changes affect able-bodied adults without dependents.

Who Must Meet SNAP Work Requirements

• Ages 18–64: The age range for work requirements increased from 18–54 to 18–64
• 80 Hours Monthly: Must work or participate in a work program at least 80 hours per month
• Three-Month Limit: Without meeting work requirements, benefits are limited to three months in a three-year period
• Veterans and Homeless: Many veterans and people experiencing homelessness now must meet work requirements unless disabled

Who Is Exempt from Work Requirements

• Caregivers: Anyone living with a child under age 14
• Seniors: People age 65 and older
• Disabled: Those physically or mentally unfit for work
• Pregnant: Pregnant individuals in any trimester
• Students: Those in certain training programs
• Treatment Programs: People in drug or alcohol treatment

Household Rules That Affect Eligibility

Who is included in your SNAP household affects your income limit and benefit amount.

Who Must Be Included in a SNAP Household

• Spouses: Married couples living together must apply together
• Children Under 22: Children living with parents must be included
• Shared Meals: Anyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together

When You Can Be a Separate Household

• Roommates: People who buy and prepare meals separately can apply separately
• Live-in Attendants: Caregivers providing services may be separate
• Elderly/Disabled Exception: People 60+ who are disabled and can’t prepare meals may apply separately if other residents earn under 165% of poverty

Special SNAP Eligibility Groups

Seniors (Age 60+) and Disabled Individuals

• Simplified Rules: Only need to meet net income test (100% FPL)
• Medical Deductions: Can deduct medical expenses over $35/month
• Higher Asset Limit: $4,500 instead of $3,000

College Students

Most students enrolled at least half-time are ineligible for SNAP.

Students may qualify if they:

• Work at least 20 hours weekly
• Receive federal work-study
• Care for a child under age 6
• Are enrolled in certain vocational training programs

Non-Citizens and Immigrants

• Qualified Status: Available to refugees, asylees, and lawful permanent residents who’ve lived in the U.S. for five years
• No Waiting Period: Children under 18, disability recipients, and humanitarian immigrants don’t wait five years
• Undocumented Immigrants: Are not eligible for SNAP

State-by-State SNAP Eligibility Differences

SNAP rules vary significantly by state. While the federal government sets baseline eligibility criteria, states have flexibility to adjust income limits, asset tests, and purchasing rules through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).

State-Specific Income Limits

Federal rules set the gross income limit at 130% of the federal poverty level. However, many states raise this threshold to help more working families qualify.

States at 130% FPL ($1,696 for 1 person):

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Mississippi
• Missouri

States at 200% FPL ($2,610 for 1 person):

• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Maryland
• New Jersey

These higher limits help working families avoid losing benefits when they earn slightly more income.

Special Cases:

• Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits due to increased cost of living in these states.

The Asset Test (Countable Resources)

Most states have eliminated the asset test entirely. This means your savings account or bank balance won’t disqualify you from SNAP.

No Asset Limit States:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Illinois
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Washington

States with Asset Limits:

A few states still enforce resource limits:

• Nebraska: $25,000 liquid asset limit
• Idaho: $5,000 limit
• Texas: $5,000 limit
• Other states: Typically $3,000 (standard) or $4,500 (elderly/disabled)

Work Requirement Waivers

States can request temporary waivers for ABAWD work requirements in high-unemployment areas.

Current Waiver Rules:

• Waivers typically apply to areas with unemployment rates exceeding 10%
• New 2026 federal rules have tightened waiver eligibility
• New York: Statewide ABAWD waiver remains active through March 1, 2026

Check your state’s current waiver status through your local SNAP office.

New Food Purchase Restrictions (2026)

Starting in 2026, 18 states received federal approval to restrict certain items from SNAP purchases.

States with Beverage and Candy Bans:

• Indiana
• Iowa
• Utah
• Nebraska
• West Virginia

These states restrict purchases of:

• Soda and soft drinks
• Energy drinks
• Candy and confections

Special State Rules:

• Iowa: Broader restrictions on most taxable food items (exceptions for food-producing plants and seeds)

These restrictions aim to promote healthier food choices among SNAP recipients.

Find Your State’s Rules:

To check specific eligibility rules, income limits, and purchasing restrictions in your state:

• Visit the USDA SNAP State Directory
• Contact your state’s social services website
• Apply online at Benefits.gov

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in 2026?

To apply for SNAP benefits in 2026, you must submit an application to the state agency where you currently reside.

While federal law governs the program, each state manages its own application process, interviews, and benefit distribution. 

Locate Your State Agency

Because SNAP is administered at the state level, the first step is finding your local office.

You can use the USDA SNAP State Directory to find the official website, mailing address, and toll-free number for your state’s department of social services. 

Ways to Apply

• Online: Apply through your state SNAP website
• In Person: Visit your local SNAP office
• Phone: Call your state SNAP hotline
• Mail: Download and mail a paper application

What Happens After You Apply

1. Application Review: Your state has 30 days to process your application
2. Interview: You’ll complete a phone or in-person interview
3. Verification: Submit required documents
4. Approval: If eligible, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card

Timeline: Most states approve applications within 30 days. Expedited processing (within 7 days) is available for households with very low income or urgent need.

Documents Needed for SNAP Eligibility Verification

Bring these documents to verify your eligibility:

• Identification: Driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate
• Proof of Income: Pay stubs, employer letter, or tax returns
• Housing Costs: Rent or mortgage statement, utility bills
• Medical Expenses: Bills or receipts (if claiming medical deduction)
• Citizenship: Birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents

📌 Apply Online: Check your state’s SNAP portal

Sources:
[1] USDA Food and Nutrition Service – SNAP Eligibility
[2] Benefits.gov – SNAP Overview
[3] USDA SNAP State Directory

Need help applying? Visit Benefits.gov to find your state SNAP office and start your application today.