SNAP income limits increased for 2026. A family of four can now earn up to $3,483 monthly and still qualify, while individuals can earn up to $1,696 monthly. Maximum benefits also rose to $994 monthly for four-person households and $298 for individuals.
Asset limits remain $3,000 for most households ($4,500 for elderly/disabled). Your home, one vehicle, and retirement accounts don’t count. The standard deduction increased to $209, helping more families qualify.
Effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. If you didn’t qualify before or received minimal benefits, consider reapplying.
👉 Want to see if you qualify?
Check our SNAP Calculator by State for a quick eligibility check, or get detailed information for California, Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois, NC, Georgia, Florida, and New York.
Page Contents
- 1 Gross Income Limits by Household Size (Updated October 2025 – September 2026)
- 2 Net Income Requirements
- 3 Enhanced Deductions for 2026
- 4 Maximum SNAP Allotments for 2026
- 5 Asset Limits & Other Requirements
- 6 State Application Process
- 7 Real-World Eligibility Examples
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8.1 1. What is the income limit for SNAP in 2026?
- 8.2 2. How much will SNAP benefits increase in 2026?
- 8.3 3. Do asset limits change for SNAP in 2026?
- 8.4 4. Can college students get SNAP benefits in 2026?
- 8.5 5. How often do I need to recertify for SNAP?
- 8.6 6. What happens if my income changes during the year?
Gross Income Limits by Household Size (Updated October 2025 – September 2026)
SNAP gross income limits are set at 130% of the federal poverty level for most households. The 2026 adjustments bring meaningful increases to income thresholds across all regions, particularly benefiting families in high-cost states like California and Hawaii.
2025 vs. 2026: SNAP Income Limit Comparison FY2026
The table below shows how 2026 income limits compare to 2025, demonstrating the increased accessibility of SNAP benefits:
| Household Size | 2025 Income Limit | 2026 Income Limit | Monthly Increase | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,632 | $1,696 | +$64 | +3.9% |
| 2 people | $2,208 | $2,292 | +$84 | +3.8% |
| 3 people | $2,784 | $2,888 | +$104 | +3.7% |
| 4 people | $3,360 | $3,483 | +$123 | +3.7% |
| 5 people | $3,936 | $4,079 | +$143 | +3.6% |
| 6 people | $4,512 | $4,675 | +$163 | +3.6% |
| 8 people | $5,664 | $5,867 | +$203 | +3.6% |
Note: 2025 figures are estimates based on typical COLA patterns for comparison purposes. The 2026 figures are official USDA amounts.
Here are the complete income tables for all regions:
48 States, D.C., Guam, and Virgin Islands Food Stamp Income Limits FY2026
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,696 | $20,352 |
| 2 people | $2,292 | $27,504 |
| 3 people | $2,888 | $34,656 |
| 4 people | $3,483 | $41,796 |
| 5 people | $4,079 | $48,948 |
| 6 people | $4,675 | $56,100 |
| 7 people | $5,271 | $63,252 |
| 8 people | $5,867 | $70,404 |
| Each additional person | +$596 | +$7,152 |
Alaska Special Income Limits FY2026
Alaska residents have higher income thresholds due to increased living costs. For complete Alaska-specific information including application locations and special rules, visit our Alaska SNAP income guidelines.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,118 | $25,416 |
| 2 people | $2,864 | $34,368 |
| 3 people | $3,609 | $43,308 |
| 4 people | $4,354 | $52,248 |
| 5 people | $5,100 | $61,200 |
| 6 people | $5,845 | $70,140 |
| 7 people | $6,590 | $79,080 |
| 8 people | $7,336 | $88,032 |
| Each additional person | +$746 | +$8,952 |
Hawaii Special Income Limits FY2026
Hawaii also receives adjusted income limits:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,949 | $23,388 |
| 2 people | $2,635 | $31,620 |
| 3 people | $3,321 | $39,852 |
| 4 people | $4,007 | $48,084 |
| 5 people | $4,692 | $56,304 |
| 6 people | $5,378 | $64,536 |
| 7 people | $6,064 | $72,768 |
| 8 people | $6,750 | $81,000 |
| Each additional person | +$686 | +$8,232 |
Most Popular State Guides
Quick access to frequently requested state information:
West Coast: California | Washington | Oregon
East Coast: New York | Florida | Pennsylvania
South: Texas | Georgia | North Carolina
Midwest: Illinois | Ohio | Michigan
Net Income Requirements
After deductions are applied, your net income must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. This is where SNAP’s deduction system becomes crucial for eligibility.
Net Income Limits (100% Poverty Level) FY2026
| Household Size | 48 States, D.C., Guam, Virgin Islands | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 | $1,630 | $1,500 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $2,203 | $2,027 |
| 3 | $2,221 | $2,776 | $2,555 |
| 4 | $2,680 | $3,350 | $3,082 |
| 5 | $3,138 | $3,923 | $3,610 |
| 6 | $3,596 | $4,496 | $4,137 |
| 7 | $4,055 | $5,070 | $4,665 |
| 8 | $4,513 | $5,643 | $5,192 |
| Each additional member | $459 | $574 | $528 |
Special Rules for Elderly/Disabled Households
Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members have higher gross income limits at 165% of poverty level but must still meet net income requirements. These households also benefit from no gross income test if they meet net income standards.
Enhanced Deductions for 2026
SNAP deductions reduce your countable income, potentially making you eligible even with higher gross income. Here are the updated deduction amounts:
Standard Deductions
The standard deduction applies to all households automatically:
| Area | Household Size 1-2 | Size 3 | Size 4 | Size 5 | Size 6+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 States & D.C. | $209 | $209 | $223 | $261 | $299 |
| Alaska | $358 | $358 | $358 | $358 | $374 |
| Hawaii | $295 | $295 | $295 | $300 | $344 |
| Guam | $420 | $420 | $445 | $522 | $598 |
| Virgin Islands | $184 | $185 | $223 | $261 | $299 |
Maximum Shelter Deductions
Key shelter deduction caps for 2026:
- 48 States & D.C.: $744 (increased from previous year)
- Alaska: $1,189
- Hawaii: $1,003
- Guam: $873
- Virgin Islands: $586
What counts as shelter costs:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Property taxes
- Homeowners/renters insurance
- Basic utility costs
- Trash removal
Homeless Shelter Deduction
All areas now have a standardized homeless shelter deduction of $198.99 per month for households without fixed housing.
Other Important Deductions
- Medical expenses for elderly/disabled members exceeding $35/month
- Dependent care costs necessary for work or training
- Child support payments to non-household members
- Earned income deduction of 20% of gross earned income
Maximum SNAP Allotments for 2026
Your SNAP benefits are calculated based on the maximum allotment for your household size, minus your expected contribution (30% of net income).
48 States and D.C. Maximum Allotments
| 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 |
Alaska Maximum Allotments
Alaska has three different benefit levels based on location:
| Household Size | Urban | Rural 1 | Rural 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $385 | $491 | $598 |
| 2 people | $707 | $901 | $1,097 |
| 4 people | $1,285 | $1,639 | $1,995 |
| 8 people | $2,314 | $2,950 | $3,591 |
Other Territory Maximum Allotments
Hawaii: Up to $1,689 for a 4-person household Guam: Up to $1,465 for a 4-person household
Virgin Islands: Up to $1,278 for a 4-person household
Asset Limits & Other Requirements
Resource Limits (Unchanged for 2026)
- Most households: $3,000 in countable resources
- Elderly/disabled households: $4,500 in countable resources
Countable resources include:
- Cash and money in checking/savings accounts
- Vehicles worth over $4,650 (with exceptions)
- Property other than your home
Excluded resources:
- Your home and surrounding property
- One vehicle per household (or vehicles under $4,650)
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
- Life insurance policies
- Burial plots and funeral funds up to $1,500 per person
Work Requirements
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18-49 must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, OR
- Participate in qualifying education/training programs, OR
- Combine work and training for 20+ hours
Exemptions include:
- Pregnant women
- Parents/caretakers of children under 18
- Students in school at least half-time
- People unable to work due to disability
- Residents of areas with high unemployment
State Application Process
How to Apply
Online applications are available in most states through state SNAP websites or benefits portals. In-person applications can be submitted at local SNAP offices, and phone applications are accepted in many states.
Required Documentation
Proof of identity: Driver’s license, state ID, or passport Income verification: Pay stubs, employer statement, or benefit award letters Resource documentation: Bank statements, vehicle registration Residence proof: Utility bills, lease agreement, or mail Immigration status: For non-citizens, provide immigration documents
Application Timeline
- Initial application processing: 30 days maximum
- Expedited service: 7 days for emergency cases
- Interview requirement: Most states require phone or in-person interview
- Recertification: Every 6-24 months depending on household circumstances
Real-World Eligibility Examples
Example 1: Single Parent with Two Children
Household details:
- 1 adult, 2 children (3-person household)
- Monthly gross income: $2,500
- Rent: $800, Utilities: $150
- No other deductions
This example reflects typical costs in states like Ohio or Pennsylvania.
Eligibility calculation:
- Gross income: $2,500 (under $2,888 limit ✓)
- Standard deduction: -$209
- Earned income deduction (20%): -$500
- Shelter deduction: $950 – $660 = $290 (under $744 cap)
- Net income: $2,500 – $999 = $1,501 (under $2,221 limit ✓)
- Result: Eligible for SNAP
Monthly benefit: $785 – ($1,501 × 0.30) = $785 – $450 = $335/month
For similar calculations with your state’s specific costs, use our interactive SNAP calculator.
Example 2: Elderly Couple
Household details:
- 2 adults, both over 60
- Social Security income: $1,800/month
- Rent: $600, Medical expenses: $200/month
Eligibility calculation:
- No gross income test (elderly household)
- Standard deduction: -$209
- Medical deduction: -$165 ($200 – $35 minimum)
- Shelter deduction: $600 – $525 = $75
- Net income: $1,800 – $449 = $1,351 (under $1,763 limit ✓)
- Result: Eligible for SNAP
Monthly benefit: $546 – ($1,351 × 0.30) = $546 – $405 = $141/month
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the income limit for SNAP in 2026?
2. How much will SNAP benefits increase in 2026?
Maximum SNAP benefits for a family of four increased to $994 per month in most states. Alaska families can receive up to $1,995 monthly depending on location. Use our benefit calculator to estimate your specific benefit amount.
3. Do asset limits change for SNAP in 2026?
No, asset limits remain unchanged at $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with elderly or disabled members. Your home, one vehicle, and retirement accounts don’t count toward these limits.
4. Can college students get SNAP benefits in 2026?
College students generally cannot receive SNAP unless they meet specific exemptions like working 20+ hours weekly, caring for dependents, or participating in work-study programs. Students in vocational training programs may qualify more easily.
5. How often do I need to recertify for SNAP?
Most households recertify every 12 months, but elderly or disabled households may have longer certification periods up to 24 months. You’ll receive notice 30 days before your certification expires with instructions for renewal.
6. What happens if my income changes during the year?
You must report income changes that exceed $125 monthly within 10 days. Some changes may increase your benefits, while others might reduce them. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments that must be repaid.
This guide reflects official USDA SNAP income limits and benefit amounts effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Contact your local SNAP office for personalized eligibility determination and application assistance.
