Last updated: October 5, 2026. Figures apply from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
The federal SNAP gross income limit is $1,729 a month for one person. For a family of four, it is $3,575. These limits apply from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
But most states let you earn more. In 35 states and Washington, D.C., the limit is higher. In many of them, a family of four can earn up to $5,500 a month and still qualify.
Find your state in the table below. Then check the limit for your household size.
Article summary
- The federal gross limit is $1,729 for one person and $3,575 for four.
- The net income limit is $1,330 for one person and $2,750 for four.
- States like California, Pennsylvania, and Michigan use a 200% limit. That is $2,660 for one person and $5,500 for four.
- Fifteen states keep the federal 130% limit, including Georgia, Ohio, and Tennessee.
- Households with someone 60 or older, or disabled, skip the gross income test.
- The maximum benefit is $1,023 a month for a family of four.
SNAP Gross Income Limits by Household Size
Your limit depends on two things: your state’s percentage and your household size. Find your state’s percentage in the table above. Then read across this table to find your number.
All amounts are monthly gross income, before taxes. They apply in the 48 states and D.C. from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
| Household size | 130% | 150% | 160% | 165% | 185% | 200% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,995 | $2,128 | $2,195 | $2,461 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $2,705 | $2,886 | $2,976 | $3,337 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $3,415 | $3,643 | $3,757 | $4,212 | $4,554 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $4,125 | $4,400 | $4,538 | $5,088 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $4,835 | $5,158 | $5,319 | $5,964 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $5,545 | $5,915 | $6,100 | $6,839 | $7,394 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $6,255 | $6,672 | $6,881 | $7,715 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $6,965 | $7,430 | $7,662 | $8,591 | $9,287 |
| Each extra person | +$616 | +$710 | +$758 | +$781 | +$876 | +$947 |
To get a yearly figure, multiply by 12. For example, the 200% limit for a family of four is $66,000 a year.
Your household is everyone who lives with you and buys and cooks food with you. A roommate who buys their own food is usually not part of your SNAP household.
We calculated the 150% to 200% columns from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. The 130% and 165% columns match USDA’s published figures. Your state agency makes the final call.
SNAP Income Limit in Your State (2026-2027)
Each state sets its own gross income limit, from 130% to 200% of the poverty line. Find your state below. Then click it for local rules and how to apply.
| State | Gross limit | 1 person | 4 people | Asset test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 130% | $1,729 | $3,575 | None |
| Alaska | 200% | $3,325 | $6,875 | None |
| Arizona | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Arkansas | 130% (165% if 60+ or disabled) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $5,500 for 12 months, then $3,000 / $4,750 |
| California | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Colorado | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Connecticut | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Delaware | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| District of Columbia | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Florida | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Georgia | 130% | $1,729 | $3,575 | None |
| Hawaii | 200% | $3,060 | $6,325 | None |
| Idaho | 130% | $1,729 | $3,575 | $5,000 |
| Illinois | 165% | $2,195 | $4,538 | None |
| Indiana | 130% | $1,729 | $3,575 | $5,000 |
| Iowa | 160% | $2,128 | $4,400 | None |
| Kansas | 130% (no BBCE) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $3,000 / $4,750 |
| Kentucky | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Louisiana | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Maine | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Maryland | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Massachusetts | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Michigan | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Minnesota | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Mississippi | 130% (no BBCE) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $3,000 / $4,750 |
| Missouri | 130% (no BBCE) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $3,000 / $4,750 |
| Montana | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Nebraska | 165% | $2,195 | $4,538 | $25,000 liquid assets |
| Nevada | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| New Hampshire | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| New Jersey | 185% | $2,461 | $5,088 | None |
| New Mexico | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| New York | 150% with earnings; 200% with child care costs | $1,995 / $2,660 | $4,125 / $5,500 | None |
| North Carolina | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| North Dakota | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Ohio | 130% | $1,729 | $3,575 | None |
| Oklahoma | 130% | $1,729 | $3,575 | None |
| Oregon | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Pennsylvania | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Rhode Island | 185% | $2,461 | $5,088 | None |
| South Carolina | 130% | $1,729 | $3,575 | None |
| South Dakota | 130% (no BBCE) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $3,000 / $4,750 |
| Tennessee | 130% (no BBCE) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $3,000 / $4,750 |
| Texas | 165% | $2,195 | $4,538 | $5,000 (one car up to $22,000 excluded) |
| Utah | 130% (no BBCE) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $3,000 / $4,750 |
| Vermont | 185% | $2,461 | $5,088 | None |
| Virginia | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Washington | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| West Virginia | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Wisconsin | 200% | $2,660 | $5,500 | None |
| Wyoming | 130% (no BBCE) | $1,729 | $3,575 | $3,000 / $4,750 |
Monthly gross income, October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027. Percentages come from the USDA BBCE chart (June 29, 2026). The $3,000 / $4,750 asset limit is the federal rule; the higher amount applies if someone is 60+ or disabled.
Federal SNAP Income Limits for 2026-2027
USDA sets two federal income tests each year. The gross test uses 130% of the poverty line. The net test uses 100%.
Gross income is your total income before taxes or deductions. It includes wages, Social Security, unemployment, and child support you receive.
Net income is what is left after SNAP deductions. These include a standard deduction, 20% of earnings, child care costs, and high housing costs.
| Household size | Gross limit (130%) | Net limit (100%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 |
| Each extra person | +$616 | +$474 |
Source: USDA FY2027 cost-of-living memo. These limits also apply in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Alaska and Hawaii SNAP Income Limits
Alaska and Hawaii have their own, higher federal limits. Both states also use a 200% limit, which raises the bar even more.
| Household size | Alaska gross (130%) | Alaska net | Hawaii gross (130%) | Hawaii net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,162 | $1,663 | $1,989 | $1,530 |
| 2 | $2,931 | $2,255 | $2,697 | $2,075 |
| 3 | $3,700 | $2,846 | $3,404 | $2,619 |
| 4 | $4,469 | $3,438 | $4,112 | $3,163 |
With 200% limits, one person can earn up to $3,325 in Alaska and $3,060 in Hawaii. See our Alaska SNAP income limits guide for local benefit zones.
Why Your State’s SNAP Limit May Be Higher
Most states use a rule called broad-based categorical eligibility, or BBCE. It is why SNAP limits differ so much from state to state.
Under BBCE, your state links SNAP to a small TANF-funded service, like a brochure or referral line. If you qualify for that service, you can qualify for SNAP under the state’s own limit. You don’t have to apply for it separately.
What BBCE Changes for You
If your income is under your state’s BBCE limit, three things happen:
- A higher gross limit. It can be up to 200% of the poverty line.
- No net income test. You don’t have to pass the 100% net limit to be eligible.
- A looser asset test. Most BBCE states have no limit on savings.
Your benefit amount is still based on your net income. So a household with higher income may qualify but get a small benefit. Households of one or two people get at least $25 a month. Larger households can be eligible but receive $0 if their income is too high.
States That Use BBCE but Keep the 130% Limit
Seven states use BBCE but did not raise the income limit: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Arkansas does the same for most households.
In these states, BBCE mostly removes or changes the asset test. Idaho and Indiana still have a $5,000 asset limit.
States Without BBCE
Seven states do not appear on USDA’s BBCE list: Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming.
Here, the full federal rules apply. You must pass the 130% gross test and the 100% net test. Savings are limited to $3,000, or $4,750 if someone is 60+ or disabled.
Source: USDA BBCE state chart, updated June 29, 2026.
SNAP Income Limits for Seniors and People With Disabilities
SNAP has easier rules if someone in your home is 60 or older, or has a disability. This is true in every state.
- No gross income test. Your household only needs to pass the net income test. For one person, that is $1,330 a month.
- Higher asset limit. You can have up to $4,750 in countable savings. Many BBCE states have no limit at all.
- More deductions. Medical costs over $35 a month count. Your housing deduction also has no cap.
These extra deductions matter. They can bring a senior on Social Security under the net limit, even with gross income well above it.
There is one more rule. Some people 60 or older can’t buy and cook food on their own because of a disability. They may apply as a separate household, even if they live with family. For this to work, the income of the people they live with must be under 165% of the poverty line. That is $2,976 a month for two people.
To learn more, see our SNAP eligibility guide.
Same Family, Three States: How the Limit Changes Things
Here is one family in three states. The only thing that changes is where they live.
The family: a parent and two children (3 people). The parent earns $3,500 a month. Rent and utilities cost $1,300. Child care costs $300.
| State | Gross limit for 3 | Passes the gross test? | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio (130%) | $2,960 | No | Not eligible |
| Illinois (165%) | $3,757 | Yes | About $170 a month |
| California (200%) | $4,554 | Yes | About $170 a month |
Here is how the benefit is figured in Illinois and California:
- Start with gross income: $3,500.
- Subtract 20% of earnings ($700) and the standard deduction ($217).
- Subtract child care ($300). That leaves $2,283.
- Housing costs above half of that ($1,141.50) count as a deduction. That is $158.50.
- Net income is about $2,125.
- SNAP expects you to spend 30% of net income on food. That is $638.
- The maximum for 3 people is $808. So $808 − $638 = $170.
The lesson: your state decides whether you qualify. The benefit formula is the same everywhere.
Want your own estimate? Try our SNAP benefit calculator.
Just Over the Limit? Check These First
Being a little over the limit doesn’t always mean you can’t get SNAP. Check these points before you give up.
- Is anyone 60+ or disabled? Then the gross test does not apply. Only net income counts.
- Is your household size right? Count everyone who buys and cooks food together. One more person raises your limit by $616 or more.
- Are you using monthly gross pay? Use pay before taxes, for one month. Don’t use yearly income or take-home pay.
- Does your state use BBCE? If so, your limit may be much higher than $1,729 for one person.
- Did your income just drop? SNAP looks at your current income, not last year’s.
When in doubt, apply anyway. Only your state SNAP office can make the final decision.
What Changed on October 1, 2026
SNAP numbers reset every October 1. This year’s cost-of-living update raised income limits, benefits, and deductions. You don’t need to do anything to get the new amounts.
| Item (48 states and D.C.) | Through Sept. 30, 2026 | From Oct. 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross limit, 1 person | $1,696 | $1,729 |
| Gross limit, family of 4 | $3,483 | $3,575 |
| Net limit, family of 4 | $2,680 | $2,750 |
| Max benefit, family of 4 | $994 | $1,023 |
| Minimum benefit (1–2 people) | $24 | $25 |
| Standard deduction (1–3 people) | $209 | $217 |
| Housing deduction cap | $744 | $769 |
| Asset limit, 60+ or disabled | $4,500 | $4,750 |
If you were just over the limit last year, you may qualify now. For every new amount, see our FY2027 SNAP COLA guide. For benefit amounts by household size, see SNAP maximum benefits for 2026-2027.
Other 2025 law changes also affect who gets SNAP. Time-limited work rules now cover able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 who don’t live with a child under 14. Internet bills no longer count as a housing cost.
SNAP Income Limits FAQs
What is the SNAP income limit for one person in 2026-2027?
The federal gross limit is $1,729 a month. The net limit is $1,330. In states with a 200% limit, one person can earn up to $2,660 a month. These limits run through September 30, 2027.
What is the SNAP income limit for a family of 4?
The federal gross limit is $3,575 a month, or $42,900 a year. In 200% states, it is $5,500 a month. The net limit is $2,750 a month.
Which states have the highest SNAP income limits?
Alaska and Hawaii have the highest limits. Next come the 200% states, such as California, Florida, New York (with child care costs), Pennsylvania, and Washington. New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont use 185%.
Is the SNAP income limit based on gross or net pay?
Both. The first test uses gross pay, before taxes. Most households in federal-rule states must also pass a net test, after deductions. Don’t use your take-home pay for either one.
Does Social Security count as income for SNAP?
Yes. Social Security, SSI, SSDI, pensions, and unemployment all count. Seniors and people with disabilities skip the gross test, though. They can also deduct medical costs over $35 a month.
How do I apply for SNAP in my state?
Apply through your state SNAP agency, online, by phone, or in person. Most states decide within 30 days. If you have very little money, you may get benefits within 7 days. Find your state’s guide in the table above.
Conclusion
SNAP income limits depend on where you live. The federal limit is $1,729 a month for one person and $3,575 for four. But 35 states and D.C. go higher, some up to $5,500 for a family of four.
Start with your state in the table above. Find your household size. Then compare your monthly gross income to that number.
If you are close to the limit, apply anyway. Seniors, people with disabilities, and families in BBCE states often qualify when they don’t expect to.
Next step: use our SNAP benefit calculator to estimate your monthly amount. Then apply through your state’s SNAP office.
Sources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: SNAP FY2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments memo (August 21, 2026)
- USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: SNAP COLA information
- USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility state chart (updated June 29, 2026)
- HHS ASPE: 2026 poverty guidelines
- New Jersey Department of Human Services: NJ SNAP eligibility (185% chart, October 2026 – September 2027)
This guide is for information only. Your state SNAP agency makes all eligibility decisions.
