SNAP is a federal program that puts money on a card you use to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets

SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition information Program — is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It gives you a monthly benefit loaded onto a card called an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer). You use this card like a debit card to buy food at participating grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and some online retailers.

The amount you receive each month depends on your household size, income, and expenses. SNAP covers food you prepare at home — fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. It does not cover hot food, prepared meals, vitamins, medicine, pet food, or household items like soap or paper towels.

SNAP is not a loan. You do not pay it back. The money comes from federal tax dollars and goes directly to your card each month, usually between the 1st and the 28th, depending on your state and case number.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP loads money onto an EBT card each month that you use to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.
  • The monthly amount varies by household size and income — there is no single benefit amount everyone receives.
  • SNAP covers raw and packaged food you cook at home, but not hot food, prepared meals, or non-food items.
  • You must meet income and resource limits that vary by state, and you may need to report changes in income or household size to keep your benefits.

Who can receive SNAP benefits

To receive SNAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen, have a Social Security number, and meet income and resource limits. Income limits vary by state and household size. Generally, your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, though some states have different thresholds.

You must also have resources (savings, bank accounts, vehicles) below a certain limit. For most households, the resource limit is $2,750; for households with a member age 60 or older, it is $4,250. Some resources do not count toward this limit — your home, one vehicle, and retirement accounts are typically excluded.

Work requirements explore in some states. Able-bodied adults without dependents between ages 18 and 49 may need to work, participate in a work program, or volunteer at least 20 hours per week to receive benefits. States can waive this requirement during economic hardship or in areas with high unemployment.

How much SNAP money you receive each month

Your monthly benefit is calculated using a formula that accounts for your household size, gross income, and certain expenses. The maximum benefit amount changes each year. For 2024, the maximum monthly benefit for a single person is $291; for a family of four, it is $1,316. Your actual benefit will likely be less than the maximum.

The calculation works like this: the program estimates a percentage of your income that should go toward food (currently about 30 percent), then subtracts that from the maximum benefit for your household size. If you have very low income, you receive close to the maximum. If your income is higher, your benefit is smaller.

Certain expenses reduce your countable income, which increases your benefit. These include child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and utility bills. Each state handles these deductions slightly differently, so the exact benefit calculation varies by location.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP

SNAP covers food you prepare and cook at home. This includes fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and seeds or plants that produce food. You can also use SNAP at farmers markets in most states, where you buy directly from farmers.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared food, even if you buy it at a grocery store deli. Restaurant meals are not covered. You also cannot use SNAP to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, soap, paper products, or household supplies. Some grocery stores have self-checkout systems that will reject items SNAP cannot cover, so you will know at the register if something is not allowed.

A small number of online retailers accept SNAP — currently Amazon and Walmart offer this option in most states, though the list may expand. You can only order food items that SNAP covers; you cannot order prepared meals or non-food items online.

How to report changes and keep your benefits active

Your SNAP case must be renewed periodically — usually every 12 months, though some states require renewal every 24 months. Your state will send you a notice telling you when to renew. You must complete a renewal form or recertification interview, or your benefits will stop.

You must also report certain changes within 10 days in most states. These include a change in income, a household member moving in or out, a change in your address, or a change in your living situation. Some states allow you to report changes online through your state's SNAP portal, by phone, or in person at your local office.

If you do not report changes or miss a renewal important date, your case will close and your benefits will stop. You will need to reapply to get them back. Reporting changes on time keeps your benefits active and prevents gaps in your food information.

How SNAP differs from other food information programs

SNAP is the largest federal food program, but it is not the only one. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) serves pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five with specific foods like milk, cheese, eggs, and infant formula. WIC has stricter income limits than SNAP and covers fewer people.

School meal programs — free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch — serve children during the school day. Some children automatically may have access to for school meals if their household receives SNAP. Senior nutrition programs provide meals to people age 60 and older. Food banks and pantries offer emergency food but do not provide ongoing monthly benefits like SNAP does.

SNAP is the only program that gives you a card to use at any participating grocery store or farmers market. Other programs either provide specific foods, serve specific groups, or require you to pick up food at a set location and time.

Common mistakes that affect your SNAP benefits

One of the most common mistakes is not reporting a change in income or household size. Even a small change — a new job, a household member leaving, or a change in rent — can affect your benefit amount. If you do not report it and your income has actually increased, you may be overpaid and asked to repay the difference.

Missing a renewal important date is another frequent problem. States send renewal notices, but mail can be delayed or lost. If you think you should have received a renewal notice and did not, contact your local SNAP office or check your state's online portal. Renewing early, before your important date, prevents your benefits from stopping.

Using your EBT card for items SNAP does not cover — like hot food, alcohol, or household items — will result in the transaction being denied at the register. Some people try to use SNAP to buy these items and then are surprised when the card is declined. Knowing what is and is not covered prevents confusion and wasted time at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my SNAP card at restaurants or for takeout food?

No. SNAP does not cover hot or prepared food, including restaurant meals and takeout. You can only use your card to buy raw and packaged food you prepare at home. A small number of restaurants in some states participate in a pilot program for elderly or disabled people, but this is not available everywhere.

What happens if I earn more money while receiving SNAP?

You must report the income change to your state SNAP office within 10 days. Your benefit will likely decrease because it is based on your household income. If you do not report the change and are later found to have earned more than you disclosed, you may be asked to repay the overpayment.

Can I use SNAP to buy food online?

Yes, but only at certain retailers. Amazon and Walmart accept SNAP in most states for food items only. You cannot order prepared meals or non-food items. Check your state's SNAP website to see which online retailers participate in your area.

What do I do if my EBT card is lost or stolen?

Contact your state SNAP office or the customer service number on the back of your card when ready. Your state will cancel the old card and issue a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Any remaining balance on your old card will be transferred to the new one.

Do I lose my SNAP benefits if I go back to school or training?

Not automatically. Students may still receive SNAP if they meet income and resource limits. However, some students are exempt from work requirements, while others must still work or participate in a work program. The rules depend on your age, whether you have dependents, and your state's policies.