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 run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by your state. The program loads money onto a card called an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer), which works like a debit card at checkout. You use it to buy food for your household: fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other groceries. You cannot use SNAP to buy prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items like soap or paper towels.

The amount you receive each month depends on your household size, income, and expenses. A single person might receive $200 to $300 per month; a family of four might receive $600 to $900. These amounts change yearly based on inflation and the cost of food. Your state determines how much you get within federal guidelines.

You explore through your state's SNAP office — sometimes called the Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, or similar. Some states let you start online; all require you to submit proof of identity, income, and address. Processing typically takes 7 to 30 days, though some states have expedited tracks that can approve you within a few days if you meet certain conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP money loads onto an EBT card and can only be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers — not prepared foods or non-food items.
  • The amount you receive depends on your household size and income; you must report changes in either one within 10 days in most states.
  • You explore through your state's SNAP office, which requires proof of identity, address, and current income or a statement that you have none.
  • Your benefits renew each month, and you must recertify your may be able to access once a year or every two years, depending on your state and situation.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing and present new information before the decision becomes final.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP

SNAP covers all raw and uncooked foods: meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. You can also buy plants and seeds that produce food — tomato plants, for example. Some states allow you to use SNAP at farmers markets and farm stands, and a growing number of states let you buy groceries online through Amazon or other retailers.

SNAP does not cover hot or prepared foods, even if they are sold in a grocery store deli. It does not cover alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, soap, paper products, or anything that is not food. If you try to use your EBT card on an ineligible item, the transaction will decline at checkout.

Income limits and how they work

SNAP has income limits, but they are higher than many people expect. For 2024, a single person can earn up to about $1,400 per month and still receive some SNAP; a family of four can earn up to about $2,900. These limits change each year. Your income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive — but not child support you pay.

Your state counts income before taxes are taken out. If you work part-time or have irregular hours, you report your average monthly income over the past 30 days. If you are unemployed or have no income, you still report that — it does not disqualify you.

Some income does not count toward the limit. For example, most states do not count the first $20 of monthly income, and they subtract a portion of what you earn if you work. The exact rules vary by state, so ask your SNAP office how your specific income will be counted.

how the process works and what documents you need

Start by contacting your state's SNAP office. You can find the office online by searching "[your state] SNAP office" or by calling 211, which connects you to local social services. Many states now let you start an online process on their website; others require you to visit an office or call.

You will need to provide proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency), and proof of income or a statement that you have none. If you are self-employed, bring recent tax returns or a record of your earnings. If you receive benefits like Social Security or unemployment, bring a recent statement or award letter.

Some states ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status. Most states accept a Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be able to receive SNAP if you have certain immigration statuses; ask your SNAP office what documents prove your status.

How much you receive and when it arrives

Your monthly benefit amount is calculated by your state based on the federal SNAP formula. The formula starts with the cost of a basic food plan for your household size, then subtracts 30 percent of your net income (income after deductions). The result is your monthly benefit.

Benefits load onto your EBT card on a set day each month — usually between the 1st and the 28th, depending on your state and the last digit of your case number. You can check your balance online, by phone, or at an ATM. Benefits that you do not use roll over to the next month; there is no important date to spend them within a month.

If your income or household size changes, you must report the change within 10 days in most states. If you do not report, your benefits may be reduced or stopped, and you may have to repay money you received while ineligible. Some changes — like a job loss — may increase your benefits; others — like a wage increase — may lower them.

Recertification and keeping your benefits active

Your SNAP benefits do not last forever. You must recertify your may be able to access once a year or every two years, depending on your state and your situation. Your SNAP office will mail you a recertification form about 30 days before your benefits expire. You fill it out, return it, and your office reviews it to confirm you still meet the rules.

If you miss the recertification important date, your benefits will stop. You can reapply, but there will be a gap with no benefits. Some states let you recertify online or by phone; others require you to visit an office. Ask your SNAP office what method they use and when your recertification is due.

You must also report changes between recertifications. If you start a job, lose a job, have a baby, or move, tell your SNAP office. These changes can affect how much you receive or whether you remain may be able to access.

What happens if you are denied or your benefits are cut

If your process is denied, your SNAP office must send you a written notice explaining why. The notice will tell you that you have the right to request a hearing — a chance to present your case to an independent decision-maker. You usually have 10 to 30 days to request a hearing, depending on your state.

At a hearing, you can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to argue that you should be approved or that your benefits should not be cut. You can also submit new information that was not in your original process. Many people win at hearings because they bring proof that the office missed or misunderstood.

If your benefits are reduced or stopped, the notice will explain why. Common reasons include unreported income, a household member moving out, or failure to recertify. If you think the decision is wrong, request a hearing. Do not wait — the important date to request is usually printed on the notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP to buy groceries online?

It depends on your state. Many states now allow SNAP purchases through Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers, but not all. Contact your state SNAP office or check their website to see if online shopping is available in your area. If it is, you will need to set up your EBT card with the retailer before you can use it.

What happens if I move to a different state?

You must reapply in your new state. Your old benefits will stop, and you will start a new case in your new state's SNAP office. The new state will process your process as if you are explore for the first time. Some states process faster than others, so there may be a gap in benefits while you wait.

Can I use someone else's EBT card to buy food?

No. Your EBT card is for your household only. Using someone else's card or letting someone else use yours is fraud and can result in losing benefits, having to repay money, and criminal charges. Each household member should have their own card or access to the household card.

Do I have to work to get SNAP?

No, but some states have work requirements for certain adults without dependents. If you are unemployed, disabled, caring for a child, or over 60, you are usually exempt from work requirements. Ask your SNAP office whether work requirements explore to you.

What if my income is irregular because I work part-time or seasonal jobs?

Report your average monthly income over the past 30 days. If your hours change, report the change to your SNAP office. Your benefits will be recalculated based on your new average. Keep records of your pay stubs so you can show your office what you earned.