SNAP Benefits 2026: Maximum Benefit, Income Limits, and How It Is Calculated
USDA figures for federal fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027) in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Your state SNAP agency decides eligibility and the amount you receive.
Maximum monthly benefit (FY2027)
| Household size | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $306 |
| 2 people | $562 |
| 3 people | $808 |
| 4 people | $1,023 |
| 5 people | $1,217 |
| 6 people | $1,463 |
| 7 people | $1,616 |
| 8 people | $1,841 |
| Each additional person | +$225 |
Most households receive less than the maximum because they have some income. Minimum benefit for eligible 1- and 2-person households: $25 a month.
Monthly income limits (FY2027)
| Household size | Gross income (130% of poverty) | Net income (100% of poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 people | $2,345 | $1,804 |
| 3 people | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 people | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 people | $4,191 | $3,224 |
| 6 people | $4,806 | $3,697 |
| 7 people | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 people | $6,037 | $4,644 |
| Each additional person | +$616 | +$474 |
A household with a member who is 60 or older or who has a disability only has to meet the net income limit. Many states use broad-based categorical eligibility, with higher limits; ask your state agency.
How the benefit is calculated
- Add up the household's gross monthly income.
- Subtract the allowed deductions: 20% of earned income; the standard deduction of $217 (1-3 people), $229 (4), $268 (5) or $308 (6 or more); dependent care; medical costs over $35 a month for members who are 60+ or disabled; child support paid; and excess shelter costs, capped at $769 unless a member is 60+ or disabled. The homeless shelter deduction is $205.66.
- Multiply net income by 30% and round up.
- Subtract that amount from the maximum benefit for your household size.
Resource limit: $3,000, or $4,750 if a member is 60 or older or has a disability. Many states waive this limit through broad-based categorical eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum SNAP benefit for fiscal year 2027?
From October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. is $306 for 1 person, $562 for 2 people, $808 for 3 people, $1,023 for 4 people, $1,217 for 5 people, $1,463 for 6 people, $1,616 for 7 people, $1,841 for 8 people, plus $225 for each additional person (USDA).
What is the SNAP gross income limit for fiscal year 2027?
The gross monthly income limit (130 percent of poverty) is $1,729 for 1 person, $2,345 for 2 people, $2,960 for 3 people, $3,575 for 4 people, $4,191 for 5 people, $4,806 for 6 people, $5,421 for 7 people, $6,037 for 8 people, plus $616 for each additional person. A household with a member who is 60 or older or who has a disability only has to meet the net income limit. Many states use broad-based categorical eligibility with higher limits; your state agency decides.
How is the SNAP benefit calculated?
USDA subtracts 30 percent of the household’s monthly net income (rounded up) from the maximum allotment for the household size. Net income is gross income minus allowed deductions: 20 percent of earned income, the standard deduction, dependent care, medical costs over $35 a month for members who are 60+ or disabled, child support paid, and excess shelter costs.
When do SNAP figures change?
USDA adjusts allotments, deductions and income limits every October 1, at the start of the federal fiscal year. The figures on this page are in effect from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
How to apply for SNAP
Applications go through your state SNAP agency.
Need food today?
A SNAP application can take up to 30 days (or 7 days if you qualify for expedited service). For food today: find a pantry or call 211.
Sources
- USDA SNAP FY 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (memo of Aug 21, 2026)
- USDA: SNAP eligibility
- USDA: SNAP state agency directory
Figures effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 (USDA). Figures are for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.; Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have different figures on the USDA source.