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SNAP Benefits 2026 — Maximum Benefit, Income Limits, and How It\u0027s Calculated

For Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026), the USDA Food and Nutrition Service has set the following SNAP benefit amounts and income limits.

Maximum monthly SNAP benefit (FY2026, 48 states + DC)

Household Size Max Monthly Benefit
1 person$295
2 people$542
3 people$776
4 people$985
5 people$1,170
6 people$1,404
7 people$1,551
8 people$1,772
Each additional+$222

Higher amounts apply in Alaska + Hawaii. Most households receive LESS than the maximum because they have some income — see "How it\u0027s calculated" below.

Gross income limit (130% FPL, FY2026)

Household Size Monthly Limit Annual Limit
1 person$1,632$19,584
2 people$2,215$26,580
3 people$2,798$33,576
4 people$3,380$40,560
5 people$3,963$47,556
6 people$4,546$54,552
7 people$5,129$61,548
8 people$5,712$68,544

States using categorical eligibility (most states) raise the gross income limit to up to 200% FPL. Net income (after deductions) must still be ≤100% FPL.

How SNAP benefits are calculated

  1. Start with the maximum benefit for your household size (table above)
  2. Calculate your net income:
    • Gross income
    • – 20% earned income deduction (wages only)
    • – Standard deduction (~$198 for 1-3 person households, FY2026)
    • – Dependent care costs (childcare + adult care)
    • – Medical expenses for elderly (60+) or disabled household members (over $35/mo)
    • – Court-ordered child support paid
    • – Excess shelter deduction (shelter costs above 50% of remaining income, capped at $712 for 1-3 person households FY2026)
  3. Multiply net income × 30% (your "expected food contribution")
  4. Subtract that from the maximum benefit
  5. Result = your monthly SNAP benefit (minimum $23 for 1-2 person households)

SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

SNAP amounts are adjusted October 1 each year based on USDA\u0027s Thrifty Food Plan calculation using June inflation data. The FY2026 amounts above became effective October 1, 2025 and remain in effect through September 30, 2026.

How to apply for SNAP in 2026

Applications go through your state agency. Find your state portal:

Find Your State SNAP Portal →

Need food today?

SNAP applications can take 30 days to process (or 7 days for expedited). For same-day food: find a pantry · call 211 · text your ZIP to 898-211.

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Last updated 2026-04-30. Page maintained by Feed America Inc. (EIN 92-1761881).