SNAP Eligibility in 2026
Most households must pass two income tests and stay under an asset limit. The numbers below come from the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (HHS) and USDA FNS rules. They apply to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia; Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines.
Monthly income limits by household size
Gross = before deductions (≤130% FPL). Net = after deductions (≤100% FPL). Derived from HHS 2026 annual poverty guidelines ÷ 12.
| Household size | Gross limit (130% FPL) | Net limit (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $2,344.33 | $1,803.33 |
| 3 | $2,959.67 | $2,276.67 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $4,190.33 | $3,223.33 |
| 6 | $4,805.67 | $3,696.67 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $6,036.33 | $4,643.33 |
| Each additional person | Add $1729 gross / $1330 net per person (based on +$5,680/yr FPL) | |
In Alaska and Hawaii the poverty guidelines — and therefore these limits — are higher. For example, the FY2026 maximum allotment for a family of four is $1,285 in urban Alaska and $1,689 in Hawaii, versus $994 in the 48 states + DC. See official FNS tables for your state's exact figures.
Asset (resource) limits
$3,000 standard
Most households: countable cash and bank balances combined.
$4,500 with elderly/disabled
If a member is 60+ or has a disability.
Countable resources such as cash and money in bank accounts. A home, retirement accounts (most), and personal belongings are excluded.
Deductions that lower your net income
Standard deduction, a 20% earned-income disregard, dependent-care costs, medical expenses for elderly/disabled members over $35/mo, and an excess shelter deduction (capped) all reduce net income and raise the benefit.
- Standard deduction: $198 for 1–3 person households (FY2026).
- 20% earned-income disregard on wages.
- Excess shelter deduction (capped at $712 for 1–3 person households).
- Child-care and certain medical expenses.
Work requirements
Most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), roughly ages 18–54, must meet an 80-hours-per-month work or training requirement or face a three-month time limit on benefits in a 36-month period. Exemptions include pregnancy, being under 18 or over the qualifying age, disability, and caring for a child under 6. Federal rules changed under 2025 legislation; confirm current details with your state agency.
State variations & 2026 changes
In 2026 several states began receiving USDA waivers that restrict SNAP purchases of certain items such as soda and candy ('healthy SNAP' initiatives). These restrictions are state-specific and evolving. Always check your state SNAP agency for the current rules where you live.
Many states use Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which can raise the gross income limit (sometimes to about 200% FPL) and lift the asset test. Always confirm the rules with your state SNAP agency.
Frequently asked
If I'm over the gross limit, can I still qualify?
Sometimes. Households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member only need to meet the net income limit, not gross. States using BBCE may also raise the gross limit substantially.
Do student loans or a house count as assets?
No. Your home and most retirement accounts are excluded from the SNAP asset test. Only countable resources like cash and non-retirement bank balances are counted.
Why do Alaska and Hawaii have different numbers?
The federal poverty guidelines — the basis for SNAP income limits — are set higher in Alaska and Hawaii to reflect higher living costs, so both income limits and maximum benefits are larger there.
Data Sources & Verification
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service — SNAPProgram overview, eligibility, and 'What Can SNAP Buy?' guidance. fns.usda.gov/snap
- FNS — SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (FY2026)Maximum monthly allotments effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 (FY2026 COLA memo).
- Congressional Research Service, R42505SNAP: A Primer on Eligibility and Benefits — FY2026 maximum allotment table by household size and region.
- U.S. HHS — 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines91 FR 1797 (Jan 15, 2026). Annual poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states + DC, Alaska, and Hawaii.
- 7 CFR 273.9 (Income and Deductions)Federal regulation defining gross (130% FPL) and net (100% FPL) income limits and allowable deductions.
Figures retrieved 2026-08-16. Government benefit amounts and limits change annually (and sometimes by state) — confirm current numbers with your state SNAP agency or USDA FNS before relying on them.