SNAP Basics

Why SNAP exists

SNAP exists because some households do not have enough purchasing power to buy an adequate diet. The program increases the amount an eligible household can spend on food. It is meant to supplement a household’s food budget, not necessarily pay every food expense.

That purpose is written into federal law. Congress created the program to raise the level of nutrition among households with limited incomes by helping them buy more food than their own income alone would allow.

Who SNAP helps

SNAP serves many kinds of households, including families with children, older adults, people with disabilities, people between jobs, and households whose earnings do not cover food and other essential expenses. Eligibility depends on federal and state rules — not on fitting one type of household.

A household can be one person living alone, several people who buy and prepare food together, or a family. There is no single situation that describes everyone who takes part.

Who pays for and runs SNAP

SNAP is a federal program overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration. State agencies handle applications, interviews, eligibility decisions, benefit notices, renewals, and questions about individual cases. That is why program names, application steps, and some rules differ by state.

The Food and Nutrition Administration, or FNA, was formerly called the Food and Nutrition Service, or FNS. Older reports, page titles, and web addresses still use the earlier name.

How SNAP works

Applying and managing benefits follows the same five steps in every state.

1. Apply through your state

   Depending on the state, you may be able to apply online, in person, by mail, or by fax.

2. Complete the eligibility process

   The state reviews your household, income, allowable expenses, and other applicable rules. An interview may be required.

3. Receive a decision

   Approved households receive a notice explaining the benefit amount and how long the approval lasts.

4. Use the EBT card

   Benefits are added to the card and can be used for eligible food at authorized retailers.

5. Report required changes and renew

   Follow your state’s instructions for reporting changes and renewing benefits.

My SNAP Benefits does not accept applications, conduct interviews, see a case, or manage renewals. Your state agency does all of that.

Find Your State Resources

Eligibility basics

When your state reviews an application, it may consider:

• Who lives together and buys and prepares food together.
• Gross monthly income, meaning income before deductions.
• Net income, meaning income after the deductions the program allows.
• Resources such as money in the bank, where an asset test applies.
• Whether the household includes an older adult or a person with a disability.
• Rules that apply to some students.
• Rules related to immigration status.
• Work-related rules that apply to some adults.
• State policy choices that change the federal baseline.

How benefit amounts are calculated

Maximum amounts come from the Thrifty Food Plan, a USDA estimate of what it costs to buy food for a household preparing meals at home. Maximums vary by household size and, in certain places such as Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, by geography.

SNAP generally expects a household to contribute about 30% of its net monthly income toward food. An actual benefit is generally the maximum for the household’s size minus that expected contribution. A household with no net income may receive the maximum; many households receive less.

Deductions reduce the income the calculation counts. Allowed deductions can include:

• A standard deduction that varies with household size.
• Part of earned income.
• Qualifying dependent-care costs that let someone work, look for work, or attend training.
• Certain legally owed child-support payments.
• Qualifying medical expenses for an older adult or a household member with a disability.
• Some shelter and utility costs above a set share of income.

Actual calculations can be complex, and rules differ between states. Your state agency makes the determination.

Benefits and using your EBT card

An EBT card is the payment card that carries SNAP benefits. Benefits are usually added once a month on a schedule your state sets. The card works at authorized retailers for eligible purchases and is used much like a debit card at checkout.

Many authorized retailers also accept EBT for eligible online grocery purchases. SNAP generally cannot pay delivery, service, or convenience fees, so those are usually paid another way.

Find your state’s EBT contact information

What can SNAP buy?

SNAP can generally be used to buy:

• Food for the household to eat.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Meat, poultry, and fish.
• Dairy products.
• Breads and cereals.
• Snack foods and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat.

What usually cannot be purchased

• Alcohol.
• Tobacco.
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicines.
• Nonfood household products, such as cleaning supplies, paper goods, and pet food.
• Food that is hot at the point of sale, subject to applicable exceptions and programs.

Some states have their own additional restrictions, and some authorized programs allow purchases that would otherwise be excluded. Check with your state agency or the retailer for the rules that apply where you shop.