SNAP Income Limits 2026: Eligibility, Deductions, and Application Steps

Information checked: 2026-09-09 · Maintenance label: Annual variable values

SNAP income limits change every federal fiscal year, on 1 October. That timing matters right now, because the figures in effect today are not the figures that apply from next month.

This guide sets out both sets side by side, explains why gross and net income limits are different tests, and covers the deductions that decide whether a household passes the net test.

The figures below are for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Alaska, Hawaii and the territories use separate standards.

Key takeaway

SNAP applies two income tests. Gross monthly income is generally compared against 130% of the federal poverty level and net income against 100%. From 1 October 2026 the gross limit for a single-person household is $1,729 and the net limit is $1,330. Deductions are what move households from failing the net test to passing it, so report them fully.

Table of contents

• The limits in effect from 1 October 2026
• The limits in effect until 30 September 2026
• Gross and net are two different tests
• Applying
• Frequently asked questions
• Summary

The limits in effect from 1 October 2026

The USDA cost-of-living adjustment for fiscal year 2027 covers 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. For the 48 states and the District of Columbia:

Household size	Gross monthly income (130% FPL)	Net monthly income (100% FPL)	Maximum monthly allotment
1	$1,729	$1,330	$306
2	$2,345	$1,804	$562
3	$2,960	$2,277	$808
4	$3,575	$2,750	$1,023
5	$4,191	$3,224	$1,217
6	$4,806	$3,697	$1,463
7	$5,421	$4,170	$1,616
8	$6,037	$4,644	$1,841

Resource limits for fiscal year 2027 are $3,000 for most households and $4,750 for households with an elderly or disabled member. The standard deduction is $217 for households of one to three, $229 for four, $268 for five, and $308 for six or more.

Apply through your stateSNAP state directory ›SNAP is federally funded and state-administered. Applications, interviews and status checks all go through your state agency, not through a federal portal.

The limits in effect until 30 September 2026

If you are applying or being reviewed before October, these fiscal year 2026 figures apply, covering 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026:

Household size	Gross monthly income (130% FPL)	Net monthly income (100% FPL)	Maximum monthly allotment
1	$1,696	$1,305	$298
2	$2,292	$1,763	$546
3	$2,888	$2,221	$785
4	$3,483	$2,680	$994
5	$4,079	$3,138	$1,183
6	$4,675	$3,596	$1,421
7	$5,271	$4,055	$1,571
8	$5,867	$4,513	$1,789

Each additional member adds $596 to the gross limit, $459 to the net limit and $218 to the maximum allotment. Resource limits are $3,000 for most households and $4,500 where a member is aged 60 or over or is disabled.

A household just above the fiscal year 2026 gross limit may fall under the fiscal year 2027 limit from October. If that describes you, it is worth reapplying rather than assuming the earlier answer still holds.

Gross and net are two different tests

This is where most self-assessments go wrong. Gross monthly income is income before deductions, compared against 130% of the poverty level. Net monthly income is what remains after allowable deductions, compared against 100%.

A household can be over the net figure on a first glance and still qualify, because the deductions have not been applied yet. Deduction categories generally include a standard deduction, an earned income deduction, dependent care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, and excess shelter costs.

Households with an elderly or disabled member are subject to different rules on which tests apply, and have a higher resource limit.

Applying

SNAP is federally funded and state-administered. You apply through your own state agency, not through a federal portal.

1. Find your state's SNAP agency and start the application online, by post or in person.
2. Gather identity documents, proof of income for everyone in the household, housing costs, utility costs and, if relevant, dependent care and medical expenses.
3. Complete the interview when the agency schedules it. Missing it is the most common cause of a denial that had nothing to do with eligibility.
4. Report every deductible expense, since these decide the net income test.
5. Keep a record of your application date and any confirmation number.

Programme rules can also be changed by legislation between cost-of-living adjustments, so check your state agency for anything specific to your household rather than relying on a summary.

Apply through your stateSNAP state directory ›SNAP is federally funded and state-administered. Applications, interviews and status checks all go through your state agency, not through a federal portal.

Frequently asked questions

When do SNAP income limits change?

On 1 October each year, at the start of the federal fiscal year.

My income is above the gross limit. Am I disqualified?

Not necessarily. Households with an elderly or disabled member are subject to different rules, and state options can affect how the tests apply. Apply and let the agency determine it.

Do the figures apply everywhere?

The figures here are for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Alaska, Hawaii and the territories use separate standards.

What are the resource limits?

For fiscal year 2027, $3,000 for most households and $4,750 where a member is elderly or disabled. For fiscal year 2026 the higher figure was $4,500.

How much will I actually receive?

Allotments depend on household size and net income, with the figures above as the maximums. Most households receive less than the maximum.

Summary

Two tests, two thresholds, and a change of figures on 1 October. Check which fiscal year applies to the month you are asking about.

Report deductions fully, attend the interview, and reapply if you were previously just over the line, because the thresholds have moved.