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How to Apply for Food Stamps (SNAP)

SNAP helps millions of Americans afford groceries. If you are struggling to put food on the table, you may qualify — even with a criminal record.

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Quick Answer

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the federal food assistance program formerly known as food stamps. It provides monthly benefits on an EBT card that you use like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. A single person can receive up to $292 per month; a family of four can receive up to $994 per month.

Most households qualify if their gross monthly income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (about $1,696/month for one person or $3,483/month for a family of four). Many states have raised the income limit even higher — up to 200% of the poverty level — through broad-based categorical eligibility.

If you have a felony drug conviction, you can still get SNAP in most states. The old lifetime ban has been eliminated or modified in nearly every state. Only South Carolina still imposes a full lifetime ban. Do not let a past conviction stop you from applying — you may be fully eligible.

Eligibility at a Glance

Income Limits

Gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level ($1,696/month for 1 person, $3,483/month for a family of 4). Net income must be at or below 100% of FPL. Many states use expanded limits up to 200% FPL.

Asset Limits

$3,000 for most households; $4,500 for households with a member age 60+ or with a disability. Most states have eliminated the asset test entirely through broad-based categorical eligibility.

Who Qualifies

  • --U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present immigrants
  • --People with low income — including those who are working
  • --People who are unemployed or underemployed
  • --Seniors (age 60+) and people with disabilities have relaxed requirements
  • --Families with children
  • --People experiencing homelessness
  • --Most people with criminal records, including many felony drug convictions

Important Restrictions

  • --Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18-64 must work or participate in a work program for 80 hours/month to keep benefits beyond 3 months in a 3-year period
  • --As of 2025-2026, the ABAWD age range was expanded from 18-54 to 18-64, and the definition now includes adults with dependents age 14+
  • --Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, though their U.S. citizen children may be
  • --College students enrolled at least half-time have additional requirements (must work 20+ hours/week or meet other exemptions)
  • --South Carolina still imposes a lifetime SNAP ban for felony drug convictions; about 22 states have modified bans with conditions

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. 1.

    Find Your State SNAP Office

    Visit the USDA SNAP State Directory at fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory to find your state agency's website, phone number, and local office locations. Each state manages its own SNAP program.

  2. 2.

    Choose How to Apply

    Most states offer online applications (fastest), paper applications you can mail or deliver in person, and in-person applications at your local office. If you need help, call your state's SNAP hotline or visit a local community organization for application assistance.

  3. 3.

    Gather Your Documents

    You will need: proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or other government ID), proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, child care, medical bills), and Social Security numbers for household members. If you do not have all documents, apply anyway — you can provide them later.

  4. 4.

    Submit Your Application

    Complete and submit your application online, by mail, by fax, or in person. Keep copies of everything you submit. If applying by mail, consider using certified mail. Your application date is the date the office receives your form — benefits may be backdated to this date.

  5. 5.

    Complete Your Interview

    After submitting, your state will schedule an eligibility interview, usually by phone. Be ready to answer questions about your household, income, expenses, and living situation. The interview typically takes 20-30 minutes.

  6. 6.

    Provide Verification Documents

    You may be asked to verify information from your application. States typically give you 10-30 days to provide documents. Submit them promptly to avoid delays.

  7. 7.

    Receive Your Decision and EBT Card

    Most states process applications within 30 days. If approved, you will receive an EBT card by mail with instructions for setting your PIN. Expedited processing (within 7 days) is available for households with very low income, nearly no assets, or urgent need. If denied, you will receive a notice explaining why and how to appeal.

What Is SNAP?

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is the largest federal nutrition assistance program, serving over 42 million Americans. Benefits are loaded monthly onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card that works like a debit card at authorized retailers. You can buy most foods and non-alcoholic beverages, seeds, and plants that produce food. You cannot use SNAP for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods (with some exceptions), or non-food items like soap or paper towels.

SNAP Maximum Monthly Benefits (FY 2026)

Maximum SNAP allotments for fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 through September 2026) in the 48 contiguous states and DC are: 1 person — $292/month; 2 people — $536/month; 3 people — $785/month; 4 people — $994/month; 5 people — $1,182/month; 6 people — $1,418/month; 7 people — $1,568/month; 8 people — $1,789/month. For each additional person, add $224. The minimum benefit for 1-2 person households is $24/month. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have higher amounts. Your actual benefit depends on your household income — the maximum applies only if you have very low or no income.

Income Limits by Household Size (FY 2026)

Gross monthly income limits (130% of Federal Poverty Level) for the 48 contiguous states and DC: 1 person — $1,696; 2 people — $2,292; 3 people — $2,888; 4 people — $3,483; each additional person adds $596. Net monthly income limits (100% of FPL): 1 person — $1,305; 2 people — $1,763; 3 people — $2,221; 4 people — $2,680; each additional person adds $459. Allowable deductions that reduce your gross income include: standard deduction ($209 for 1-3 person households), earned income deduction (20% of earnings), dependent care costs, excess shelter costs, child support payments, and medical expenses over $35 for elderly/disabled members.

SNAP and Felony Drug Convictions

A 1996 federal law imposed a lifetime ban on SNAP for people convicted of drug felonies. However, states were allowed to opt out of or modify this ban, and most have done so. As of 2025, about 28 states have completely eliminated the drug felony ban — meaning a drug conviction does not affect your SNAP eligibility at all. About 22 states have modified bans, which may include conditions like completing a drug treatment program, waiting periods, or random drug testing. South Carolina is the only state that still enforces the full lifetime ban. If you are in a state with a modified ban, contact your local SNAP office to understand the specific requirements. Even in states with restrictions, you may still qualify if you have completed treatment or met other conditions. Do not assume you are ineligible — apply and find out.

Work Requirements for ABAWDs

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) face a time limit: you can receive SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period unless you meet work requirements. To keep benefits, you must work, volunteer, or participate in a qualifying training program for at least 80 hours per month. As of 2025-2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act expanded the ABAWD definition to include adults ages 18-64 (previously 18-54) and those with dependents age 14 and older. Implementation dates vary by state — many states began enforcing the expanded requirements in late 2025, with others following in early to mid 2026. You are exempt from ABAWD requirements if you are: pregnant, caring for a child under 14, unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation, enrolled in school at least half-time, participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program, or living in an area with a waiver due to high unemployment.

What You Can Buy with SNAP

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase: fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants that produce food for the household. SNAP cannot be used for: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins and supplements, hot foods or foods ready to eat at the point of sale (except through the Restaurant Meals Program), pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, or any non-food items. You can also use SNAP benefits at many farmers markets, and an increasing number of online grocery retailers accept EBT payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get food stamps with a felony?
Yes, in most states. The old lifetime ban on SNAP for felony drug convictions has been eliminated or modified in nearly every state. About 28 states have fully removed the ban, meaning a drug conviction does not affect your eligibility at all. About 22 states have modified bans with conditions such as completing treatment or waiting periods. Only South Carolina still enforces a full lifetime ban. For non-drug felonies, there is no federal restriction on SNAP eligibility. Apply and find out — do not assume you are ineligible.
How long does it take to get approved for SNAP?
Standard processing takes up to 30 days from the date your application is received. If your household has very low income (below $150/month) and resources below $100, or if your monthly rent/mortgage plus utilities exceed your income, you may qualify for expedited processing within 7 days.
How much will I receive in SNAP benefits?
Your benefit amount depends on your household size and income. The maximum for a single person is $292/month and for a family of four is $994/month (FY 2026). Your actual benefit is calculated by taking the maximum allotment for your household size and subtracting 30% of your net monthly income. If you have no income, you receive the maximum amount.
Can I use SNAP at fast food restaurants?
Only through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which is available in a handful of states: California, Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia. The RMP is limited to SNAP recipients who are elderly (60+), disabled, or experiencing homelessness. Participating restaurants include some McDonald's, Subway, and other chains, but availability varies by location.
Can I use SNAP to buy groceries online?
Yes. SNAP online purchasing is available in all 50 states and DC. Major retailers that accept EBT online include Walmart, Amazon, Target, ALDI (via Instacart), Kroger, and many regional grocery chains. You can order for pickup or delivery. Note that SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay delivery fees or service charges — only the food itself.
Do I need to have a permanent address to apply for SNAP?
No. People experiencing homelessness can apply for SNAP. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a general delivery address at a post office. Some states have special procedures for people without a fixed address. Contact your local SNAP office or call 211 for help.
I just got out of prison. Can I apply for SNAP right away?
Yes. You should apply as soon as possible after release. In many states, reentry programs or parole officers can help you apply before or immediately after release. If you have very low income and few resources, you may qualify for expedited processing and receive benefits within 7 days. SNAP can be a critical bridge while you get back on your feet.
What is the ABAWD work requirement?
ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents. If you are age 18-64, able to work, and do not have dependents under 14, you must work or participate in a work/training program for at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP beyond 3 months in a 3-year period. There are exemptions for pregnancy, disability, participation in treatment programs, and other situations. Check with your state SNAP office about requirements and exemptions in your area.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal or professional advice. Benefits, eligibility rules, and program availability may vary by state and change over time. Contact your local office or call 211 for the most current information about programs in your area. For legal advice about your benefits, contact a legal aid organization near you.

Sources

SNAP / Food Stamps by State

Click a state to see SNAP details. Colors show drug felony ban status.

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