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How to Apply for Food Stamps (SNAP)

SNAP provides food-purchasing assistance to eligible households. 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 $298 per month; a family of four can receive up to $994 per month.

The federal baseline gross income limit is 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.

A criminal-record answer alone does not determine SNAP eligibility. Ask the state agency to identify the rule, offense and relevant dates, whether any state exception applies, and how each household member is treated. The federal drug-felony provision in 21 U.S.C. 862a does not apply to convictions for conduct on or before August 22, 1996; other restrictions can have different rules. One excluded member does not automatically make everyone ineligible, and the agency must determine the treatment of that person's income. Do not assume a pardon or expungement automatically removes a restriction. Request the written decision and its review deadline.

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

  • --The federal ABAWD time limit can apply to adults ages 18–64 who do not meet an exception: generally no more than three countable months in a 36-month period without qualifying work or program activity. The 2025 law changed the child-related exception to a child under 14 and removed the separate exceptions based only on homelessness, veteran status or aging out of foster care. Other exceptions can apply, including pregnancy, inability to work and specified Indigenous status. Ask your SNAP office to screen for all applicable exceptions, explain qualifying activities and hours, and identify any currently approved geographic waiver. A statewide Yes/No label cannot determine your case or countable months. Follow your agency notice and report changes; the income calculator does not evaluate these rules.
  • --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)
  • --A criminal-record answer alone does not determine SNAP eligibility. Ask the state agency to identify the rule, offense and relevant dates, whether any state exception applies, and how each household member is treated. The federal drug-felony provision in 21 U.S.C. 862a does not apply to convictions for conduct on or before August 22, 1996; other restrictions can have different rules. One excluded member does not automatically make everyone ineligible, and the agency must determine the treatment of that person's income. Do not assume a pardon or expungement automatically removes a restriction. Request the written decision and its review deadline.

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. 1.

    Find Your State SNAP Office

    Visit the USDA SNAP State Directory at fna.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 — $298/month; 2 people — $546/month; 3 people — $785/month; 4 people — $994/month; 5 people — $1,183/month; 6 people — $1,421/month; 7 people — $1,571/month; 8 people — $1,789/month. For each additional person, add $218. 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 criminal-record answer alone does not determine SNAP eligibility. Ask the state agency to identify the rule, offense and relevant dates, whether any state exception applies, and how each household member is treated. The federal drug-felony provision in 21 U.S.C. 862a does not apply to convictions for conduct on or before August 22, 1996; other restrictions can have different rules. One excluded member does not automatically make everyone ineligible, and the agency must determine the treatment of that person's income. Do not assume a pardon or expungement automatically removes a restriction. Request the written decision and its review deadline.

Work Requirements for ABAWDs

The federal ABAWD time limit can apply to adults ages 18–64 who do not meet an exception: generally no more than three countable months in a 36-month period without qualifying work or program activity. The 2025 law changed the child-related exception to a child under 14 and removed the separate exceptions based only on homelessness, veteran status or aging out of foster care. Other exceptions can apply, including pregnancy, inability to work and specified Indigenous status. Ask your SNAP office to screen for all applicable exceptions, explain qualifying activities and hours, and identify any currently approved geographic waiver. A statewide Yes/No label cannot determine your case or countable months. Follow your agency notice and report changes; the income calculator does not evaluate these rules.

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?
A criminal-record answer alone does not determine SNAP eligibility. Ask the state agency to identify the rule, offense and relevant dates, whether any state exception applies, and how each household member is treated. The federal drug-felony provision in 21 U.S.C. 862a does not apply to convictions for conduct on or before August 22, 1996; other restrictions can have different rules. One excluded member does not automatically make everyone ineligible, and the agency must determine the treatment of that person's income. Do not assume a pardon or expungement automatically removes a restriction. Request the written decision and its review deadline.
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 $298/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.

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

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