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Food Stamps (SNAP) in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota administers SNAP through the agency listed below. Use this page for the state application route, income-table starting points and questions to resolve with the agency. A record or income figure alone does not determine your household's eligibility.

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Quick Answer

Start with Minnesota's official SNAP agency and application route below. Ask for screening of all household members, any applicable deductions or exceptions, and expedited service if you need food urgently. The record survey below is dated research, not an approval or denial.

Minnesota SNAP Agency

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Website: mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/economic-assistance/food-nutrition

Phone: 1-800-657-3698

Apply online: mnbenefits.mn.gov

Eligibility & Income Limits

Income limit (1 person): $2,610/month gross

Income limit (4 person): $5,360/month gross

Minnesota uses broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) with gross income limits at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026) and no asset test for most households.

Asset limit: No asset test(broad-based categorical eligibility -- asset test effectively eliminated)

Income limits shown are this state's USDA FY 2026 limit (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026) — the federal 130% standard, or a higher percentage of the poverty guideline where the state uses broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Limits change every October.

Benefit Amounts

Max benefit (1 person): $298/month

Max benefit (4 person): $994/month

Maximum allotments are the USDA federal FY 2026 tables, effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 — they change every October. The base formula subtracts 30% of SNAP net income from the maximum; rounding, minimum benefits, proration and household-member exclusions can affect the agency’s actual award.

Drug Felony Rule — Historical Research Starting Point

2023 survey: modified ban

The December 2023 CCRC survey classified this jurisdiction as having modified the federal drug-felony ban. Its historical condition summary was: subject to random drug testing when the drug felony was within the last 10 years. This is a dated research lead, not a determination of current law or your 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.

Statute cited in survey: Minn. Stat. § 256J.26 — read the statute

ABAWD Policy (Work Requirements)

Current local implementation: Check your agency notice and applicable exceptions

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.

How to Apply

Online: Yes

Phone: Yes

In person: Yes

Processing time: 30 days (7 days for expedited cases)

More Food & Benefits Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for SNAP/food stamps in Minnesota?
You can apply online at MNbenefits.mn.gov, call your county human services agency, or visit in person. You will need proof of identity, income, and residency. An interview is required.
Can I get SNAP in Minnesota with a felony conviction?
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.
What is the income limit for SNAP in Minnesota?
Minnesota uses expanded income limits at 200% FPL through BBCE. For a single person, the gross income limit is $2,610/month. For a family of four, it is $5,360/month. There is no asset test for most households.
How much will I receive in SNAP benefits in Minnesota?
The maximum SNAP benefit for a single person is $298/month and $994/month for a family of four. Your actual benefit depends on household size, income, and deductions. The average is about $163 per person per month.
What is the Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)?
MFAP is a state-funded program that provides food benefits to legal immigrants who are not eligible for federal SNAP due to immigration status requirements. Benefits are similar to SNAP and are administered by county agencies.
Can I use my Minnesota EBT card at farmers markets?
Yes. Many Minnesota farmers markets accept EBT/SNAP benefits. The Market Bucks program provides matching funds when you use SNAP at participating farmers markets to buy fresh produce.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Eligibility rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change periodically. Contact your local Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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