From October 1, 2026, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit in the lower 48 states is $306 for one person, $562 for two, $808 for three and $1,023 for a family of four. Most households get less than the maximum, because SNAP expects you to spend about 30% of your net income on food and pays the difference.
This guide shows the new maximums, the exact formula, the minimum benefit, and four worked examples so you can estimate your own amount. It is part of our SNAP and EBT guides. To see whether you qualify first, check SNAP eligibility and income limits.
Maximum SNAP benefits for FY2027
These apply from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 in the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the Virgin Islands have higher maximums.
| People in household | Maximum monthly benefit (FY2027) | FY2026 (until Sep 30, 2026) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $306 | $298 | +$8 |
| 2 | $562 | $546 | +$16 |
| 3 | $808 | $785 | +$23 |
| 4 | $1,023 | $994 | +$29 |
| 5 | $1,217 | $1,183 | +$34 |
| 6 | $1,463 | $1,421 | +$42 |
| 7 | $1,616 | $1,571 | +$45 |
| 8 | $1,841 | $1,789 | +$52 |
| Each extra person | $225 | $218 | +$7 |
The minimum benefit for eligible one- and two-person households rises to $25 a month.
The SNAP benefit formula
Your benefit is:
Maximum benefit for your household size − 30% of your net monthly income
Net income is your gross income minus the deductions SNAP allows. For FY2027 those are:
| Deduction | FY2027 amount |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $217 (1-3 people), $229 (4), $268 (5), $308 (6+) |
| Earned income | 20% of wages or self-employment earnings |
| Dependent care | What you pay for child or adult care so you can work, look for work, train or study |
| Child support | Legally obligated support you pay |
| Medical | Out-of-pocket costs above $35 a month for members 60+ or disabled |
| Excess shelter | Housing and utility costs above half your income after the deductions above, capped at $769 unless a member is 60+ or disabled |
| Homeless shelter | $205.66 a month for eligible homeless households |
Since the 2025 law, internet bills do not count toward shelter costs.
Worked examples
These examples use FY2027 figures and simplified utility costs. Your state’s standard utility allowance may give a bigger shelter deduction than your actual bills.
Example 1: parent and two children, working
Gross wages $2,400 a month; rent and utilities $1,100.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross income | $2,400 |
| Minus 20% earned income deduction | -$480 |
| Minus standard deduction (3 people) | -$217 |
| Adjusted income | $1,703 |
| Excess shelter: $1,100 − ($1,703 ÷ 2) | -$248.50 |
| Net income | $1,454.50 |
| 30% of net income (rounded up) | $437 |
| Benefit: $808 − $437 | $371 a month |
Example 2: single senior on Social Security
Social Security $1,100 a month; rent and utilities $700; $100 a month in medical costs.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross income | $1,100 |
| Minus standard deduction | -$217 |
| Minus medical costs above $35 | -$65 |
| Adjusted income | $818 |
| Excess shelter: $700 − ($818 ÷ 2), no cap for seniors | -$291 |
| Net income | $527 |
| 30% of net income (rounded up) | $159 |
| Benefit: $306 − $159 | $147 a month |
Because she is over 60, she only has to pass the net income test.
Example 3: family of four with child care
Gross wages $3,000; rent and utilities $1,300; child care $400.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross income | $3,000 (under the $3,575 limit) |
| Minus 20% earned income | -$600 |
| Minus standard deduction (4 people) | -$229 |
| Minus child care | -$400 |
| Adjusted income | $1,771 |
| Excess shelter: $1,300 − $885.50 | -$414.50 |
| Net income | $1,356.50 |
| 30% of net income (rounded up) | $407 |
| Benefit: $1,023 − $407 | $616 a month |
Example 4: couple with no income
With no income, 30% of zero is zero, so the couple gets the full two-person maximum of $562 a month. If their cash is very low, they may also qualify for expedited SNAP within 7 days.
Why your amount may differ
- Standard utility allowance. Most states use a fixed utility amount instead of your bills, which often raises the shelter deduction.
- First month. Your first benefit is prorated from the day you applied.
- State options. Some states count or exclude certain income differently.
- Changes during the year. Report changes your state requires; your benefit can go up or down.
When benefits arrive
States load benefits onto your EBT card on a monthly schedule, often based on your case number, last name or birth date. Your approval notice gives your date. Our guide to what EBT is covers checking your balance.
Questions about SNAP benefit amounts
Will my SNAP benefit change on October 1, 2026?
Probably. Maximum benefits, deductions and income limits are adjusted every October for inflation. Because the maximums went up, most households see a small increase, but a change in your own income or rent can move it either way.
Is SNAP counted as income or taxed?
No. SNAP benefits are not taxable and are not counted as income for other federal benefits.
Do I get more if I have high rent?
Often, yes. Housing costs above half of your adjusted income become the excess shelter deduction, which lowers your net income and raises your benefit. For households without an older or disabled member, that deduction is capped at $769 a month.
Why did I get only $25?
If your net income is close to the limit, the formula leaves very little, and one- and two-person households get at least the $25 minimum.
Keep your full benefit
- Report every deduction you qualify for at the interview.
- Meet the SNAP work requirements if they apply to you, or your benefits can stop after 3 months.
- Renew before your certification ends; see SNAP recertification.
- Check what your state lets you buy. Several states now block soda and candy purchases; see the SNAP soda and candy ban states list.
New to SNAP? Start with how to apply for SNAP or the overview in what SNAP is. Getting SNAP also qualifies you for a Lifeline free government phone.
Sources: USDA: FY2027 cost-of-living adjustments (Aug 21, 2026), USDA: FY2026 cost-of-living adjustments, USDA: SNAP eligibility and benefit calculation, 7 CFR 273.10: Determining household eligibility and benefit levels, USDA: 2025 law implementation memo.