SNAP Benefits 2025: SNAP is a food assistance scheme that is run to help low-income people living in America. Under this, eligible individuals and families are given a fixed amount every month so that they can buy essential food items for their home. It is given through an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used in authorized shops.
The purpose of SNAP is to ensure that no person or family sleeps hungry and everyone can get nutritious food. Do you want to get the benefits of this scheme? If yes, you are on the right page. Check the eligibility criteria, application process, method of getting benefits, and much more from below.
Who can get SNAP benefits?
SNAP is available only to those individuals who are economically weak and meet the criteria set by the government. Check if you are eligible to get this benefit or not.
- You are a citizen of the US or have a valid green card/immigrant status.
- Your family’s total monthly income is below the Federal Poverty Line.
- You have limited resources, such as
- Up to $2,750 (if no elderly or disabled member)
- Up to $4,250 (if there are elderly or disabled members in the family)
- You are between 18 and 64 years of age and are physically able to work.
- You work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours per month if you are an adult and no exemptions apply.
Pregnant women and senior citizens (i.e., those who have turned at least 60 years old), disabled people, students (including those with special conditions), and caregivers for children/elders are exempted from the work requirement.
How to apply for SNAP?
You can apply for SNAP from your state’s website. The application process is simple and can be done online, over the phone, or face-to-face.
- Firstly, you have to visit your state’s SNAP official website.
- Fill out the application form and enter the information correctly.
- Upload required documents, which include ID, proof of income, etc.
- Lastly, go through an interview process, over the phone or in person.
How much is received under the SNAP Benefits?
The amount received under the SNAP benefits totally depends on the family size. The payout rates for October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, are tabulated below.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly |
| 1 person | $292 |
| 2 people | $536 |
| 3 people | $768 |
| 4 people | $975 |
| 5 people | $1,158 |
| 6 people | $1,390 |
| 7 people | $1,536 |
| 8 people | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | + $220 |
The amount mentioned above is for 48 contiguous US states and Washington, DC. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands have higher rates.
How are SNAP Benefits received?
Eligible applicants are given an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. It is like a debit card, and SNAP funds are deposited into this card every month.
You can use this card at authorized retail stores. With this, you can buy fruits, vegetables, milk, bread, cereal, meat, and other food items. In some states, you can also order groceries online with a SNAP card.
You cannot buy alcohol, cigarettes, soap, hot food, or pet food with an EBT card. The card is credited every month on a fixed date, which may vary according to your state.
2025 SNAP Changes
Many aspects of the SNAP plan have been updated in the year 2025. The payment amount has been increased, keeping inflation in mind, and work requirements have been made more stringent.
Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are now required to work, train, or volunteer for at least 80 hours every month. Earlier this limit was from 18 to 49 years. This will affect crores of people, especially those who were previously exempted.
Healthy SNAP Proposal
The Healthy SNAP Act has been proposed in 2025. Under this, it is proposed to ban the purchase of sugary drinks, sweets, and junk food with SNAP cards. It is being brought to encourage people towards healthy eating.
Some states have already taken steps in this direction. If this law is passed, only nutrition-rich food items can be purchased with the EBT card.
SNAP Funding Cuts
According to the federal budget, the amount received by SNAP has been cut by about $186 billion from 2025 to 2034. It has put more financial responsibility on the states.
States will now pay a higher share for errors in the program. In states where the rate of distribution errors is high, the government can cut a part of SNAP funding.
The fund cut and new rules will especially affect those states where there is more dependence on SNAP. These include states like Mississippi, New Mexico, Louisiana, and West Virginia.
