1 Person
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
6 People
7 People
8 People
Estimated Monthly SNAP Benefit: $0.00
*This is an estimate based on federal FY 2024 guidelines. Actual state-level calculations may vary.
Note: This calculator uses federal 48-state guidelines. Hawaii and Alaska have higher limits. This tool is for informational purposes and does not guarantee eligibility. You must apply through your state's SNAP agency.
Understanding Food Stamps (SNAP) Calculations
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase nutritious food. Calculating the exact benefit amount involves a complex formula that considers your household size, gross income, and specific deductions like housing and utility expenses.
How the SNAP Formula Works
To determine your benefit amount, the USDA follows a specific mathematical sequence:
Gross Income Test: Most households must have a total monthly income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Net Income Calculation: Deductions are subtracted from your gross income. This includes a 20% earned income deduction, a standard deduction (based on household size), and an "excess shelter deduction" for housing costs that exceed half of your adjusted income.
The 30% Rule: SNAP expects households to spend 30% of their net income on food. Therefore, your benefit is calculated by taking the "Maximum Allotment" for your household size and subtracting 30% of your net income.
Current Maximum Monthly Allotments (FY 2024)
The maximum amount of SNAP benefits a household can receive depends on the number of people in the home. As of October 2023 through September 2024, the limits for the 48 contiguous states are:
Household Size
Max Monthly Benefit
1 Person
$291
2 People
$535
3 People
$766
4 People
$973
Example Calculation
Imagine a household of 3 people with a gross income of $2,000. After taking a 20% deduction ($400) and the standard deduction for a family of three ($198), their adjusted income is $1,402. If their rent and utilities are high, they might qualify for a shelter deduction. If their final net income is determined to be $1,000, their benefit would be the Max Benefit ($766) minus 30% of their net income ($300), resulting in an estimated $466 monthly SNAP benefit.
function calculateSNAP() {
var hhSize = parseInt(document.getElementById("householdSize").value);
var grossIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossIncome").value) || 0;
var shelterCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById("shelterCost").value) || 0;
var utilityCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById("utilityCost").value) || 0;
// FY 2024 Federal Poverty Limits (130% Gross Limit)
var grossLimits = [0, 1580, 2137, 2694, 3250, 3807, 4364, 4921, 5478];
// FY 2024 Maximum Allotments
var maxAllotments = [0, 291, 535, 766, 973, 1155, 1386, 1532, 1751];
// FY 2024 Standard Deductions (1-3: 198, 4: 208, 5: 244, 6+: 279)
var stdDeductions = [0, 198, 198, 198, 208, 244, 279, 279, 279];
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("snapResult");
var benefitSpan = document.getElementById("benefitAmount");
var statusPara = document.getElementById("eligibilityStatus");
// 1. Gross Income Test
if (grossIncome > grossLimits[hhSize]) {
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
benefitSpan.innerText = "$0.00";
statusPara.innerHTML = "Your gross monthly income of $" + grossIncome.toFixed(2) + " exceeds the limit for a household of " + hhSize + " ($" + grossLimits[hhSize] + "). You may not be eligible unless a household member is elderly or disabled.";
return;
}
// 2. Net Income Calculation Logic
// Earned income deduction (20%)
var earnedIncomeDed = grossIncome * 0.20;
var standardDed = stdDeductions[hhSize];
var adjustedIncome = grossIncome – earnedIncomeDed – standardDed;
if (adjustedIncome < 0) adjustedIncome = 0;
// Shelter Deduction
// Excess shelter = (Shelter + Utilities) – (50% of Adjusted Income)
var totalShelter = shelterCost + utilityCost;
var excessShelter = totalShelter – (adjustedIncome * 0.50);
if (excessShelter 672) excessShelter = 672;
var netIncome = adjustedIncome – excessShelter;
if (netIncome < 0) netIncome = 0;
// 3. Benefit Calculation
// Benefit = Max Allotment – (30% of Net Income)
var benefit = maxAllotments[hhSize] – (netIncome * 0.30);
if (benefit < 0) benefit = 0;
// Minimum benefit for 1-2 person households is usually $23
if ((hhSize === 1 || hhSize === 2) && benefit 0) {
benefit = 23;
}
// Display Results
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
benefitSpan.innerText = "$" + benefit.toFixed(2);
statusPara.innerHTML = "Based on your household size of " + hhSize + " and a monthly gross income of $" + grossIncome.toFixed(2) + ", your estimated net income is approximately $" + netIncome.toFixed(2) + ".";
}