SNAP Benefit Estimator
Use this calculator to get an estimated monthly SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit amount. This estimate is based on federal guidelines and common deductions. Actual eligibility and benefit amounts can vary significantly by state, specific household circumstances, and local program rules. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility or benefit levels.
Number of people living in your household.
Total monthly income from wages, salary, or self-employment before taxes and deductions.
Total monthly income from sources like Social Security, unemployment, child support, etc.
Costs for child care or care for other dependents necessary for work or training.
Out-of-pocket medical expenses for household members age 60+ or disabled. Only amounts over $35 are deductible.
Total monthly rent or mortgage payment, plus property taxes and homeowner's insurance.
Total monthly costs for electricity, gas, water, trash, and basic phone service.
This affects income limits and potential deductions.
Understanding SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. It helps ensure that eligible households can afford nutritious food. Benefits are issued monthly on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and farmers' markets.
Eligibility Requirements
SNAP eligibility is primarily based on household income, resources, and household size. Most households must meet both a gross income test (income before deductions) and a net income test (income after certain deductions). Households with an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled member are often exempt from the gross income test and may have different deduction rules.
- Gross Income Test: For most households, gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Net Income Test: All households must have net monthly income at or below 100% of the FPL.
- Resource Test: Most households must have countable resources (like bank accounts) below a certain limit ($2,750 in FY2024). Households with an elderly or disabled member have a higher resource limit ($4,250 in FY2024).
It's important to note that many states have "Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility" (BBCE) which can waive the gross income and resource limits for households receiving other types of public assistance.
How SNAP Benefits Are Calculated (Simplified)
The calculation of SNAP benefits is a multi-step process designed to determine a household's "net income" and then subtract a portion of that income from the maximum allowable benefit for their household size. Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Gross Income: All income from all household members is added together.
- Earned Income Deduction: 20% of any earned income (wages, salary) is deducted.
- Standard Deduction: A fixed amount, which varies by household size, is deducted.
- Dependent Care Deduction: Costs for child care or care for other dependents necessary for work or training can be deducted.
- Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 per month can be deducted.
- Excess Shelter Deduction: This is a significant deduction. It allows households to deduct shelter costs (rent/mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities) that exceed 50% of their income after all other deductions. For non-elderly/disabled households, this deduction is capped (e.g., $672 in FY2024), but for elderly/disabled households, it is uncapped.
- Net Income: The result after all applicable deductions is the household's net income.
- Benefit Calculation: 30% of the household's net income is subtracted from the maximum SNAP allotment for their household size. The remaining amount is the estimated monthly benefit. There is also a minimum benefit amount (e.g., $23 in FY2024) for eligible households.
Example Calculation
Let's consider a family of three (two adults, one child) with the following monthly details:
- Household Size: 3
- Gross Earned Income: $2,000
- Gross Unearned Income: $0
- Monthly Dependent Care: $100
- Monthly Medical Expenses: $0
- Monthly Shelter Costs: $800 (rent)
- Monthly Utility Costs: $200
- Elderly/Disabled: No
Using federal guidelines (approximate FY2024 values):
- Gross Income: $2,000. (130% FPL for 3 is approx. $2,859, so they pass the gross income test).
- Earned Income Deduction: $2,000 * 0.20 = $400. Adjusted Gross Income = $2,000 – $400 = $1,600.
- Standard Deduction (for 3): $198. Income after standard deduction = $1,600 – $198 = $1,402.
- Dependent Care Deduction: $100. Income after dependent care = $1,402 – $100 = $1,302.
- Medical Expenses: $0.
- Shelter Costs: $800 (rent) + $200 (utilities) = $1,000.
- Excess Shelter Deduction:
- 50% of income after other deductions: $1,302 * 0.50 = $651.
- Excess shelter = $1,000 – $651 = $349.
- Since $349 is less than the shelter cap ($672), the full $349 is deductible.
- Net Income: $1,302 – $349 = $953. (100% FPL for 3 is approx. $2,198, so they pass the net income test).
- Maximum Allotment (for 3): $766.
- Expected Food Contribution: $953 (Net Income) * 0.30 = $285.90.
- Estimated Benefit: $766 – $285.90 = $480.10.
This family would likely receive an estimated monthly SNAP benefit of approximately $480.
Important Considerations
This calculator provides an estimate. To determine your exact eligibility and benefit amount, you must apply through your state's SNAP agency. They will consider all specific details of your household, including any state-specific rules or waivers that may apply.