Estimate your potential monthly Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) allotment.
1 Person
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
6 People
7 People
8 People
Estimated Monthly Benefit:
*This is an estimate based on federal FY2024 standards. Actual amounts are determined by your state agency.
Understanding the Food Stamp (SNAP) Calculation
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low and no-income people living in the United States. Calculating your benefit amount involves more than just looking at your total income; the USDA uses a specific formula that accounts for household size and necessary living expenses.
How SNAP Benefits are Calculated
The calculation follows a multi-step process to determine "Net Income." Here is how the math works:
Gross Income Test: Most households must have a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.
Deductions: The program allows deductions for a standard amount based on household size, child care costs, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled members that exceed $35.
The Shelter Deduction: This is often the most complex part. If your housing costs (plus utilities) exceed 50% of your income after other deductions, a portion of those costs can be subtracted from your income.
The 30% Rule: SNAP expects households to spend 30% of their own resources on food. Therefore, the benefit is calculated as: [Maximum Allotment for Size] – [30% of Net Monthly Income].
SNAP Eligibility Example
Consider a household of 3 with a gross income of $2,000. After the standard deduction ($198) and shelter costs are accounted for, their "Net Income" might be $1,000. Since 30% of $1,000 is $300, and the maximum benefit for a family of 3 is $766, their estimated monthly benefit would be $766 – $300 = $466.
Maximum Allotments for 2024
The maximum amount of SNAP benefits a household can receive depends on the number of people in the household. As of October 2023 – September 2024 (48 states and D.C.):
1 Person: $291
2 People: $535
3 People: $766
4 People: $973
5 People: $1,155
Important Considerations
While this calculator provides a close estimate, state-specific rules may apply. Factors like asset limits (which vary by state), Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), and specific state utility allowances can change the final result. Always apply through your local state agency to get an official determination.
function calculateSNAP() {
var householdSize = parseInt(document.getElementById("householdSize").value);
var grossIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossIncome").value) || 0;
var housingCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById("housingCost").value) || 0;
var utilityCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById("utilityCost").value) || 0;
var childCare = parseFloat(document.getElementById("childCare").value) || 0;
var medicalExpense = parseFloat(document.getElementById("medicalExpense").value) || 0;
// FY 2024 Standard Allotments (48 states)
var maxAllotments = {
1: 291, 2: 535, 3: 766, 4: 973, 5: 1155, 6: 1386, 7: 1532, 8: 1751
};
// FY 2024 Gross Income Limits (130% FPL) – Approx
var grossLimits = {
1: 1580, 2: 2137, 3: 2694, 4: 3250, 5: 3807, 6: 4364, 7: 4921, 8: 5478
};
// Standard Deductions FY 2024
var standardDeduction = 198;
if (householdSize == 4) standardDeduction = 208;
if (householdSize == 5) standardDeduction = 244;
if (householdSize >= 6) standardDeduction = 279;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("snapResult");
var statusText = document.getElementById("eligibilityStatus");
var benefitSpan = document.getElementById("finalBenefit");
var amountDisplay = document.getElementById("benefitAmountDisplay");
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
// 1. Gross Income Test
var limit = grossLimits[householdSize] || (5478 + ((householdSize – 8) * 557));
if (grossIncome > limit) {
statusText.innerHTML = "Income exceeds the typical gross limit for this household size.";
statusText.style.color = "#e74c3c";
amountDisplay.style.display = "none";
return;
}
// 2. Net Income Calculation
// Step A: Subtract Standard Deduction, Child Care, and Medical (only > $35)
var medicalDeduction = Math.max(0, medicalExpense – 35);
var adjustedIncome = grossIncome – standardDeduction – childCare – medicalDeduction;
if (adjustedIncome 672) excessShelter = 672;
var netIncome = adjustedIncome – excessShelter;
if (netIncome < 0) netIncome = 0;
// 3. Benefit Calculation
var maxBenefit = maxAllotments[householdSize] || (1751 + ((householdSize – 8) * 219));
var estimatedBenefit = maxBenefit – (netIncome * 0.3);
if (estimatedBenefit <= 0) {
statusText.innerHTML = "Based on the formula, your net income is too high to receive a monthly allotment.";
statusText.style.color = "#e74c3c";
amountDisplay.style.display = "none";
} else {
// Minimum benefit for 1-2 person households is $23
if ((householdSize == 1 || householdSize == 2) && estimatedBenefit < 23) {
estimatedBenefit = 23;
}
statusText.innerHTML = "You may be eligible for SNAP benefits!";
statusText.style.color = "#27ae60";
amountDisplay.style.display = "block";
benefitSpan.innerHTML = "$" + Math.round(estimatedBenefit);
}
}