SNAP Benefits in 2025: How to Qualify, What You Can Get, and How to Use It
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal aid program that helps low-income individuals and families in the United States buy healthy and nutritious food. Whether you’re working, retired, have a disability, or caring for dependents, SNAP can help put food on your table each month.
The support comes in the form of monthly benefits that are loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and supermarkets.
Let’s take a closer look at who can qualify for SNAP in 2025, how much you may receive, and how the program works.
Who Is Eligible for SNAP in 2025?
SNAP eligibility mainly depends on your household size and income level. Each state might have slightly different application rules, but the federal government sets a gross annual income limit as a guide. If your household income is equal to or below these limits, you might be eligible to apply:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,596 |
| 2 people | $30,660 |
| 3 people | $38,736 |
| 4 people | $46,800 |
| 5 people | $54,876 |
| 6 people | $62,940 |
| 7 people | $71,016 |
| 8 people | $79,080 |
If your family has more than 8 members, add $8,076 for each extra person to the annual income limit.
Keep in mind, meeting these income limits doesn’t guarantee approval. The government may also look at:
- Your work status
- Any disabilities
- Your savings and other resources
Each case is reviewed individually to ensure the benefits reach the families who need them most.
How Much Money Can You Get from SNAP?
The amount of monthly SNAP benefits depends on how many people live in your household and your financial situation. Here’s the maximum benefit per household size for 2025:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 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 |
For each additional person, you can add $220 to the total.
So, for example, a family of 5 can get up to $1,158 per month in food assistance—provided they meet all SNAP rules and income guidelines.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits
Once your application is approved, you’ll be given an EBT card—this is your SNAP debit card. Every month, your eligible benefit amount is added to your card, and you can use it to buy groceries at participating stores and supermarkets.
You can use SNAP to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Bread, dairy, and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks
- Seeds and plants that produce food
However, SNAP cannot be used to purchase:
- Alcohol or cigarettes
- Household products (like soap or toilet paper)
- Vitamins or medicines
- Prepared meals or food sold in restaurants
SNAP is a vital program that supports millions of families across the United States. If your income is within the guidelines and you meet other eligibility rules, you could receive hundreds or even over a thousand dollars every month to help buy groceries. With an easy-to-use EBT card, shopping for healthy food becomes more manageable.
If you think you or your family may qualify, don’t hesitate to apply through your state’s SNAP office or website. It’s a simple step that can bring much-needed relief to your household budget and help ensure everyone in your home eats well.
