How Do I Apply for SNAP Benefits?

SNAP helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. SNAP benefits are not cash. SNAP benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM or bank card to buy food at most grocery stores.

To get SNAP benefits, your income and other resources have to be under certain limits.

There are two income limits: Gross and Net. Your total income, before taxes or any other subtractions, is called gross income. However, certain subtractions to your gross income, called deductions, are allowed. These can be for things like housing costs, child support payments, child or dependent care payments, and monthly medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled people. The amount left over after these deductions is called net income. Most households must meet both income limits. If everyone in your household receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you do not need to meet any income limit.

Talk with your local SNAP worker to see what resources you have and the maximum amount of resources you can have and still qualify for SNAP. Checking or savings accounts are resources. If you own your home, it is not counted as a resource. In some states, you may have at least one car. The resources of people who receive TANF or SSI do not count.