The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides nutrition assistance for low-income, food-insecure households and individuals. The program has previously received bipartisan support for its capacity to help reduce hunger among households, older Americans and people with disabilities. The amount of the monthly benefit depends on household size and income level. Benefits are distributed through an electronic benefits transfer card. In 2022, the average monthly benefit per person was $230.47.
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly known as the Farm Bill, funds dozens of farm, food and nutrition programs, including SNAP. The farm bill typically undergoes a congressional reauthorization process every five years. The 2018 farm bill expired on Sept. 30, 2023, but a temporary continuing resolution passed by Congress in September keeps funding in place until it expires on Nov. 17, 2023. The federal government pays the full cost of SNAP benefits but shares the costs of administering the program with states. This partnership allows some flexibility for how states implement the program. States have direct influence over program structure, some eligibility requirements and the registration process.
SNAP has been one of the most effective federal programs for alleviating hunger and reducing poverty. In 2022, SNAP served an average of 41.2 million people per month. The USDA reported that receiving SNAP benefits for six months reduced food insecurity levels by 10.6% and reduced deep food insecurity levels by 6.3%. The U.S. Census Bureau found in 2018 that SNAP benefits prevented 3.2 million people from falling below the federal poverty level during that year. Participation in SNAP is also linked to improved medical outcomes. SNAP participants incur about $1,400 less in medical care costs in a year than non-participants at a similar income level.
The benefit amount per household is decided by the USDA through the Thrifty Food Plan. The plan estimates the cost of a healthy diet for families and determines an average amount of benefits per household. The Thrifty Food Plan was last updated in October 2021, leading to a 27% increase in pre-COVID-19 pandemic-level benefits. This increase coincided with the end of the pandemic era 15% increase in SNAP benefits, resulting in a net increase of benefits between $12 and $16 per person per month.
Eligibility and Work Requirements
SNAP eligibility is determined by income level, employment, disability status and age. In most cases, SNAP participants must meet the determined gross and net income level limits. Adults who are 60 years and older or who qualify for benefits due to a disability must only meet the net income limit. An asset test may also be required for eligibility, where individuals must not exceed $2,750 in countable resources, or $4,250 if at least one household member is above the age of 60 or disabled.
SNAP income limits for October 2022 to September 2023
| Household Size |
Gross Monthly Income
(130% of federal poverty level) |
Net Monthly Income
(100% of federal poverty level) |
| 1 |
$1,473
|
$1,133
|
| 2 |
$1,984
|
$1,526
|
| 3 |
$2,495
|
$1,920
|
| 4 |
$3,007
|
$2,313
|
| 5 |
$3,518
|
$2,706
|
| 6 |
$4,029
|
$3,100
|
| 7 |
$4,541
|
$3,493
|
| 8 |
$5,052
|
$3,886
|
| Each Additional Member |
+$512
|
+$394
|
General Work Requirements
Generally, individuals 16 to 59 who are able to work must satisfy work requirements to be eligible for SNAP benefits. These requirements include registering for work, not quitting or decreasing hours voluntarily, taking a job that is offered and participating in certain employment and training programs, depending on the state.
Individuals are exempt from the general work requirements if they are already working at least 30 hours per week, meeting work requirements for another public assistance program such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, taking care of either a child under 6 or an incapacitated person, unable to work due to physical or mental limitation, participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program or are studying in school or a training program at least half-time. However, college students are subject to different eligibility requirements.
Able-Bodies Adults Without Dependents Work Requirements
Able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 49 are subject to the additional requirement that they work or participate in a qualifying work program for at least 20 hours per week to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. Able-bodied adults without dependents are exempt from this work requirement and time limit if they are unable to work due to physical or mental limitation, are pregnant, have someone in their household under 18 years old or are exempt from the general work requirements.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 raised the age limit for able-bodied adults without dependents from age 49 to age 52 beginning in October 2023 and to age 54 by the fall 2024. Beginning in October 2023, the bill also expands the exemptions from this work requirement to include able-bodied adults without dependents who are veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness and adults under 25 who were previously in foster care. The bill’s amendments will sunset in 2030.