The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food support for families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities in the United States.
To expand assistance amid inflation, SNAP recently adjusted its income eligibility limits. This makes it easier for more households with limited incomes to access benefits.
These benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that recipients can use to buy groceries. Here’s an in-depth look at the eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and what recipients can purchase with their benefits.
Who Qualifies for SNAP?
SNAP income limits vary based on household size and whether household members are elderly or disabled. The program divides households into two main categories: those with no earned income and those with earned income.
Households with earned income have slightly higher income limits, recognizing their additional expenses.
SNAP Income Guidelines for 2024
Households With No Earned Income
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,632 | $19,584 |
| 2 | $2,215 | $26,580 |
| 3 | $2,798 | $33,576 |
| 4 | $3,380 | $40,560 |
| 5 | $3,963 | $47,556 |
| 6 | $4,546 | $54,552 |
| 7 | $5,129 | $61,548 |
| 8 | $5,712 | $68,544 |
| Each additional member | +$583 | +$6,996 |
Households With Earned Income
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,883 | $22,596 |
| 2 | $2,555 | $30,660 |
| 3 | $3,228 | $38,736 |
| 4 | $3,900 | $46,800 |
| 5 | $4,573 | $54,876 |
| 6 | $5,245 | $62,940 |
| 7 | $5,918 | $71,016 |
| 8 | $6,590 | $79,080 |
| Each additional member | +$673 | +$8,076 |
Households must fall below these income limits to qualify, with additional flexibility for larger families or those experiencing specific financial hardships.
These limits are in effect through September 2024 and are subject to annual review and adjustments based on economic conditions.
What Can You Buy With SNAP Benefits?
SNAP benefits are meant to help families purchase basic, nutritious foods. While they offer considerable flexibility for grocery shopping, certain items are excluded.
Eligible Items
- Bread and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
These categories cover a broad range of food options, allowing recipients to maintain a balanced diet.
Ineligible Items
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Hot or prepared foods meant for in-store consumption
- Vitamins and medicines
Exclusions are primarily non-food items and items deemed non-essential to nutrition, maintaining the program’s focus on supporting basic dietary needs.
SNAP and Long-Term Support
The recent adjustments to SNAP income limits provide expanded support in response to inflation, with reviews scheduled each year to align with current economic conditions.
This ensures that SNAP benefits continue to serve as a buffer against food insecurity for eligible families, especially those facing rising living costs.
With SNAP benefits, qualifying households can better manage their grocery needs, improve dietary choices, and stabilize their monthly food budgets. For those who believe they meet these requirements but have not yet applied, SNAP can be a valuable resource for improving overall well-being.
