SNAP Fast Facts

Quick, essential facts about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)

What is SNAP?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need so they can purchase healthy food.

  • Formerly known as "food stamps"
  • Benefits loaded monthly onto an EBT card
  • Can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets
  • Helps millions of Americans afford nutritious food

SNAP by the Numbers

42M

Americans receive SNAP

$195

Avg monthly benefit/person

16M

Children on SNAP

$113B

Annual program cost
Who Can Get SNAP?
Basic Requirements:
  • Income at or below 130% of poverty line
  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Meet work requirements (if able-bodied adult)
  • Provide Social Security numbers
2025 Income Limits (Gross Monthly):
1 person$1,632
2 people$2,215
3 people$2,798
4 people$3,380
Each additional+$583
Benefit Amounts
Maximum Monthly Benefits (2025):
Household SizeMax Benefit
1 person$291
2 people$535
3 people$766
4 people$973
5 people$1,155
6 people$1,386
7 people$1,532
8 people$1,751
Each additional+$219

Note: Actual benefit based on income and expenses

What SNAP CAN Buy
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Breads and cereals
  • Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Seeds and plants (that produce food)
What SNAP CANNOT Buy
  • Alcohol and tobacco
  • Hot prepared foods
  • Vitamins and medicine
  • Pet food
  • Cleaning supplies and paper products
  • Non-food items
How to Apply for SNAP
1
Contact Your State

Find your local SNAP office online or call 211

2
Complete Application

Apply online, in person, or by mail

3
Interview

Complete phone or in-person interview

4
Get Decision

Receive decision within 30 days

Documents Needed:
  • Proof of identity (driver's license, birth certificate)
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security statements)
  • Proof of expenses (rent, utilities, child care)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
Common SNAP Myths vs. Facts
MYTH: Only unemployed people get SNAP

FACT: 57% of SNAP households include someone who works. Many working families need SNAP to make ends meet.

MYTH: SNAP is welfare

FACT: SNAP is a nutrition assistance program designed to help low-income families afford food temporarily.

MYTH: Immigrants take all the SNAP benefits

FACT: Only U.S. citizens and qualified immigrants who meet strict requirements can receive SNAP.

MYTH: People stay on SNAP forever

FACT: Most people use SNAP for less than 2 years. It helps during temporary hardships.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP helps 1 in 8 Americans afford food
  • Average benefit is about $6.50 per person per day
  • Most SNAP households have children, elderly, or disabled members
  • SNAP has one of the lowest fraud rates of any federal program (1.2%)
  • Every $1 in SNAP generates $1.50-$1.80 in economic activity
  • SNAP lifted 3.4 million people out of poverty in 2023
  • Benefits are recertified every 6-12 months
  • Many eligible families don't apply due to stigma

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