What are SNAP benefits? This article aims to answer that question as well as the populations SNAP serves, monthly income limits, and maximum SNAP monthly payouts.
What are SNAP benefits?
Helps people buy the food they need for good health. People also can buy garden seeds with SNAP benefits.
SNAP food benefits are put on to the Lone Star Card and can be used just like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP.
SNAP can’t be used to:
- Buy tobacco.
- Buy alcoholic drinks.
- Buy things you can’t eat or drink.
- Pay for food bills you owe.
Who SNAP is for?
- People who don’t have a lot of money as long as they meet program rules.
- Most adults age 18 to 49 with no children in the home can get SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period. The benefit period might be longer if the person works at least 20 hours a week or is in a job or training program. Some adults might not have to work to get benefits, such as those who have a disability or are pregnant.
Maximum monthly income limits
The following chart gives a general idea of the amount of money (income) a person or family can get and still be in this program. Some people might be able to get benefits even if their income is higher than what is listed in this chart.
| Family size | Monthly amount of income allowed |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,634 |
| 2 | $2,203 |
| 3 | $2,772 |
| 4 | $3,342 |
| 5 | $3,911 |
| For each additional person, add: | $572 |
Other SNAP facts
Most people age 16 to 59 must follow work rules to get SNAP benefits. Work rules mean a person must look for a job or be in an approved work program. If the person has a job, they can’t quit without a good reason.
Maximum monthly SNAP amount
| Family size | Monthly SNAP amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $194 |
| 2 | $357 |
| 3 | $511 |
| 4 | $649 |
| 5 | $771 |
| 6 | $925 |
| 7 | $1,022 |
| 8 | $1,169 |
| For each additional person, add: | $146 |
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
