The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is the largest food assistance initiative in the United States. The program is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The SNAP benefits program’s ongoing objectives, fixed since its creation, focus on improving food security, reducing hunger rates, and facilitating access to a variety of nutritious foods for eligible households.
Who Can Get SNAP benefits in 2025?
Eligibility is primarily based on your income and the assets you have. This includes seniors aged 60 and over who meet the requirements. For older adults, the rules consider things like Social Security, disability, or veterans’ benefits as part of your income.
These income and asset limits change a little every year and can vary by state. To give you an idea, here are the 2025 figures for a one or two-person household in, for example, the state of Missouri, where the maximum for the 48 contiguous states apply:
- For one person: You generally can’t make more than $15,060 a year, and your assets (like money in the bank) should be $4,500 or less.
- For two people: The income limit is around $20,440. In many cases, there isn’t a strict asset limit for households like this.
It’s important to know that not everything you own counts. Your home, retirement savings (like 401(k)s or IRAs), and any resources from household members on SSI are usually not included. However, if you take money out of a retirement account, it could count as income.
How to Apply for SNAP in all the USA
Even though it’s a federal program, you apply through your state. You can get an application from your local Social Security office—they might even help you fill it out—but your state’s SNAP office is the one that will approve or deny it.
Every state has its own application, and most let you apply online. You’ll need to provide documents to prove your situation, such as:
- ID and Social Security number
- Pay stubs (if you work)
- Proof of all income
- Bills for things like rent, utilities, and documents linked to medical costs
If you’re over 60 and don’t have a job, you’ll likely have a phone interview. How long it takes depends on how complicated your situation is. The USDA offers a nationwide SNAP benefits offices directory to locate your nearest one.
Using Your SNAP Benefits: Dos and Don’ts
If you’re approved, the money is loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. It works just like a debit card. You can use it at most major grocery stores and retailers, including Walmart, Target, Costco, CVS, Walgreens, and many others.
A wide range of locations accept EBT payments, including national chains such as CVS, 7-Eleven, Costco, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and Whole Foods.
Food stamp funds are intended exclusively for the purchase of food products for home preparation and consumption. The list of eligible items includes fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and seeds and plants intended for the production of food for home consumption. There is an explicit list of products that cannot be purchased using SNAP funds.
Ineligible items include alcohol in any form, such as beer, wine, or spirits; cigarettes, tobacco, or vaping products; food and beverages containing cannabis or CBD; vitamins, medications, and supplements. A product labeled “supplements” is typically considered a supplement and therefore ineligible for purchase.
Live animals are also prohibited, with very specific exceptions: food that is hot at the time of purchase, and non-food items such as cleaning products, pet food, paper goods, hygiene products, and cosmetics. Recent legislative changes in some states have also restricted the purchase of soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and prepared desserts.
How much will you get? (2025 updated figures)
The maximum amount a household can get is based on family size and is adjusted for cost of living. For most of the U.S., the 2025 maximums are:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- Each additional member: $220 extra for each
Remember that these are the maximum amounts. What you actually get depends on your income, your expenses, and your household size. Your benefits are then added to your EBT card each month.
