Learn About EBT and SNAP Benefits

What SNAP and EBT Are: Basic Overview

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides monthly food benefits to people and families with limited income. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. This is the card system used to deliver SNAP benefits and other assistance programs to recipients.

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Think of EBT as the delivery method and SNAP as the program itself. When someone receives SNAP benefits, those funds appear as a balance on an EBT card that looks similar to a debit card. This card can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and food retailers across the country to purchase food items. As of 2024, approximately 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits each month, making it one of the largest nutrition assistance programs in the United States.

The distinction between EBT and SNAP matters because EBT cards can carry benefits from multiple programs. In some states, the same EBT card may hold SNAP benefits, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and other state assistance programs. This means one card can be used to access different types of support depending on what programs a person receives.

SNAP began as the Food Stamp Program in 1964 and was modernized in the 1990s to use the EBT card system instead of paper coupons. This change made the program easier to use and reduced stigma for recipients. The program operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories including Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Monthly SNAP benefit amounts vary based on household size and income. A single person may receive up to $291 per month in 2024, while a family of four could receive up to $1,144 per month. These maximum amounts are adjusted yearly for inflation. The actual benefit amount a household receives depends on their income and other factors determined through the program's calculation methods.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding that SNAP is the benefit program and EBT is the card that delivers it helps when reading program information. Both terms are used regularly in official materials and at retailers, so knowing what each one means makes navigating the system clearer.

How SNAP Benefits Work: Monthly Funds and Usage

SNAP benefits are deposited monthly onto an EBT card, usually between the 1st and the 28th of each month, depending on the state. The specific deposit date is assigned based on the recipient's case number or other state-determined factors. Once funds are deposited, they remain on the card and can be used throughout the month. Unlike some other assistance programs, unused SNAP benefits roll over to the next month—they do not expire at the end of the month.

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Using SNAP benefits is straightforward at the point of sale. When shopping at a participating retailer, the EBT card is swiped or inserted at checkout just like a regular debit card. The customer may be asked to enter a PIN (personal identification number) to authorize the transaction. The purchase amount is deducted from the SNAP balance on the card. A receipt is provided showing the remaining balance, similar to a bank ATM receipt.

Not all food items can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The program covers foods intended for home preparation: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods like beans and meat, dairy products, and snack foods like nuts. Hot or prepared foods cannot be purchased, nor can non-food items like paper products, toiletries, household supplies, vitamins, or alcohol. Some people are surprised to learn that items like rotisserie chicken or deli items prepared at the store cannot be purchased, but raw chicken or deli meat in the package can be.

SNAP benefits can be used at thousands of retailers nationwide. This includes large grocery chains, small independent grocery stores, farmers markets (where available), and some online retailers. In 2020, the USDA expanded the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, which allowed recipients in participating states to buy groceries online and have them delivered or picked up. As of 2024, this program continues to expand, though availability varies by state and retailer.

Many people do not realize that SNAP benefits can supplement their own money. If someone has $20 of their own cash and $50 in SNAP benefits, they can purchase $70 worth of eligible foods by using both forms of payment. They would pay the $50 in SNAP benefits for eligible items and then pay the $20 in cash for any ineligible items they want to purchase, all in a single shopping trip.

Practical Takeaway: Keep track of your EBT card balance by checking receipts or using your state's balance inquiry system online or by phone. Knowing your balance helps plan grocery purchases and ensures you do not run out of benefits before the next deposit date.

Income Limits and How SNAP Amounts Are Calculated

SNAP uses income limits to determine who may participate and how much in monthly benefits they receive. Income limits are based on the federal poverty level and are adjusted yearly. Gross monthly income—the total income before taxes or deductions—is the primary measure used. However, SNAP also allows certain deductions from gross income, which can lower a household's countable income and potentially increase their benefit amount.

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For 2024, the gross monthly income limits are approximately $1,868 for a single person, $3,822 for a family of three, and $6,107 for a family of six. These limits vary slightly by state because some states use higher income standards. Additionally, many households with income above the federal poverty line may still receive SNAP benefits because the program counts certain deductions. The most common deductions include housing costs, utility bills, and dependent care expenses.

The benefit calculation uses a formula based on 30% of the household's net income (after deductions). The maximum benefit amount is subtracted by 30% of net income to determine the SNAP benefit. For example, if the maximum benefit for a household of three is $771 and the net monthly income is $1,200, the calculation would be: $771 minus (30% of $1,200) equals $771 minus $360, resulting in a $411 monthly SNAP benefit.

States have some flexibility in how they calculate benefits and determine countable income. Some states are called "ABAWD states" (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents), which have different rules for certain adults between ages 18 and 49. These states may apply work or work training requirements that can affect eligibility. Other states use broad-based categorical eligibility, which allows people to receive SNAP even if their income is higher than the standard limits, based on participation in other assistance programs.

Changes in income or household situation can affect SNAP benefits. If someone gets a job or their income increases, their benefits will likely decrease. Conversely, if income decreases or household size changes, benefits may increase. Most states require households to report changes within a certain timeframe, often 10 days. Some changes, like a job loss or reduced hours, may be reported online, by phone, or in person at the local SNAP office.

Practical Takeaway: Understand that SNAP allows deductions for housing and utilities, which can lower the income amount used to calculate benefits. Gathering documentation of these expenses when reporting income can provide an accurate picture of what benefits a household may receive.

Finding and Using SNAP Benefits in Your Community

SNAP benefits can be used at a wide variety of food retailers across the United States. The most obvious places are large grocery stores, but many people do not realize that smaller grocery stores, farmers markets, and independent retailers also accept SNAP. To find stores near you that accept SNAP, the USDA operates a store locator tool on its website at fns.usda.gov. This tool allows users to search by zip code to find nearby participating retailers.

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Farmers markets have become an increasingly popular place to use SNAP benefits. Many markets accept EBT cards directly, and some offer matching programs where state or local funds match SNAP dollars spent at the market. For example, some markets offer a "match" program where if someone spends $10 in SNAP benefits, they receive an additional $10 in tokens to spend on produce. These programs vary by location and are not available everywhere, but they can significantly increase a person's purchasing power for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Online grocery shopping with SNAP has expanded in recent years. Major retailers like Amazon Fresh, Walmart, and Instac