SNAP Benefits Calculator
Estimate your SNAP (food stamp) eligibility and monthly benefit amount. This calculator applies the federal gross and net income tests, calculates your allowable deductions, and determines your estimated monthly EBT benefit.
How SNAP Eligibility and Benefits Work
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income households purchase food. To qualify, most households must pass two income tests: gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level, and net monthly income (after deductions) must be at or below 100% of FPL. Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members only need to pass the net income test.
Your benefit amount equals the maximum allotment for your household size minus 30% of your countable net income. The 30% formula reflects the expectation that households spend about 30% of their resources on food. Deductions play a critical role: the standard deduction, 20% earned income deduction, dependent care deduction, and excess shelter deduction all reduce your countable income, increasing your benefit.
Benefits are loaded monthly onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at authorized retailers. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and seeds/plants that produce food. They cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods, or non-food items.
SNAP After Divorce or Separation
A divorce or separation often creates significant changes in household income and size that may affect SNAP eligibility. After separation, only count the individuals who live and purchase and prepare food together as part of your household. Your ex-spouse's income is no longer included, which may substantially lower your household income.
Child support payments you receive count as unearned income for SNAP purposes. However, legally obligated child support payments you make to children outside your household can be deducted from your income. Alimony received also counts as income, while alimony paid is deductible.
If you are already receiving SNAP and your household changes due to divorce, report the change to your caseworker within 10 days. Your benefits will be recalculated based on the new household composition and income. If you are newly applying, most states process applications within 30 days, with expedited processing (7 days) available for households with very low income or resources.
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