SNAP Benefits Calculator
| Household | Gross limit | Net limit | Max allotment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| each + | +$616 | +$474 | +$225 |
SNAP runs on two gates and one formula, all updated every October 1. The gates: your household's gross monthly income must be under 130% of poverty for its size, and after deductions the net income must be under 100% of poverty. The formula: the benefit is the maximum allotment for the household size minus 30% of net income, rounded up - a household is expected to spend about a third of its own net resources on food. For fiscal 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) a family of four passes the gross gate at $3,575, the net gate at $2,750, and the maximum allotment is $1,023.
This calculator runs the same math USDA publishes: the 20% earned-income deduction, the standard deduction ($217 for households of 1-3, $229 for 4, $268 for 5, $308 for 6+), dependent care, and the excess shelter deduction capped at $769. It covers the 48 contiguous states and DC - Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the Virgin Islands set higher limits (the official tables are linked below). Medical deductions over $35 for elderly or disabled members and some state-specific rules are not modeled here; treat the answer as a strong estimate, not a determination.
How to use
- Enter household size and total monthly gross income (before any deductions) - the tool checks the 130% gate first.
- Add your earned-income portion so the 20% earned deduction and the standard deduction come off correctly in the net test.
- Read the estimated monthly allotment, or exactly which gate the household misses - and by how much, so you know what would have to change.
Frequently asked questions
What are the SNAP income limits for 2026-2027?
For FY2027 in the 48 contiguous states and DC, gross monthly limits (130% of poverty) run $1,729 for one person, $2,345 for two, $2,960 for three, $3,575 for four, $4,191 for five, $4,806 for six, $5,421 for seven, and $6,037 for eight, plus $616 per extra member. Net limits (100% of poverty) are $1,330, $1,804, $2,277, $2,750, $3,224, $3,697, $4,170, and $4,644, plus $474. Households with an elderly or disabled member face a higher 165% gross test instead.
How does USDA calculate the actual benefit amount?
Benefit = maximum allotment minus 30% of net income, with the 30% rounded up to the next dollar. USDA's own FY2027 example: a four-person household with $1,056.50 in net income gets $1,023 minus $317 (30% rounded up) = $706 for the month. Earn more, and the benefit steps down by about 30 cents on the dollar; hit the ceiling and it is $0.
What is the maximum SNAP allotment for 2026-2027?
In the 48 states and DC: $306 for one person, $562 for two, $808 for three, $1,023 for four, $1,217 for five, $1,463 for six, $1,616 for seven, $1,841 for eight, plus $225 per additional member from nine to seventeen. Eligible one- and two-person households with near-zero income get a guaranteed minimum of $25.
What deductions can I take on SNAP?
Five federal ones: 20% of earned income off the top; the standard deduction ($217-$308 by household size); dependent care that frees you to work or train; court-ordered child support paid out; and the excess shelter deduction - rent or mortgage plus utilities above half your adjusted income, counted up to $769. Elderly or disabled households can also deduct out-of-pocket medical costs above $35 a month.
What assets count against SNAP?
Most households face a $3,000 asset limit; households with a member age 60 or older or with a disability, $4,750. The house you live in, retirement accounts, and most personal property do not count - the test is liquid resources like cash and bank balances. Many states also raise or remove the asset test entirely.