SNAP Income Limits by Household Size 2026

Quick answer: For FY2026, most households must have gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level: $1,696 for one person, $2,292 for two, $2,888 for three, and $3,483 for four. Net income limits are lower, and many states set higher cutoffs.

Key takeaways

• The FY2026 gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level, ranging from $1,696 (one person) to $5,867 (eight people).
• The net income limit is 100% of poverty, from $1,305 (one person) to $4,513 (eight people).
• Add $596 gross or $459 net for each person beyond eight.
• Households with a member age 60+ or who is disabled skip the gross test and use only the net test.
• Because of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), many states allow higher gross limits, so always check your state SNAP agency.

How SNAP measures your income

SNAP applies two income tests. The first is a gross monthly income test set at 130% of the federal poverty level (2026). Gross income means your total household income before any deductions. The second is a net income test set at 100% of poverty, applied after SNAP subtracts allowable deductions such as the standard deduction, a 20% earned-income deduction, and certain shelter and dependent-care costs.

Most households must pass both tests. The big exception: a household that includes someone age 60 or older, or a person with a disability, is exempt from the gross income test and only has to meet the net income limit. To understand exactly which dollars are counted, see our guide on what counts as income for SNAP.

FY2026 income limits by household size

The table below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. These figures took effect October 1, 2025, and run through September 30, 2026. Alaska and Hawaii use higher amounts.

Household size	Gross monthly (130% FPL)	Net monthly (100% FPL)
1	$1,696	$1,305
2	$2,292	$1,763
3	$2,888	$2,221
4	$3,483	$2,680
5	$4,079	$3,138
6	$4,675	$3,596
7	$5,271	$4,055
8	$5,867	$4,513
Each additional	+$596	+$459

Why your state’s limit may be higher

Most states use a policy called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). BBCE lets a state raise the gross income limit (often up to 200% of poverty) and frequently waive the asset test for many households. That means a family slightly over $3,483 in one state could still qualify in another. Because rules vary widely, the federal table is a starting point, not the final word. Confirm your local cutoff with your state SNAP agency.

If your income is close to the line, it is still worth applying, since deductions can pull your net income below the limit. You may also qualify for related programs such as WIC (2026) for pregnant women and young children, or TANF (2026) cash assistance. For the full overview, start with our SNAP 2026 guide.

What happens after you meet the limits

Meeting the income limits is one part of eligibility. SNAP also reviews household size, certain assets, and (for some adults) work requirements. Once approved, your benefit amount depends on your net income and household size rather than the income limit itself. To learn how to file, read our SNAP application guide (2026), and to estimate a benefit, see the SNAP eligibility calculator guide.

People Also Ask

What is the SNAP income limit for one person in 2026?

In FY2026, a one-person household in the 48 contiguous states and DC must have gross monthly income at or below $1,696 (130% of poverty) and net income at or below $1,305 (100% of poverty). Some states allow higher limits, so confirm with your state SNAP agency.

What is the SNAP income limit for a family of four?

For a four-person household in FY2026, the gross monthly income limit is $3,483 and the net monthly limit is $2,680 in the 48 states and DC. States using Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility may set a higher gross cutoff, so it is worth applying even if you are slightly over.

What is the difference between gross and net income for SNAP?

Gross income is your household’s total income before deductions, tested at 130% of poverty. Net income is what remains after SNAP subtracts allowable deductions like the standard deduction and a 20% earned-income deduction, tested at 100% of poverty. Most households must meet both limits.

Do seniors have different SNAP income limits?

Households with a member age 60 or older, or with a disability, are exempt from the gross income test and only need to meet the net income limit. They also get a higher asset limit and can deduct certain medical expenses. See our SNAP for seniors guide for the details that apply to older adults.

How much income can I have and still qualify in my state?

The federal gross limit is 130% of poverty, but most states use Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility to allow higher cutoffs, often up to 200% of poverty. Because the exact figure varies, check your state SNAP agency directly or use an official eligibility screener for your state.

Official sources

• USDA FNS — SNAP Eligibility (.gov)
• USDA FNS — SNAP COLA / Annual Adjustments (.gov)
• USDA FNS — SNAP Program (.gov)

Reviewed by the Guru Gazette Editorial Review Team · Last reviewed June 2026. Figures are verified against official government sources; see our Fact-Checking Policy.