SNAP Benefits 2027 Maximum Monthly Amounts by Household Size (Updated October 2026)

Last updated: November 2, 2026. Figures are from the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration's fiscal year 2027 SNAP standards (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027). Confirm details with your state SNAP agency.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide contains 2 optional product links. You never need to buy anything to apply for or use SNAP.

From October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. is $306 for one person, $562 for two and $1,023 for a family of four. Most households get less than the maximum, because SNAP expects you to spend about 30% of your net income on food and subtracts that amount. Eligible one- and two-person households get at least $25 a month.

FY 2027 SNAP at a glance (48 states and D.C.)
Maximum benefit, 1 person$306 a month
Maximum benefit, family of 4$1,023 a month
Each person beyond 8+$225 a month
Minimum benefit (1 or 2 people)$25 a month
Standard deduction, 1 to 3 people$217 a month
Benefit yearOctober 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, FY 2027 SNAP standards, effective October 1, 2026.

Is this the right guide for you? This page explains how much SNAP pays. To check whether you qualify (income limits, asset limits and work rules), see our SNAP eligibility 2027 guide. To file an application, see how to apply for SNAP and use your EBT card.

1. Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits for FY 2027

Bar chart of the maximum monthly SNAP benefit by household size for FY 2027 in the 48 states and D.C.

These are the largest amounts a household of each size can receive in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. The USDA updates them every October 1 based on the cost of its Thrifty Food Plan.

Household sizeMaximum monthly benefit
1$306
2$562
3$808
4$1,023
5$1,217
6$1,463
7$1,616
8$1,841
Each additional person+$225

For very large households, the USDA caps the monthly maximum at $3,887 for households of 18 or more people in the 48 states and D.C.

Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Food costs more in these places, so maximum benefits are higher. For a family of four in FY 2027:

AreaMaximum for 4 people
Alaska$1,306 to $2,027, depending on urban or rural area
Hawaii$1,655
Guam$1,507
U.S. Virgin Islands$1,315

2. How Your Benefit Is Calculated

SNAP benefit formula: maximum allotment minus 30 percent of net income

Your state agency works out your benefit in four steps:

  1. Add up gross income. This is your household's total countable income before deductions, such as wages, Social Security or unemployment pay.
  2. Subtract deductions to get net income. SNAP allows a 20% deduction from earned income and a standard deduction based on household size. Some households can also deduct dependent care needed for work or training, legally owed child support (in some states), shelter costs above half of income after other deductions, and medical costs over $35 a month for members who are 60 or older or disabled.
  3. Multiply net income by 30%. This is the share of income SNAP expects you to spend on food.
  4. Subtract that amount from the maximum benefit for your household size. The result is your monthly SNAP benefit.

Standard deduction for FY 2027

SNAP standard deduction by household size for FY 2027: $217, $229, $268 and $308
Household sizeStandard deduction (48 states and D.C.)
1 to 3 people$217
4 people$229
5 people$268
6 or more people$308

3. A Worked Example

Here is a simplified example for a household of three in the 48 states. It uses only the 20% earned income deduction and the standard deduction. Real cases often include shelter or other deductions, which would raise the benefit.

StepAmount
Gross monthly earnings$1,800
Minus 20% earned income deduction- $360
Minus standard deduction (3 people)- $217
Net monthly income$1,223
30% of net income$366.90
Maximum benefit for 3 people$808
Estimated monthly SNAP benefitabout $441

This household's gross income of $1,800 is under the $2,960 gross limit for three people, and its net income of $1,223 is under the $2,277 net limit, so it passes both income tests. Only your state agency can calculate your actual amount.

4. Tips for Getting the Right Benefit Amount

  • Report every allowable expense. Rent or mortgage, utilities, child care and, for members 60 or older or disabled, out-of-pocket medical costs can lower your net income and raise your benefit.
  • Report changes on time. If your income drops, tell your state agency. Your benefit may go up.
  • Check your notice. Your approval letter shows the income and deductions used. If something is missing or wrong, ask your state agency to correct it.
  • Stretch the benefit. Planning meals around low-cost staples helps your benefit last the month. See our guides on budget grocery staples and meal prep and freezer storage.
Optional: a weekly meal planner and airtight pantry containers can help you plan purchases and make SNAP groceries last longer. You do not need to buy anything to get SNAP.
Weekly meal planner pads on Amazon → Airtight pantry containers on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most SNAP pays a family of four in 2027?

In the 48 contiguous states and D.C., the maximum is $1,023 a month from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. It is higher in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What is the minimum SNAP benefit?

Eligible one- and two-person households in the 48 states and D.C. receive at least $25 a month in FY 2027.

Why is my benefit lower than the maximum?

SNAP subtracts 30% of your net income from the maximum for your household size. Only households with no net income receive the full maximum.

Related Guides

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Aid Hub is not affiliated with the USDA or any state SNAP agency. Always apply through your state's official SNAP website.

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