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SNAP Benefit Calculator (FY2027): Estimate Your Monthly Food Stamps
Quick answer
Data: FY2027 (Oct 2026–Sep 2027) · verified 2026-10-14 against USDA FY2027 SNAP COLA memo (PDF). Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent or stored.
How the SNAP formula works
SNAP uses one federal formula everywhere in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. It runs in four steps, and the calculator above shows each one for your numbers:
- Gross income test. Total household income before deductions must be at or below 130% of the poverty line — $1,729/month for 1 person, $2,345 for 2, $2,960 for 3, $3,575 for 4 in FY2027 (add $616 per extra person). Households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member skip this test.
- Deductions. From gross income, subtract: the standard deduction ($217 for households of 1–3, $229 for 4, $268 for 5, $308 for 6+), 20% of earned income, dependent care costs, legally owed child support paid out, medical costs over $35/month (elderly/disabled only), and the excess shelter deduction — housing plus utility costs above half of your income after the other deductions, capped at $769 unless the household has an elderly or disabled member.
- Net income test. Income after deductions must be at or below 100% of the poverty line — $1,330/month for 1 person, $1,804 for 2, $2,277 for 3, $2,750 for 4 (add $474 per extra person).
- Benefit amount. Maximum allotment for your household size minus 30% of net income (rounded up). Eligible 1–2 person households get at least $25.
Worked example
A single parent with two kids earns $2,200/month gross and pays $1,100 rent plus $200 utilities. Gross test: $2,200 ≤ $2,960, pass. Deductions: standard $217 + earned income 20% ($440) = $657, leaving $1,543. Shelter: $1,300 costs − half of $1,543 ($771.50) = $528.50 excess shelter (under the $769 cap). Net income: $1,543 − $528.50 = $1,014.50, which passes the $2,277 net limit. Benefit: $808 max allotment − 30% of net income ($304.35, rounded up to $305) = $503 per month.
Common mistakes
- Entering take-home pay instead of gross pay. SNAP starts from income before taxes; the 20% earned income deduction already accounts for payroll costs.
- Skipping utilities. Most states let you use a standard utility allowance (SUA) that is often higher than actual bills, which raises the shelter deduction and your benefit. Check your state's SUA.
- Forgetting the elderly/disabled rules. Age 60+ or disability unlocks the medical deduction and removes both the gross test and the shelter cap — often turning a $0 result into a real benefit.
- Assuming $0 means don't apply. Many states use broad-based categorical eligibility with higher gross limits, and only the agency can make a final decision. If you are close to the line, apply — here is how.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this SNAP calculator?
It applies the exact federal FY2027 formula and USDA tables: the 130% gross income test, the 100% net income test, the standard, earned income, dependent care, medical, and excess shelter deductions, and the 30%-of-net benefit reduction. Your state office may apply state options (like a standard utility allowance or broad-based categorical eligibility) that change the result, so treat this as a close estimate, not a decision.
What income counts for SNAP?
Gross earned income (wages and self-employment before taxes) plus unearned income such as Social Security, SSI, unemployment, and child support received. Most loans and tax refunds do not count.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit in FY2027?
For October 2026 through September 2027 in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.: $306 for 1 person, $562 for 2, $808 for 3, $1,023 for 4, $1,217 for 5, $1,463 for 6, $1,616 for 7, and $1,841 for 8, plus $225 for each additional person up to 17 members.
Why does the calculator skip the gross income test for my household?
Households with a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability do not have to pass the 130% gross income test — only the 100% net income test. They also get an uncapped shelter deduction and can deduct out-of-pocket medical costs above $35 a month.
Is there a minimum SNAP benefit?
Yes. Eligible 1- and 2-person households receive at least $25 per month in FY2027, even if the formula produces a smaller number.
Do Alaska and Hawaii use different numbers?
Yes. This calculator uses the tables for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have higher limits and allotments — check your state agency's site.
Does using this calculator affect my application?
No. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is sent to us or to any agency. To actually apply, contact your state SNAP office — our guide on how to apply walks through the process.
Official sources
- USDA FY2027 SNAP COLA memo — income limits, deductions, allotments (PDF) (last checked 2026-10-14)
- USDA FNS — SNAP eligibility rules (last checked 2026-10-14)
- USDA FNS — state SNAP directory (where to apply) (last checked 2026-10-14)
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Built and maintained by Sarah M. Jenkins, Senior Benefits Editor, Healthcare & Welfare. See our methodology and data changelog.
This tool provides estimates for general information only and is not legal, tax, or benefits advice. Final eligibility and amounts are determined solely by the administering agency. Privacy: all calculations run in your browser; we do not transmit, log, or store anything you enter.