SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP is the largest food assistance program in the country. It provides a monthly benefit loaded onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and some farmers markets. Unlike other programs, SNAP has no categorical restriction. Any low-income household can apply regardless of age, family composition, or health status, with some exceptions for certain immigrants and able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
SNAP Income Limits (FY 2026)
These limits apply to the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Limit (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Limit (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,724 | $1,326 |
| 2 | $2,332 | $1,794 |
| 3 | $2,940 | $2,262 |
| 4 | $3,548 | $2,729 |
| 5 | $4,156 | $3,197 |
| 6 | $4,764 | $3,665 |
| 7 | $5,372 | $4,133 |
| 8 | $5,980 | $4,601 |
| Each add'l | +$608 | +$468 |
Most states also allow categorical eligibility, which means households receiving certain other public benefits automatically meet the SNAP income test. Over 40 states have adopted Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which can raise the gross income limit to 200% FPL for some households.
SNAP Maximum Monthly Benefits (FY 2026)
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $549 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,182 |
| 6 | $1,419 |
| 7 | $1,568 |
| 8 | $1,794 |
| Each add'l | +$226 |
The actual amount your household receives depends on net income after allowed deductions for rent, utilities, and childcare costs. Most working families receive less than the maximum.
How to Apply for SNAP
- Find your state's SNAP agency through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website or search "[your state] SNAP application."
- Gather documents: proof of identity, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of address, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), and recent bank statements.
- Submit your application online, by mail, or in person at your local social services office.
- Attend an eligibility interview, which most states allow by phone.
- Receive a decision within 30 days. If you are in immediate need, request an expedited interview for benefits within 7 days.
WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
WIC is a targeted program. It does not serve all low-income households. Instead, WIC focuses on a specific and nutritionally vulnerable population: pregnant women, women who recently gave birth or are breastfeeding, infants under 12 months, and children under age 5. The program provides approved foods, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support.
WIC Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for WIC, a person must meet all three of these criteria:
Categorical: You must fall into one of these groups.
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- Postpartum women up to 6 months after delivery (non-breastfeeding) or up to 12 months (breastfeeding)
- Infants under 12 months
- Children ages 1 through 4
Income: Gross household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. If your household already receives SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet the WIC income test.
Nutritional risk: A health professional must determine that you or your child face a nutritional risk. This standard is broad. Anemia, being underweight or overweight, a history of pregnancy complications, and poor diet all qualify.
WIC Income Limits (July 2025 to June 2026)
| Household Size | Annual Limit (185% FPL) | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,204 | $3,267 |
| 3 | $49,455 | $4,122 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,729 | $5,811 |
| 6 | $79,980 | $6,665 |
| 7 | $90,231 | $7,520 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 |
| Each add'l | +$10,251 | +$855 |
What WIC Provides
WIC benefits are not cash. The program provides specific approved foods available at participating grocery stores, pharmacies, and WIC-authorized vendors. Approved items typically include:
- Infant formula and baby food
- Milk, cheese, and eggs
- Whole grains (bread, cereal, brown rice, tortillas)
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned with no added sugar or salt)
- Legumes (dried beans, peanut butter, tofu)
- Juice (100% fruit or vegetable)
Breastfeeding mothers receive a larger food package. Women who breastfeed exclusively also receive support through peer counselors and lactation consultants.
How to Apply for WIC
- Contact your local WIC clinic. Use the USDA WIC locator at wiclocator.fns.usda.gov or call 1-800-942-3678.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of address, proof of income (or your SNAP/Medicaid card), and proof of pregnancy or the child's age (birth certificate or immunization record).
- A health professional will conduct a nutrition assessment, including height, weight, and blood tests for iron levels.
- If eligible, you will receive your benefit card or vouchers on the same day as your appointment.
School Meals: National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program
School meal programs provide free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch to students at participating schools across the country. Most public schools and many private schools participate. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) use the same income eligibility guidelines.
School Meals Income Limits (School Year 2025-2026)
| Household Size | Free Meals (130% FPL) Annual | Reduced Price (185% FPL) Annual |
|---|
| 1 | $20,722 | $29,473 |
| 2 | $27,990 | $39,832 |
| 3 | $35,258 | $50,191 |
| 4 | $42,107 | $59,922 |
| 5 | $49,375 | $70,281 |
| 6 | $56,643 | $80,640 |
| 7 | $63,911 | $90,999 |
| 8 | $71,179 | $101,358 |
| Each add'l | +$7,268 | +$10,359 |
Children from households with income at or below 130% FPL receive meals at no cost. Children from households between 130% and 185% FPL receive reduced-price meals, which cost no more than $0.40 for lunch and $0.30 for breakfast.
Students who receive SNAP, TANF, or Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are automatically eligible for free meals. Foster children and children experiencing homelessness or housing instability also qualify automatically.
Community Eligibility Provision
Schools in high-poverty areas can participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which makes all students at the school eligible for free breakfast and lunch regardless of individual household income. If your child's school participates in CEP, no application is required.
How to Apply for School Meals
- Contact your child's school or school district at the start of the school year.
- Complete a Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application, available from the school office or district website.
- List all household members and their income, or indicate if any member receives SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits.
- The school processes applications and notifies you of the decision, typically within 10 school days.
- Reapply each school year. Benefits from the previous year may carry over for a limited period at the start of the new year.
CSFP: Commodity Supplemental Food Program
CSFP is specifically designed for older adults. The program distributes a monthly food box containing USDA commodities to help seniors supplement their diets with nutritious food. It does not serve families with children or non-elderly adults.
CSFP Eligibility
- Age: Must be at least 60 years old.
- Income: At or below 130% to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, depending on the state. The federal standard is 150% FPL, but individual states may set lower thresholds within federal guidelines.
- Residency: Must live in a state, county, or Indian reservation that operates a CSFP site.
CSFP is not available everywhere. The program operates through a network of local agencies and distribution sites. Availability depends on where you live and whether your area has funding and capacity.
CSFP Income Limits (2025, approximate at 150% FPL)
| Household Size | Annual Limit (150% FPL) | Monthly Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $23,475 | $1,956 |
| 2 | $31,800 | $2,650 |
| 3 | $40,125 | $3,344 |
| 4 | $48,450 | $4,038 |
| Each add'l | +$8,325 | +$694 |
Note: Some states use 130% FPL. Always verify with your local CSFP site.
What CSFP Provides
Participants receive a monthly food package containing USDA commodity foods. A typical monthly box may include canned fruits and vegetables, juice, canned meat or fish, beans, peanut butter, pasta, oats or cereal, and dairy products. The exact contents vary by season and availability.
Participants may receive SNAP and CSFP at the same time. The programs are not mutually exclusive.
How to Apply for CSFP
- Find a CSFP site near you through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website or by calling your local Area Agency on Aging.
- Bring proof of age (birth certificate, driver's license, or Medicare card) and proof of income.
- Self-attestation of income is accepted in most states. You will sign a form confirming your income falls within the limit.
- If you are placed on a waitlist (sites often have limited slots), ask to be notified when space opens.
TEFAP: The Emergency Food Assistance Program
TEFAP operates differently from other programs on this list. Instead of providing benefits directly to households, TEFAP distributes USDA commodity foods to food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and other emergency feeding organizations. Those organizations then provide the food to eligible individuals and families at no cost.
TEFAP Income Eligibility
States set their own TEFAP income eligibility guidelines within federal parameters. The federal floor requires states to set income limits between 185% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level for direct household distribution. Some states go higher with federal approval. As a result, TEFAP typically has the most flexible income thresholds of any program on this list.
In practice, many food pantries and food banks that receive TEFAP food do not turn people away based on income. Some sites serve anyone who states they are in need, while others require documentation of income.
TEFAP Income Example (State-Set, 2025)
Because limits vary by state, check directly with your local food bank or state TEFAP office for exact figures. Common state thresholds range from 185% to 300% FPL. At 300% FPL, a family of four could have an annual income of approximately $99,450 and still qualify.
What TEFAP Provides
TEFAP foods are USDA commodities sourced from American agricultural producers. Available foods change based on what is purchased or donated to the USDA and vary by season and location. Typical TEFAP distributions include:
- Canned meat, fish, or poultry
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products (cheese, butter)
- Dry goods (pasta, rice, oats, cereal)
- Fresh produce (when available)
Unlike SNAP or WIC, TEFAP does not provide a set monthly benefit amount. The amount you receive depends on what your local food pantry has available.
How to Access TEFAP
- Find a TEFAP-participating food pantry through Feeding America's food bank locator at feedingamerica.org.
- Call ahead to confirm hours and eligibility requirements, since sites vary widely in their intake process.
- Bring identification and, if required, proof of income or residence. Many sites require only a self-declaration of need.
- Pick up available food on the site's distribution schedule. Some sites are monthly, some are weekly.
Side-by-Side Program Comparison
| Feature | SNAP | WIC | School Meals | CSFP | TEFAP |
|---|
| Who qualifies | Most low-income households | Pregnant women, infants, children under 5 | School-age children | Adults 60 and older | Most low-income individuals |
| Income limit | 130% FPL gross | 185% FPL | 130% free, 185% reduced | 150% FPL | 185% to 300% FPL (state-set) |
| Monthly benefit | EBT card (up to $994/month for 4) | Specific groceries | Free or reduced meals | Monthly food box | Varies by pantry |
| Citizenship requirement | Yes (some exceptions) | Yes (some exceptions) | No for children | Yes | Varies by state |
| Can combine with other programs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (not with WIC typically) | Yes |
| Application site | State SNAP agency | Local WIC clinic | Child's school | Local CSFP site | Local food pantry |
| Automatic eligibility | If on Medicaid/TANF | If on SNAP/Medicaid/TANF | If on SNAP/TANF/FDPIR | N/A | Varies |
Which Program Should You Apply For?
These programs are not mutually exclusive. Many households qualify for more than one, and combining them can cover a much larger share of your food needs.
Apply for SNAP first if you are a low-income household of any composition. SNAP benefits can be used at most grocery stores and cover a wide range of foods. SNAP eligibility also triggers automatic eligibility for WIC and free school meals, which saves time on paperwork.
Add WIC if your household includes a pregnant woman, a nursing mother, an infant, or a child under 5. WIC covers specific items that SNAP benefits can also buy, but WIC provides extra support for high-value nutritional items like infant formula and also includes nutrition education and health screenings.
Enroll children in school meal programs at the start of each school year. If your household receives SNAP, the application process is simple since SNAP automatically qualifies children for free meals.
Look into CSFP if you or someone in your household is 60 or older and lives near a CSFP distribution site. The monthly food box supplements other benefits without affecting SNAP eligibility.
Use TEFAP through local food banks when you need immediate food assistance, between application periods, or when your income is temporarily too high for other programs. TEFAP has the broadest eligibility and the fewest barriers to access.
Use our free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check which programs you qualify for based on your household size, income, and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive SNAP and WIC at the same time?
Yes. SNAP and WIC are separate programs with different eligibility rules. Receiving one does not disqualify you from the other. Many households with young children receive both. If you are already on SNAP, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement and only need to verify categorical eligibility (pregnancy, infant, or child under 5).
Does SNAP eligibility automatically qualify my children for free school meals?
Yes. Children in households that receive SNAP are automatically eligible for free school meals. The school does not need full income documentation from your household. You still need to notify the school, but the process is simpler than a standard application.
Can seniors receive both SNAP and CSFP?
Generally yes. SNAP and CSFP can be received at the same time. However, CSFP site capacity is limited, and not all areas have active sites. If you receive WIC as well (which is uncommon for seniors but possible if they are a caregiver), there may be some restrictions based on commodity allocation. Check with your local CSFP site.
Is TEFAP only for emergencies?
The name includes "emergency," but TEFAP-funded food pantries often serve as a regular food resource for many households. The program was designed to respond to food emergencies, but in practice many people use their local food pantry regularly throughout the year.
What if my income is slightly above the SNAP limit?
A few options exist. First, check whether your state has adopted Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which raises the gross income limit to as high as 200% FPL in many states. Second, apply anyway and let the agency calculate your net income after deductions. Households with high housing or childcare costs may qualify even with gross income above 130% FPL. Third, look at TEFAP, which often has a higher income ceiling and fewer documentation requirements.
Are undocumented immigrants eligible for any of these programs?
Federal law bars undocumented individuals from receiving SNAP, WIC, and CSFP benefits. However, U.S.-born children of undocumented parents are U.S. citizens and can qualify for SNAP and school meals in their own right. TEFAP eligibility rules vary by state and by the specific food pantry. Some food banks serve anyone in need without checking immigration status.
How long does it take to start receiving benefits?
SNAP: Standard applications take up to 30 days. Expedited applications for households with very low income or resources can result in benefits within 7 days. WIC: Benefits typically start the same day as your appointment if you are found eligible. School meals: The school processes your application within 10 school days. CSFP: You may receive your first food box at your next scheduled distribution date after enrollment. TEFAP: You can typically receive food at your first visit to a participating pantry.
Do these programs have asset limits?
SNAP has an asset limit of $2,750 for most households or $4,250 for households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability. However, most states with BBCE have eliminated the asset test. WIC, school meals, CSFP, and TEFAP do not have asset limits.
Ready to check which programs your household qualifies for? Use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to get results in minutes.
