SNAP Benefits, EBT Cards, and How the Government Shutdown is Affecting Millions

SNAP Benefits, EBT Cards, and How the Government Shutdown is Affecting Millions

Submission by Dr. Glenn Mollette

 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need.

SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is available in all states. The program helps people with limited incomes buy food and maintain good nutrition. Eligibility is based on income and family size. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. The card can be used to buy food at authorized stores, farmers markets and online retailers.

As of November 2025, about 41.2 million Americans are receiving SNAP benefits each month, which is roughly 12.3% of the U.S. population.

To qualify for SNAP, your income must be below a certain amount. The income limits are based on the size of your household. Here are the limits for 2026:

1 person: $1,305/month
2 people: $1,763/month
3 people: $2,221/month
4 people: $2,680/month
5 people: $3,138/month
6 people: $3,596/month
7 people: $4,055/month
8 people: $4,513/month

These limits may be higher if someone in your household is 60 or older, or has a disability.

SNAP recipients can buy a wide variety of food items, including:

  • Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, herbs)
  • Meat, poultry, fish and seafood
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs)
  • Breads and grains (bread, rice, pasta, cereals)
  • Pantry items (canned goods, oils, spices)
  • Snacks (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
  • Beverages (juice, milk, coffee, tea)
  • Infant formula and baby food
  • Seeds and plants to grow your own food

Recipients can also buy prepared meals from certain retailers in some states.

California has the most SNAP recipients, with about 5,496,920 people receiving benefits. Wyoming has the least, with about 11,890 people, representing about 5% of its population.

Many people who receive SNAP benefits also qualify for other programs, including:

  • Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program
  • Free or reduced-price school meals
  • Low-cost phone or internet service
  • Housing assistance
  • Energy assistance
  • Veterans’ benefits

Some states also offer additional benefits, such as:

  • Summer EBT benefits for children
  • SNAP match programs at farmers markets
  • Discounts on museum or zoo visits

The government shutdown is affecting SNAP recipients in several ways:

  • November SNAP benefits will be delayed due to the shutdown, but a court has ruled they must be paid.
  • Some states are providing emergency funds to help with the delay.
  • SNAP recipients can still use their EBT cards and apply for benefits during the shutdown.
  • Food banks are preparing for an increase in demand.
  • Some businesses are offering discounted meals and other resources to help.

Americans should support their local food banks, churches and non-profits that are providing food during this difficult time.

 

Sources: www.fns.usda.gov/snap | www.nutrition.gov


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