The benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits, or food stamps), are the most important form of food assistance in the United States, with nationwide reach in all 50 states and other territories such as Guam, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
This program, administered at the federal level by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and operated in each state, seeks to ensure that all citizens have access to a healthy and nutritious diet. SNAP benefits are provided in the form of an electronic card called Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). This card works like a regular debit card.
What can you buy in 2025 with SNAP benefits and how can you apply?
The EBT card can be used at supermarkets, convenience stores and some farmers markets to purchase eligible products including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, bread and cereals, among others. However, they cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, non-food products, or foods prepared for immediate consumption.
Although SNAP is a federal program, each state and territory in the United States has some degree of flexibility in administering it. This includes how the application is processed, specific eligibility requirements, and monthly benefits awarded.
Interested individuals should apply at their state’s local SNAP office or through online portals. States have different platforms, but the general process includes providing information on income, household size and expenses.
Applicants’ income must be below certain thresholds based on household size. Additionally, factors such as citizenship or immigration status, employment, and available assets are considered. After submitting the application, beneficiaries typically have an interview with a social worker to verify that the information is valid and correct.
Maximum SNAP benefits increased from January 2025
Not all states have the same maximum amounts of SNAP benefits, since they are determined based on the cost of living in each place. In the lower 48 states and D.C., the maximum values are the same, while in the rest of the territories, the maximum values are different because the cost of living is much higher.
Maximum SNAP Allotments for 48 States and D.C.
Here are the values for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- Each additional person: $220
Maximum SNAP Allotments for Hawaii
United States is 17.9% cheaper than Hawaii. Expenses including groceries, restaurants, housing, transportation, entertainment and sports, and childcare are more expensive there. Here are the values for the state of Hawaii, a state:
- 1 person: $517
- 2 people: $948
- 3 people: $1,357
- 4 people: $1,723
- 5 people: $2,046
- 6 people: $2,456
- 7 people: $2,714
- 8 people: $3,102
- Each additional person: $388
Why does Alaska have three tables of values for SNAP Benefits?
Alaska is a unique state in many ways, and this is also reflected in the way Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are calculated and distributed. Unlike other states, Alaska faces significant geographic and climatic challenges that directly impact the cost of living and, particularly, food prices.
For this reason, the state uses three different value tables to calculate SNAP benefits based on the region in which each beneficiary resides.
Three regions with different costs:
- Urban Zone: It includes areas like Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, where food prices tend to be lower compared to rural areas. These areas have easier access to supermarket chains and transportation systems, which reduces distribution costs.
- Rural Zone 1: This category covers rural communities accessible by road or regular sea routes. Food prices in these areas are moderately higher due to limited transportation and less presence of large retailers.
- Rural Zone 2: It includes the most remote and isolated communities, where food must be transported by plane or ship in extreme weather conditions. This dramatically raises costs, making commodity prices significantly higher than in urban areas.
Maximum SNAP Allotments for Alaska (household size, Urban 1, Rural 1, and Rural 2, in order):
- 1 person: $377 / $481 / $586
- 2 people: $692 / $882 / $1,074
- 3 people: $991 / $1,263 / $1,538
- 4 people: $1,258 / $1,604 / $1,953
- 5 people: $1,494 / $1,905 / $2,319
- 6 people: $1,793 / $2,287 / $2,783
- 7 people: $1,982 / $2,527 / $3,076
- 8 people: $2,265 / $2,888 / $3,516
- Each additional person: $283 / $361 / $440
For people residing in other territories such as Guam, US Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico, the complete list of values is available on the official website of the US Department of State. You can find it at this link.