As grocery prices continue to challenge household budgets, more than 41 million Americans are relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to meet basic food needs. Operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in partnership with state governments, SNAP offers monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
In April 2025 alone, over $8 billion in SNAP benefits were distributed across the United States, according to USDA data. With food inflation still elevated, thousands of new households are turning to SNAP each month for support. Here’s a full breakdown of who qualifies, how to apply, what benefits cover, and how to track your EBT balance.
How to apply for SNAP benefits in your state
Although SNAP is federally funded, applications are handled by individual states through their Department of Human Services or Social Services offices. While specific processes may vary slightly by state, the core steps are consistent nationwide.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Proof of identity and residency
- Income documentation such as pay stubs or tax forms
- Household expense details, including rent, medical bills, and childcare
Once an application is submitted, it is generally reviewed within 30 days. Households facing extreme hardship—such as those with very low income and limited assets—may be eligible for expedited SNAP benefits, which can be issued within seven days.
A mandatory interview, conducted by phone or in person, is also required to verify eligibility before benefits are approved. Once accepted, recipients receive an EBT card by mail, which is loaded with benefits on a monthly cycle.
2025 income eligibility guidelines
Eligibility for SNAP depends on both gross and net income, with adjustments based on allowable deductions like housing and medical expenses. According to USDA’s 2025 guidelines, a household of three must have a gross monthly income under $2,694 to qualify.
States may also consider asset tests, household size, and citizenship status when determining eligibility.
What you can—and cannot—buy with SNAP
EBT cards can be used to purchase a wide range of grocery items at participating stores and authorized online retailers. However, there are clear restrictions on what items are eligible.
| Eligible SNAP Purchases | Ineligible Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats | Alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods |
| Bread, cereals, rice, grains | Vitamins, supplements, pet food |
| Seeds, food-producing plants | Cleaning products, hygiene goods, paper products |
SNAP does not cover restaurant meals, except in select states that offer a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) for qualified groups such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness.
How to check your SNAP EBT balance
Staying aware of your EBT balance is essential for budgeting food purchases. Here are the most common methods for checking your current SNAP balance:
- Store receipts: After each transaction, your remaining balance is typically printed at the bottom.
- Toll-free number: Every EBT card includes a phone number on the back for automated balance checks.
- Online portals or mobile apps: Most states offer secure websites or apps like Providers, which let users monitor balances, set alerts, and view recent transactions.
Some states have also introduced text alerts and low-balance warnings to help recipients manage their monthly deposits more efficiently.
Millions still unaware they qualify for food assistance
Despite its nationwide reach, advocates estimate that millions of Americans who are eligible for SNAP are not enrolled. Many seniors, working families, and rural residents either don’t know they qualify or avoid applying due to stigma or confusion about the process.
In response, states and nonprofit organizations have launched outreach campaigns aimed at reducing barriers, offering application assistance, and correcting misinformation about SNAP’s scope and eligibility.
Why SNAP remains critical in 2025
With the cost of living still high and food prices remaining volatile, SNAP remains one of the most essential public safety net programs in the U.S. Its reach spans every state, providing a consistent source of nutritional support for individuals and families facing financial difficulty.
Recipients are urged to:
- Visit their state’s official SNAP website
- Call the local SNAP office for personalized application assistance
- Use digital tools to monitor benefits and plan grocery spending
By ensuring proper enrollment and usage, SNAP can help millions avoid food insecurity and maintain better health outcomes—even during economic uncertainty.