What are the SNAP income limits for FY 2027?

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service updates federal SNAP income standards and benefit amounts each fiscal year. The FY 2027 standards in this guide apply from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

For households in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC, the standard federal net monthly income limits are listed below. These amounts are especially important for households with an elderly or disabled member because those households generally need to meet the net income test, not the standard gross income test.

These are federal standards for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC. Alaska and Hawaii have different income standards, and other jurisdictions can have different benefit amounts. State policies can also affect how income eligibility is determined.

Important: The gross income figures in this table are the standard federal limits for households subject to the usual gross income test. A household with an elderly or disabled member generally has to pass the net income test instead, subject to applicable state rules and other eligibility requirements.

Who qualifies as elderly or disabled for SNAP?

For SNAP purposes, an elderly person is generally someone age 60 or older. A disabled household member must meet the program definition of disability, which includes specific categories of disability-related benefits and status under federal SNAP rules.

A household may receive special SNAP treatment if it includes an elderly or qualifying disabled member. The special rules can make a substantial difference for people living on Social Security, a pension or other fixed income, particularly when they have high medical or housing costs.

Examples of households that may benefit from the special rules

• A retired person age 65 who lives alone and pays rent.
• A married couple in which one or both people are age 60 or older.
• A person with a qualifying disability who receives disability benefits.
• An older adult who pays significant out-of-pocket prescription, insurance or medical expenses.
• A household with an elderly or disabled member and high eligible shelter costs.

Meeting the age or disability definition does not automatically guarantee SNAP benefits. The agency still reviews household composition, income, allowable deductions, citizenship or immigration eligibility and other applicable rules.

Why seniors and disabled households may not need to pass the gross income test

Most SNAP households are generally subject to both gross and net income requirements, unless an applicable state policy or categorical eligibility rule changes how the test is applied. Households with an elderly or disabled member generally need to meet the net income test rather than the standard federal gross income limit.

Net income is calculated after allowable deductions. This means that a person whose monthly income is higher than the standard gross income figure may still want to apply if they qualify for the elderly or disabled household rules and have substantial eligible expenses.

Social Security income is generally counted as unearned income for SNAP unless a specific exclusion applies. SSI or disability benefits do not automatically guarantee SNAP eligibility, but households receiving certain means-tested benefits may qualify for categorical eligibility under applicable state rules.

SNAP medical expense deduction for seniors and disabled people

One of the most important SNAP deductions for older adults and people with disabilities is the excess medical expense deduction. Under the standard federal rule, eligible households may deduct qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses above $35 per month when the expenses are for an elderly or disabled household member and are not paid by insurance or another person.

Depending on the circumstances and applicable SNAP rules, qualifying costs may include:

• Prescription medicines and certain medical supplies.
• Health insurance premiums, including eligible Medicare-related premiums.
• Payments for medical and dental care.
• Eligible transportation costs related to medical care.
• Other qualifying expenses recognized by the state SNAP agency.

Keep receipts, premium statements, invoices and records showing what you paid yourself. Expenses paid or reimbursed by insurance or another person generally cannot be deducted as your own out-of-pocket costs. Your state agency can explain which expenses qualify and what documentation it needs.

Other SNAP deductions that can lower countable income

SNAP does not always compare your total income directly with the net income limit. The agency may subtract allowable deductions to calculate net income. The deductions available to a household depend on its circumstances and state rules.

Not every household qualifies for every deduction. Ask your state SNAP office which costs can be included and what proof is required. Reporting expenses accurately may affect your final benefit calculation.

Maximum SNAP benefits for FY 2027

The maximum monthly SNAP allotment depends on household size and location. The following federal amounts apply to the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC, from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

These are maximum allotments, not guaranteed payments. Your actual SNAP benefit is generally calculated using household size and countable net income. A household with income after deductions may receive less than the maximum.

Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have different maximum allotments. Always check the official USDA tables or your state agency for the amount that applies where you live.

How SNAP benefits are calculated

The state SNAP agency reviews your household income, applies allowable deductions and determines countable net income. For a standard full-month calculation, the allotment is generally based on the maximum benefit for the household size minus approximately 30% of net income, with rounding and other applicable rules.

For older adults and people with disabilities, allowable medical and shelter deductions can be especially important because they may reduce the net income used in the calculation.

Do seniors need to meet SNAP work requirements?

SNAP work rules depend on age, disability status, household circumstances and current federal and state requirements. The general age-based exemption for the SNAP time limit for certain able-bodied adults without dependents begins at age 18 and ends before age 65 under the relevant federal rules, while other work-related requirements may apply to particular applicants.

People who are 60 or older generally fall outside the age range for the specific time-limited ABAWD work requirement, but this does not mean every SNAP work rule is irrelevant to every household member. Other adults in the same household may be subject to different requirements.

Federal SNAP eligibility and work rules changed under legislation enacted in 2025. Implementation and exemptions can depend on the current federal guidance and state administration. Check with your state agency about your exact circumstances instead of relying on older summaries of work rules.

How to apply for SNAP benefits in FY 2027

You must apply through the SNAP agency in the state where you currently live. Many states allow online applications, while others also provide telephone, mail or in-person options.

Documents and information to prepare

• Identification and contact information.
• Information about the people who live and purchase food with you.
• Social Security, pension, wages or other income records.
• Rent or mortgage statements and utility expenses.
• Receipts and statements for qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Bank or asset information if requested under the rules that apply to your case.
• Any additional verification requested by your state agency.

After applying, the agency may schedule an interview and request documents to verify your income, expenses and household circumstances. Respond to requests by the stated deadlines to avoid delays.

Can you receive SNAP while getting Social Security or SSI?

Yes. Receiving Social Security retirement, SSDI or SSI does not automatically disqualify you from SNAP. These payments are generally considered income for SNAP purposes unless a specific exclusion applies, so they can affect the amount of assistance you receive.

Some households that receive SSI or certain other means-tested benefits may qualify for categorical eligibility under state rules. However, categorical eligibility does not mean that every household automatically receives the same benefit amount or bypasses every program requirement.

If you receive Medicare, Social Security or disability benefits and pay premiums, prescription costs or other eligible medical expenses, tell your SNAP caseworker. Those expenses may be relevant to the medical deduction calculation.

Frequently asked questions about SNAP income limits for seniors

Bottom line

SNAP FY 2027 income rules provide special treatment for households with elderly or disabled members. In the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC, the net monthly income limit is $1,330 for one person and $1,804 for two people. Qualifying medical expenses above $35 per month, eligible shelter costs and other deductions may reduce the income used to determine eligibility.

Do not assume you are ineligible solely because your gross income is above the standard limit. Gather income and expense records, check your state rules and submit an application through the official state SNAP agency. Only the agency can determine your eligibility and monthly benefit amount.