Everything You Need to Know About SNAP Benefits in 2023

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income households supplement their grocery budgets so they can afford nutritious food. Roughly 12.5% of the U.S. population receives SNAP assistance. Whether you're new to the program or you've received SNAP benefits for years, you may have questions. Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked.

Who's eligible for SNAP benefits?

There are two ways SNAP eligibility is determined: Traditional or categorical.

• Traditional: Based on household gross income, net income, and assets. Gross household monthly income (the amount you earn before taxes and other deductions are taken) cannot be over 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

Net household income (the amount of money you bring home) cannot be over 100% of the federal poverty level. For example, the FPL for a family of four in 2023 is $30,000. To be eligible for SNAP, you would need a net income of $60,000 or less.

• Categorical: If an applicant is a participant in Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or General Assistance (GA), they are automatically eligible for SNAP benefits.

Here are the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) figures for 2023:

Are there any work requirements?

Yes. Work requirements to qualify for SNAP benefits include registering for a job with a state employment office, accepting a job if you're offered one, and fulfilling the job search or training requirements as laid out by your state SNAP agency. These requirements do not apply to older adults or people with disabilities. And it's important to note that college students and non-citizens are not typically eligible for SNAP benefits.

How are SNAP benefits distributed?

SNAP provides eligible households with a monthly electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. An EBT card functions like a prepaid card. In other words, when shopping at an eligible, licensed retailer, you swipe the card to make payment. And like a traditional debit card, the amount spent is deducted from your balance.

Does the government ever raise the amount SNAP recipients receive?

The government's fiscal year (a fiscal year is the government's one-year accounting period) begins on Oct. 1. At that time, SNAP eligibility and maximum benefits are among the adjustments that are made. The goal is to help those without enough in their bank accounts get the assistance they need.

I've been hearing about SNAP scams. What can I do if I'm a victim of a scam?

All states are required to reimburse SNAP beneficiaries for up to two months of benefits twice a year. Even though you should be reimbursed if you're scammed, taking steps to protect yourself before a scam occurs is definitely your best option. For example, if you receive a text message from someone saying that your EBT card is locked, ignore it. The text will tell you that you must call a specific number for assistance unlocking the card. Once you do, the person on the other end will ask for personal information. If you provide them with personal information, it will be used for identity theft or another type of fraud.

If you need help stretching your budget to buy nutritious food, SNAP can help. The first step is to find the SNAP offices in your state by going to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) site.