SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
For SNAP budgets calculated as of 8/30/26 or later, with an effective date of October 1, 2026 or later the following budget calculations will increase or change:
- Maximum SNAP allotments /Thrifty Food Plan amounts.
- Standard Deduction.
- Maximum Excess Shelter Deduction.
- Homeless Shelter Deduction.
- Standard Utility Allowances (Heating/Air Conditioning/Limited Utility and Telephone).
The Food and Nutrition Administration of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that this year's (Fiscal Year 2027) Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) or maximum SNAP monthly allotments will increase for most household sizes in the table below --
Maximum SNAP Allotments/Thrifty Food Plan Amounts:
| Household Size | Effective 10/1/26 to 9/30/26 | Increase from previous fiscal year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $306 | $8 |
| 2 | $562 | $16 |
| 3 | $808 | $23 |
| 4 | $1,023 | $29 |
| 5 | $1,217 | $34 |
| 6 | $1,463 | $42 |
| 7 | $1,616 | $45 |
| 8 | $1,841 | $52 |
| Each additional person | +$225 | +$7 |
Starting October 1, 2026, additional amounts for households of nine or more people are capped at 200% (twice) the TFP for four people, per USDA regulations. Various changes to SNAP Standards and Deductions include the following breakdown --
Monthly SNAP Standard Deduction:
| Household Size | Effective 10/1/26 to 9/20/26 | Increase from prior fiscal year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 people | $217 | $8 |
| 4 | $229 | $6 |
| 5 | $268 | $7 |
| 6 or more | $308 | $9 |
The Maximum Shelter Deduction increases from $744/month to $769/month.
The Maximum Homeless Shelter Deduction increases from $198.99 to $205.66.
The TFP/Maximum Allotments are increasing effective October 1, 2026. The $8 increase in the one-person maximum allotment yields a $1 increase to the SNAP one- and two-person Household Maximum Benefit.
Income Guidelines for Households with Earned Income (150% of Federal Poverty Line)
*Effective October 1, 2026*
(no elderly or disabled member/ 150% of Federal Poverty Line)
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $2,705 |
| 3 | $3,415 |
| 4 | $4,125 |
| 5 | $4,835 |
| 6 | $5,545 |
| 7 | $6,255 |
| 8 | $6,965 |
| Each additional person | +$710 |
Each additional person add $688
Income Guidelines for Households with an Elderly or Disabled Member and Households with Dependent Care Expenses (200% of FPL)
*Effective October 1, 2026*
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $7,393 |
| 7 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $9,287 |
Each additional person add $947
Maximum Net Monthly Income
*Effective October 1, 2026*
| Family Size | Maximum Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $3,224 |
| 6 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $4,644 |
| Each additional person | $474 |
What if I have savings?
Most households applying for SNAP no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get SNAP benefits. This means that the household's assets (stocks, savings and retirement accounts, etc.) are not considered when determining eligibility.
What if I am a college student?
To participate in SNAP, a student in college or at least half-time must meet the income eligibility for SNAP and one of the following criteria:
- Be employed for an average of 20 hours per week and be paid for such employment or, if self-employed, be employed for an average of 20 hours per week and receive weekly earnings at least equal to the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours.
- Participate in a State or Federally financed work study program during the regular school year.
- Provide more than half the physical care for one or more dependent household members under the age of six or provide more than half the physical care of dependent household members who have reached the age of six but are under the age of 12 where adequate child care is not available.
- Enrolled full-time in an institution of higher education and is a single parent with responsibility for the care of a dependent child under age 12.
- Receive Unemployment Benefits (UIB).
- Attend a SUNY or CUNY comprehensive college, technology college, or community college and are enrolled in a qualified career and technical education program.
- Attend any of the 10 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) in New York State and are enrolled in a career and technical education program, remedial course, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language.