What are the maximum SNAP benefits in 2023?

SNAP benefits, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are a form of government assistance provided to eligible individuals and families to help them afford nutritious food. In order to qualify for SNAP benefits, certain criteria must be met, including having a household income below a specified threshold, being a US citizen or legal immigrant, and fulfilling other program requirements. The amount of SNAP benefits one is eligible to receive is determined by factors such as household size, income, and other relevant conditions.

SNAP benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers’ markets.

Since the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March 2020, many states have issued emergency allotments for SNAP families to help them meet their temporary food needs and ease their economic stress during the pandemic. However, despite the rising cost of food, the extra funds provided to families came to an end in February.

Breakdown of SNAP benefits for 2023

These are the maximum amounts awarded in the 48 contiguous United States, including the District of Columbia, depending on the number of family members:

Alaska residents who are recipients can receive up to $1,172 for urban families of four, $1,494 for rural zone one, and $1,819 for those living in Alaska rural zone two.

For a family of four in Hawaii, the maximum amount is $1,794.