USDA key statistics and research for the fiscal year 2023 claim that on average, a SNAP recipient gets about $211.93. As of October 1, 2024, the maximum benefit payment for Food Stamps is $292.
Since the 2025 COLA has already come into effect, this SNAP amount will probably be slightly higher, but it is a good idea of what a monthly payment could be like. For (FY) 2023, USDA, through the Federal SNAP program, spent $112.8 billion. So, it is a huge pot from which millions of Americans can fight food insecurity.
What are the average SNAP amounts for families?
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the average payment for Fiscal Year 2025 will be about $199 for a household size of 1. Therefore, this amount is slightly lower than the amount for Fiscal Year 2023, which was $211 per participant.
Bear in mind that these two SNAP amounts are not measuring the same thing, one is just for a household of 1 while the other is per participant. The other average payment amounts depending on the household size are:
- Household of 1: $199
- Household of 2: $364
- Household of 3: $594
- Household of 4: $726
- Household of 5: $845
- Household of 6: $1,018
- Household of 7: $1,116
- Household of 8: $1,317
Maximum SNAP amounts since October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025
1: $292
2: $536
3: $768
4: $975
5: $1,158
6: $1,390
7: $1,536
8: $1,756
Each additional member $220
SNAP eligibility
To receive Food Stamp benefits you must meet both income and resources limits. They will vary depending on the number of people living in the same household. What is more, limits may be higher if you have a disability or are a senior aged 60.
General and specific work requirements will also apply. Of course, you can only apply for SNAP benefit payments in the State where you are currently living. Some people do not qualify.
For example, regardless of your income, you will not qualify for Food Stamp benefits if you are on strike, some students attending college more than half time, all people without a documented immigration status, certain immigrants with lawful immigration statuses among other cases.