The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides crucial financial assistance to low-income individuals and families across the United States. As of Fiscal Year 2025, which started on October 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released updated income eligibility standards.
For a two-person household, the net monthly income limit to qualify for SNAP benefits in 2025 is $1,704. Here’s what that means for applicants, how net income is calculated, and what steps you need to take to determine your eligibility.
Understanding SNAP Income Limits for 2025
To qualify for SNAP benefits, households must meet specific gross and net income limits. The gross income limit refers to total household earnings before deductions, while net income refers to earnings after allowable deductions such as housing costs, child care, and medical expenses for eligible individuals.
Net Income Limits for a Two-Person Household in 2025
- 48 Contiguous States, D.C., Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands: $1,704 per month
- Alaska: $2,130 per month
- Hawaii: $1,960 per month
For a full breakdown of income limits across different household sizes, visit the USDA’s SNAP Income Eligibility Standards.
How is Net Income Calculated?
Net income is determined by applying allowable deductions to gross income. Some common deductions include:
- 20% deduction on earned income to account for work-related expenses.
- Standard deduction based on household size ($198 for a two-person household in most states).
- Dependent care deduction for households paying child or dependent care expenses.
- Medical expense deduction for elderly or disabled members if medical costs exceed $35 per month.
- Excess shelter cost deduction, which applies if rent and utilities exceed half of the household’s net income after other deductions.
Who Qualifies for SNAP Benefits?
To qualify for SNAP, applicants must meet both income and resource limits. As of 2025:
- Total household assets (like cash, savings, and property that isn’t a primary residence) must generally be under $2,750.
- For households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member, the asset limit increases to $4,250.
- Work requirements apply to most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between ages 18 and 49. They must work at least 20 hours per week or be enrolled in a work training program to receive benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period.
How to Apply for SNAP in 2025
Each state administers SNAP independently, so eligibility rules may vary slightly. The application process typically involves:
- Filling Out an Application: Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at your local SNAP office. Check your state’s SNAP website at SNAP State Directory.
- Providing Income Documentation: Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), expenses, and household composition will be required.
- Interview Process: Most applicants must complete an interview, which may be conducted by phone or in person.
- Approval & Benefit Issuance: If approved, SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at authorized grocery stores and markets.
How Much SNAP Benefits Can a Two-Person Household Receive in 2025?
The maximum monthly SNAP benefit amount for a two-person household in FY 2025 is $535, depending on income and expenses. Households with lower net incomes may receive a higher benefit amount.
Special Considerations for 2025
- Expanded Eligibility in Some States: Some states use Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which allows households with higher gross incomes to qualify if they have high expenses.
- Emergency SNAP Allotments Ended: Pandemic-related SNAP expansions ended in 2023, meaning benefits are now based solely on income and expenses.
- SNAP Work Requirements Have Changed: Starting in 2025, work requirements for ABAWDs expand to include those up to age 54 in certain states.
Conclusion
The SNAP net income limit for a two-person household in 2025 is set at $1,704 per month in most states, with slightly higher limits for Alaska and Hawaii. To determine eligibility, applicants must consider both income and allowable deductions. With these updated figures, households struggling to afford groceries can check if they qualify for assistance and apply through their state’s SNAP office.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for SKC News, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin