SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits vary across the U.S., depending on where you live. This is because the cost of living isn’t the same everywhere, and some regions have higher expenses than others.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjusts SNAP payments based on the local cost of goods and services, making sure the benefits match the financial needs of different states.
For example, living in Southern California is more expensive than living in rural Wyoming, so SNAP payments are higher in California. In 2025, SNAP benefits received a 2.5% increase to keep up with inflation and help families continue to afford food.
Maximum SNAP Benefits by State
Continental States and Washington D.C.
In most states, including Washington D.C., SNAP benefits are as follows:
1 person: $292
2 people: $536
3 people: $768
4 people: $975
5 people: $1,158
6 people: $1,390
7 people: $1,536
8 people: $1,756
Additional person: +$220
Alaska (Has Three Different Zones)
Alaska is unique because it has three regions, each with different SNAP benefit amounts. Here’s the breakdown:
Urban Alaska:
1 person: $377
2 people: $692
3 people: $991
4 people: $1,258
5 people: $1,494
6 people: $1,793
7 people: $1,982
8 people: $2,265
Additional person: +$283
Rural Alaska 1:
1 person: $481
2 people: $882
3 people: $1,263
4 people: $1,604
5 people: $1,905
6 people: $2,287
7 people: $2,527
8 people: $2,888
Additional person: +$283
Rural Alaska 2:
1 person: $586
2 people: $1,074
3 people: $1,538
4 people: $1,953
5 people: $2,319
6 people: $2,783
7 people: $3,076
8 people: $3,516
Additional person: +$283
Hawaii
Hawaii also has higher living costs, so SNAP benefits here are higher than the mainland:
1 person: $517
2 people: $948
3 people: $1,357
4 people: $1,723
5 people: $2,046
6 people: $2,456
7 people: $2,714
8 people: $3,102
Additional person: +$388
Guam (Higher Costs Due to Imports)
Guam’s cost of living is much higher because most goods are imported, which drives up prices. SNAP benefits in Guam are as follows:
1 person: $431
2 people: $790
3 people: $1,132
4 people: $1,437
5 people: $1,707
6 people: $2,049
7 people: $2,264
8 people: $2,588
Additional person: +$324
U.S. Virgin Islands (Higher Costs)
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, prices are about 15-50% higher than in the mainland U.S., so SNAP benefits are adjusted accordingly:
1 person: $376
2 people: $689
3 people: $987
4 people: $1,254
5 people: $1,489
6 people: $1,787
7 people: $1,975
8 people: $2,257
Additional person: +$282
How to Apply for SNAP
If you need assistance with food, you can apply for SNAP. Here’s how:
Visit the USDA website here to find the nearest office or agency where you can apply.
Eligibility: You must meet specific income and asset limits. For instance, income limits are 130% of the federal poverty level (gross income) and 100% (net income).
-Asset limit: $2,250 (or $3,500 for seniors/disabled individuals).
-Work requirements: Adults ages 18-54 without children must work at least 80 hours per month or limit benefits to three months within 36 months.
Special exemptions apply to seniors, the disabled, veterans, and others.
Important Notes:
Only U.S. citizens and some legal non-citizens qualify.
Immigrants may face waiting periods up to five years, except for refugees and asylees.
Seniors and disabled individuals can receive extra benefits, like medical deductions and longer certification periods (up to 36 months).