The maximum amounts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits vary across U.S. states. This variation is due to regional adjustments linked to the cost of living. Households in areas with higher basic expenses may access higher financial support compared to regions with less financial pressure.
Because the cost of living isn’t the same in Southern California as it is in northern Alaska (there’s a reason they call it “The Last Frontier State”), and it’s not the same in New York as it is in Wyoming. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjusts the maximum SNAP benefit payments each year by carefully analyzing the cost of basic goods and services in each state.
SNAP maximum amounts by state or location
As well as the Social Security benefits, the SNAP payments are increased following the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), to avoid the allotments to lose purchase power against inflation. In 2025, the COLA applied is 2.5%.
Continental States and District of Columbia (Washington DC):
- 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 distinct zones
- 1 person:Urban: $377 / Rural 1: $481 / Rural 2: $586
- 2 people:Urban: $692 / Rural 1: $882 / Rural 2: $1,074
- 3 people:Urban: $991 / Rural 1: $1,263 / Rural 2: $1,538
- 4 people:Urban: $1,258 / Rural 1: $1,604 / Rural 2: $1,953
- 5 people:Urban: $1,494 / Rural 1: $1,905 / Rural 2: $2,319
- 6 people:Urban: $1,793 / Rural 1: $2,287 / Rural 2: $2,783
- 7 people:Urban: $1,982 / Rural 1: $2,527 / Rural 2: $3,076
- 8 people:Urban: $2,265 / Rural 1: $2,888 / Rural 2: $3,516
- Each additional person:+$283 in all three zones
SNAP maximums in Hawaii are also differentiated, due to higher cost of living prices:
- 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: +$388
Guam also receives SNAP benefits, and its prices are higher. Prices in Guam are estimated to be approximately 50% higher than in the mainland.
This is because most everyday food and non-food items are imported, and there are restrictions limiting maritime transport to U.S. vessels, which increases the cost of shipping and, consequently, the cost of products on the island. These are the food stamp values there:
- 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: +$324
Something similar happens in the US Virgin Islands, where the cost of living can vary between 15% and 50% higher than in the continental United States, depending on the product consumed.
These are the SNAP values for that region:
- 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: +$282
Apply for SNAP today
Now that you know how much the SNAP benefits can be in your state of residence, and if you are thinking about applying, head over to the USDA website https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directorywhere you will find a list of the nearest offices where you will find the nearest organization or agency where you can apply.
There are certain eligibility criteria you must meet, regardless of where you live. Eligibility depends on income (gross limits: 130% of the federal poverty level; and net: 100%), certain assets and belongings (general limit: $2,250; $3,500 for seniors/disabled individuals), and employment status.
Deductions such as 20% of earned income, medical expenses, and housing are allowed. Adults ages 18 to 54 without dependents must work 80 hours per month or limit benefits to three months in 36 months. Exemptions apply to those age 54 and older, veterans, the disabled, and other groups.
Only citizens and certain legal non-citizens qualify, with waiting periods of up to five years for some immigrants (excluding refugees and asylees). Those over 60 and disabled individuals receive additional benefits, such as medical deductions and extended certification (up to 36 months).
These are just a few of the requirements, and we’ve summarized them for your information. That’s why we recommend contacting your local SNAP office so they can explain in detail what you need to meet.
