How much will I get in SNAP/food stamp benefits each month?

To get your SNAP/food stamp benefit amount, multiply your net monthly income by 0.3 (30 percent). Round up this amount to the nearest dollar.

Take this amount and subtract it from the maximum benefit level for a household of your size. The result of this math is the amount of your monthly benefits. 106 C.M.R. §§ 364.600, 364.980. See "Maximum SNAP/Food stamp Allotments," Appendix B: Income and Benefits Standards, Chart 1.

Example

Carl Chase and his family in What is the shelter deduction and how does DTA calculate it? have $500 in net income after allowable deductions. To determine the family's SNAP/food stamp benefits, you take 30% of the "net income" (30% of $500) and subtract it from the maximum benefit, as follows:

$500	Net Income for the Chases
x .30	(Multiply by 30%)
$150	Countable Income
$526	Maximum food stamps/SNAP for 3 persons
-150	Countable income (round up)
$376	Monthly SNAP/food stamp benefits for the Chase family

Your first month of SNAP/food stamp benefits

For the first month you apply, you will get benefits only for the days left in the SNAP/food stamp month from the date you apply. This is called prorating of benefits. 106 C.M.R. § 364.650. For example, if you apply halfway through your SNAP/food stamp month, you will get only 50 percent of the benefit amount you will receive in future months. See When will I get my food stamp/SNAP benefits? for an explanation of "SNAP/food stamp month."

$16 minimum benefit for one- and two-person households

If you are a household of one or two and your gross income is below the gross income test for your situation, you should receive a minimum of $16 a month in SNAP/food stamp benefits. 106 C.M.R. § 364.600(A).

Households with zero benefits

Strange as it may seem, a household of three or more persons can get "approved" for zero SNAP/food stamp benefits even though gross income is below the 200% gross income test. This happens when thirty percent of your net income is greater than the maximum benefit amounts. 106 C.M.R. §§ 364.600(A), 365.100. DTA will put your case in "suspended" status.

The reason you are "approved" for zero benefit is so you can quickly get benefits without reapplying if you have a decrease in your income or increase in expenses, or change in household size that makes you eligible for benefits. DTA will send you a notice stating that your SNAP/food stamp case is "open" in the system, but you will not receive any benefits. If you report any changes during the certification period that make you eligible, you do not need to go through a whole reapplication with verifications and an interview. You only have to verify the change (drop in income, increased expenses, new household members).

Additional Policy Guidance on Zero Benefit Households