SNAP Eligibility Under the 2026 Farm Bill
Combined SNAP eligibility rules: H.R. 1's tighter ABAWD work requirements and income verification, plus the 2026 farm bill's reauthorization through 2031 and rotisserie chicken expansion.
SNAP eligibility in 2026: the combined picture
To understand who qualifies for SNAP and what they can buy, you have to look at H.R. 1 (2025) and the 2026 farm bill together. Most of the eligibility tightening came from H.R. 1; the farm bill kept those changes in place.
Income limits
Standard income limits (gross and net):
- Gross monthly income limit: 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL)
- Net monthly income limit: 100% of FPL (after deductions)
These limits adjust annually with FPL.
Asset limits
SNAP applicants must meet asset limits. These vary by state and household composition.
Work requirements
General work requirements
Most adult SNAP recipients must:
- Register for work
- Take suitable employment if offered
- Not voluntarily quit a job
- Not voluntarily reduce work hours
ABAWD work requirements
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) face stricter requirements. Under H.R. 1 (carried forward in the 2026 farm bill):
- ABAWDs must work or participate in work activities at least 20 hours per week
- ABAWDs unable to meet requirements are limited to 3 months of SNAP in any 36-month period
- State waiver authorities for ABAWD requirements are tightened
H.R. 1 raised the ABAWD age range and tightened state waiver provisions. The 2026 farm bill keeps these stricter rules in place.
Categorical eligibility
Some categories of recipients are automatically eligible:
- Households receiving TANF (cash assistance)
- Households receiving SSI in certain states
- State-defined “broad-based categorical eligibility” recipients: but H.R. 1 narrowed this category
What SNAP recipients can buy
Eligible
- Most foods for home preparation
- Seeds and plants for growing food
- Hot rotisserie chicken: newly eligible nationwide under the 2026 farm bill
- Cold prepared foods
NOT eligible
- Alcohol, tobacco
- Hot prepared foods (except rotisserie chicken)
- Pet food
- Household items, vitamins (varies)
- Live animals
State-specific restrictions
Several states have USDA waivers restricting SNAP from purchasing soda or sugary beverages. This is state-by-state, not federal.
Application process
SNAP applications go through state SNAP agencies (sometimes called state Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, etc.):
- Apply online, in person, by mail, or by phone
- Submit required documentation (income, household composition, expenses)
- Interview (often by phone)
- State determines eligibility and benefit amount
- EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card issued
The 2026 farm bill expanded state authority to outsource SNAP certification operations to private contractors. States may use this to address case backlogs.
Benefit calculation
Maximum SNAP benefits are calculated using the Thrifty Food Plan and adjusted for:
- Household size
- Income
- Standard deductions
- Earned income deduction (20% of earned income)
- Excess shelter cost deduction
- Dependent care deduction
- Medical expense deduction (elderly/disabled only)
Recertification
Most SNAP households recertify every 6 or 12 months.
Who this matters for
- Current SNAP recipients: work requirement changes affect ABAWDs especially
- Prospective applicants: tighter income verification
- State-level advocates: variation in implementation
- Food security researchers and policy analysts