SNAP participation averaged 41,547,000 people per month in September 2024. Average monthly benefits per participant were $131.17 that same month. The rest of the report tracks SNAP average monthly participants month by month from October 2023 through September 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in October 2023 was 40,484,000 people
- SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2023 was 42.4 million people
- SNAP participation is typically measured as average monthly participation
- SNAP is authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as amended) (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)
- SNAP serves both individuals and families in households with limited income and resources
- The federal SNAP E&T (Employment and Training) program is separate from SNAP benefits
- SNAP provides benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards
- SNAP benefits are administered at the state level, but federal rules set eligibility and benefit calculation
- SNAP benefits supplement household food budgets
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of one in fiscal year 2024 is $291 per month
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of two in fiscal year 2024 is $430 per month
- The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of three in fiscal year 2024 is $536 per month
- In FY 2023, total SNAP federal expenditures were $122.8 billion
- In FY 2022, total SNAP federal expenditures were $106.1 billion
- In FY 2021, total SNAP federal expenditures were $104.0 billion
In fall 2023 and spring 2024, SNAP enrollment stayed near 40.5 million and average benefits hovered around $132 monthly.
Related reading
01 · Category
Enrollment & Participation27 stats
01
Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in October 2023 was 40,484,000 people
02
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2023 was 42.4 million people
03
SNAP participation is typically measured as average monthly participation
04
In October 2023, SNAP average monthly participants were 40,484,000
05
In December 2023, SNAP average monthly participation was 42,071,000
06
In January 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 42,070,000
07
In February 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,876,000
08
In March 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,680,000
09
In April 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,603,000
10
In May 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,541,000
11
In June 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,594,000
12
In July 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,598,000
13
In August 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,592,000
14
In September 2024, SNAP average monthly participation was 41,547,000
15
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2022 was 41.7 million
16
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2021 was 39.1 million
17
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2020 was 36.9 million
18
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2019 was 35.8 million
19
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2018 was 36.5 million
20
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2017 was 40.1 million
21
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2016 was 44.2 million
22
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2015 was 45.8 million
23
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2014 was 47.2 million
24
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2013 was 47.7 million
25
SNAP average monthly participation in FY 2012 was 47.6 million
26
In FY 2023, SNAP served 47.1 million people at some point during the year (unique individuals)
27
In FY 2023, average monthly participation was 42.4 million
Interpretation
Enrollment & Participation Interpretation
In October 2023 SNAP covered about 40.5 million people and then hovered around 41.5 to 42.1 million through the rest of the 2023 to 2024 period, meaning the program is often more steady than political rhetoric, just with millions of households quietly relying on it month after month.
02 · Category
Policy & Administration30 stats
01
SNAP is authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as amended) (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)
02
SNAP serves both individuals and families in households with limited income and resources
03
The federal SNAP E&T (Employment and Training) program is separate from SNAP benefits
04
SNAP employment and training is administered under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through E&T activities
05
SNAP provides expedited service for households with urgent needs
06
Expedited SNAP requires a decision within 3 days of application
07
Standard SNAP application processing time is within 30 days
08
States must provide a fair hearing to applicants and participants
09
SNAP is administered by USDA FNS at the federal level
10
SNAP is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service programs
11
SNAP fraud prevention and recovery include administrative penalties and disqualifications
12
Retailer disqualification actions can be appealed through state agencies
13
SNAP Quality Control (QC) reviews verify eligibility and benefit calculations
14
States are required to conduct Quality Control (QC) reviews on a sample of cases
15
SNAP accuracy rate is monitored via QC
16
SNAP includes a categorical eligibility approach in many states
17
Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for simplified reporting
18
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) are subject to time limits under certain conditions
19
ABAWD time limit is 3 months within a 36-month period unless meeting work requirements
20
SNAP includes work requirements for certain able-bodied adults in specific age ranges
21
Children under 18 are generally not subject to ABAWD time limits
22
SNAP participants are generally required to report changes affecting eligibility
23
SNAP verification requirements include identity and eligibility information
24
SNAP net income limit is 100% of the federal poverty guidelines for most households
25
SNAP gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty guidelines for most households
26
Standard resource limit is $2,750for most households
27
Standard resource limit is $3,750for households with a member who is elderly or disabled
28
SNAP has no asset test for households with broad-based categorical eligibility in many states
29
SNAP benefits are adjusted annually for inflation and cost of living through the Thrifty Food Plan
30
The Thrifty Food Plan is the basis for the maximum SNAP benefit amounts
Interpretation
Policy & Administration Interpretation
SNAP is a tightly regulated, federally administered safety net that moves fast for people in crisis, takes a bit longer for everyone else, requires states to check eligibility fairly and monitor accuracy through quality control, and pairs benefits with work and employment programming while punishing fraud and setting clear income, resource, verification, and ABAWD time limit rules.
03 · Category
Program Delivery30 stats
01
SNAP provides benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards
02
SNAP benefits are administered at the state level, but federal rules set eligibility and benefit calculation
03
SNAP benefits supplement household food budgets
04
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers and certain online options
05
As of June 2023: June 2026, SNAP retailers included more than 240,000 authorized retailers nationwide
06
As of June 2023: June 2026, there were about 50,000 authorized grocery retailers participating in SNAP EBT
07
SNAP has authorized retailers across all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
08
SNAP households can participate in the Restaurant Meals Program in some states for eligible populations
09
The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot/initiative allows eligible households to buy groceries online where authorized
10
SNAP benefits can be used at farmers markets that are authorized
11
SNAP’s Farmers Market program is delivered via SNAP retailer authorization and EBT acceptance
12
Farmers markets may accept SNAP via EBT cards
13
SNAP can be used to buy eligible food from certain online retailers
14
SNAP EBT cards can be replaced if lost or stolen through state processes
15
States manage EBT issuance timetables and schedules
16
SNAP supports statewide eligibility and benefit systems
17
SNAP includes case management for certain groups through Employment and Training (E&T) programs in some states
18
SNAP E&T participation is optional for many able-bodied adults depending on state policies and exemptions
19
SNAP has nutrition education resources under the SNAP-Ed program for eligible populations
20
SNAP-Ed reaches low-income individuals and families through nutrition education
21
The SNAP-Ed program supports evidence-based nutrition education
22
SNAP-Ed targets audiences including children, youth, and adults in SNAP-eligible households
23
USDA SNAP-Ed is administered by FNS through state partners
24
SNAP supports nutrition education using curricula and behavior change strategies described on SNAP-Ed’s official site
25
SNAP-Ed uses an evidence-based approach including interactive education
26
SNAP-Ed’s outcomes include changes in food-related behaviors and dietary quality, as described by SNAP-Ed
27
SNAP-Ed evaluation activities track program outputs and outcomes
28
SNAP-Ed website states SNAP-Ed is designed to help people make healthy food choices and get more physical activity
29
The SNAP Employment and Training program provides skills training, work experience, and job placement services
30
The SNAP Online purchasing page indicates authorized retailers and eligible items for online orders using EBT
Interpretation
Program Delivery Interpretation
SNAP is a federally regulated, state-run nutrition lifeline that turns food assistance into EBT-powered choice, backed by a vast network of retailers and online options, and reinforced by optional employment and training, farmers market access, and evidence-based nutrition education that tries to help people not just eat, but eat better.
More related reading
04 · Category
Benefits & Amounts30 stats
01
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of one in fiscal year 2024 is $291per month
02
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of two in fiscal year 2024 is $430per month
03
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of three in fiscal year 2024 is $536per month
04
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of four in fiscal year 2024 is $652per month
05
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of five in fiscal year 2024 is $768per month
06
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of six in fiscal year 2024 is $921per month
07
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of seven in fiscal year 2024 is $1,023per month
08
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of eight in fiscal year 2024 is $1,116per month
09
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of nine in fiscal year 2024 is $1,209per month
10
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household of ten in fiscal year 2024 is $1,306per month
11
The SNAP benefit for a household is adjusted based on net income and other factors
12
SNAP benefits are generally issued monthly
13
SNAP provides benefits to households in the form of EBT cards
14
SNAP benefits are used to buy eligible food items, excluding alcohol, tobacco, and prepared hot foods in most cases
15
SNAP maximum benefit amounts are updated in October annually
16
SNAP benefits ineligible foods include alcohol
17
SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy prepared hot foods in most jurisdictions
18
SNAP benefits can be used to buy seeds and plants that produce food
19
SNAP includes a deduction for shelter costs in benefit calculation
20
SNAP includes a standard utility allowance option for certain households
21
SNAP includes a dependent care deduction for eligible dependent care expenses
22
SNAP includes a medical expense deduction for elderly/disabled households
23
SNAP includes an earned income deduction
24
SNAP includes a standard deduction as part of the benefit formula
25
SNAP has a standard deduction amounts set by federal rules
26
SNAP’s benefit calculation uses a “net income” concept
27
USDA “SNAP Deductions” describes earned income and other deductions used in benefit calculation
28
USDA “SNAP Benefits” describes benefit formula based on net income
29
USDA “Maximum Amounts” provides maximum SNAP benefit amounts by household size
30
Federal SNAP regulations specify that benefit calculation includes deductions such as standard, earned income, and shelter costs
Interpretation
Benefits & Amounts Interpretation
SNAP’s 2024 “maximum” monthly benefit climbs with household size, but the amount you actually get is usually capped by income and then reduced through deductions like shelter, utilities, medical, earned income, and dependent care, all delivered monthly via EBT cards that must be spent on eligible food (not alcohol or most prepared hot foods), with the rules and maximum allotments updated each October.
05 · Category
Spending & Outcomes30 stats
01
In FY 2023, total SNAP federal expenditures were $122.8 billion
02
In FY 2022, total SNAP federal expenditures were $106.1 billion
03
In FY 2021, total SNAP federal expenditures were $104.0 billion
04
In FY 2020, total SNAP federal expenditures were $91.4 billion
05
In FY 2019, total SNAP federal expenditures were $72.8 billion
06
In FY 2018, total SNAP federal expenditures were $68.6 billion
07
In FY 2017, total SNAP federal expenditures were $64.7 billion
08
In FY 2016, total SNAP federal expenditures were $64.7 billion
09
In FY 2015, total SNAP federal expenditures were $68.3 billion
10
In FY 2014, total SNAP federal expenditures were $73.0 billion
11
In FY 2013, total SNAP federal expenditures were $76.6 billion
12
In 2022, SNAP averaged $200.00in benefits per person per month (estimate shown as a national average)
13
In FY 2023, the average SNAP benefit per person per month was $132
14
In FY 2022, the average SNAP benefit per person per month was $137
15
In FY 2021, the average SNAP benefit per person per month was $121
16
In FY 2020, the average SNAP benefit per person per month was $117
17
The SNAP program includes 100% federal funding for eligibility determinations and EBT
18
States share administrative costs with the federal government under SNAP
19
SNAP administrative funding is provided through federal grants and matching funds
20
The SNAP Quality Control program reports an overall national error rate each fiscal year
21
SNAP trafficking and redemption fraud prevention includes retailer monitoring
22
SNAP benefits are expected to reduce food insecurity, as described in USDA ERS research
23
In 2022, food insecurity was higher for households without SNAP than with SNAP (share reported)
24
SNAP participation is associated with reduced hardship in multiple studies summarized by USDA ERS
25
SNAP is associated with improved diet quality relative to eligible non-participants in some studies summarized by USDA ERS
26
SNAP benefits help stabilize local economies through increased purchasing, as discussed in USDA ERS
27
The SNAP program impacts are frequently evaluated using administrative and survey data described by USDA ERS
28
The SNAP Program provides benefits to eligible households monthly, which supports food purchases
29
SNAP is monitored through federal oversight and state compliance reviews
30
USDA “SNAP Quality Control” indicates QC review sampling and error measurement
Interpretation
Spending & Outcomes Interpretation
From FY2013 to FY2023, SNAP federal spending rose from about $76.6 billion to $122.8 billion while monthly benefits for participants hovered around the low to mid $130s, proving with a straight face that this is both a serious social safety net and a steady economic throttle, complete with 100 percent federal funding for eligibility determinations, federal oversight, fraud prevention, and quality control checks that keep the program delivering food purchasing power without pretending the need itself has gone away.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Nathan Caldwell. (2026, February 13). Snap Program Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/snap-program-statistics
MLA
Nathan Caldwell. "Snap Program Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/snap-program-statistics.
Chicago
Nathan Caldwell. 2026. "Snap Program Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/snap-program-statistics.
Sources & references
42 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+37 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)