Fact check: What is the SNAP gross and net monthly income limit by household size in 2025?

1. Why the numbers differ and what they mean for applicants

SNAP eligibility is determined using two income tests: a gross income test (typically 130% of the poverty line) and a net income test (income at or below the poverty line after allowable deductions). The analyses show FY2025 tables—applicable Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025—listing a gross monthly cap of $1,632 and a net cap of $1,255 for a single‑person household in the 48 states, with escalations by household size and geographic adjustments for Alaska and Hawaii ^[1]. The data emphasize that the gross test is the first screen; households failing the gross test can still pass the net test only if deductions reduce countable income below the net threshold. Sources present both sets of limits and note the timing when new FY2026 limits take effect ^[2].

2. The FY2025 table: precise household thresholds and patterns

Multiple analyses reference an FY2025 chart that enumerates gross and net monthly income limits rising with each household member, with stated increments per additional member in some tables: for the 48 states the gross limits range up to several thousand dollars for larger households, and net limits similarly increase. One source gives a detailed series showing gross from $1,632 (1 person) to $5,712 (8 people) with per‑member add-ons, and net from $1,255 to $4,394 for the same range ^[1]. These tables are presented as the official standards used by states to determine eligibility for the FY2025 program year and are frequently reproduced by state human services agencies and USDA guidance.

3. The FY2026 figures and why they matter to anyone asking “in 2025”

Analyses also include FY2026 limits effective Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026 showing higher thresholds—illustratively a $1,696 gross and $1,305 net for a single person—reflecting annual inflation adjustments or federal updates ^[2]. This matters because question phrasing (“in 2025”) can be interpreted two ways: the FY2025 table governs eligibility during most of calendar year 2025 (Jan–Sept under FY2025) while the FY2026 table governs eligibility from Oct. 1, 2025 onward. The analyses correctly flag that both sets of limits exist, and applicants must rely on the table in effect on the application date ^{[1] [2]}.

4. Geographic adjustments and special household categories that change the math

All analyses note that Alaska and Hawaii have higher gross/net ceilings than the 48 contiguous states and DC/territories. One source further differentiates households without earned income from those with elderly or disabled members, showing alternate tables and higher gross income allowances for some categories ^[3]. These distinctions are critical: state practice and special categorical rules can yield different counting methods, and the presence of elderly/disabled household members can alter deductible calculations and gross allowances, which directly affects whether a household passes either the gross or net test.

5. Where the various published numbers disagree and how to reconcile them

The provided analyses present consistent patterns but some numeric differences: certain excerpts list a gross $1,696/$net $1,305 as FY2026 ^[2] while FY2025 figures cluster around $1,632 gross / $1,255 net for one person ^[1]. Differences arise because the datasets reference adjacent fiscal years—FY2025 vs FY2026—or alternative tables for special categories (elderly/disabled, Alaska/Hawaii). Reconciliation requires attention to the effective date: use FY2025 tables for Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025 applications and FY2026 tables for Oct. 1, 2025 onward; verify whether the household qualifies under standard or special allowance tables ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

6. Bottom line for someone asking the question right now

If you mean eligibility during the federal fiscal year labeled FY2025 (Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025), the standard 48‑state table lists gross $1,632 and net $1,255 for a single‑person household, with higher thresholds as household size rises and higher adjustments for Alaska/Hawaii ^[1]. If you mean calendar late‑2025 or applications made on/after Oct. 1, 2025, use the FY2026 figures such as $1,696 gross / $1,305 net for one person, again varying by household size and special categories ^[2]. Always check the table effective on the application date and whether a household falls under any special allowances.