How to Calculate Food Stamp Allotment

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is designed to aid low-income citizens in the purchase of food. Many people don't apply for food stamps because they don't know if they're eligible or how much they could even receive. Some who do receive food stamps don't even know how their numbers are derived. Calculating your monthly food stamp allotment is relatively simple with the appropriate figures.

Things You'll Need

• Monthly earning figures
• Maximum food stamp allotment figures

Instructions

1. Determine your monthly earnings, as well as your family size.

2. Multiply your monthly earnings by 30 percent. For example, if your monthly earnings total $1,200, you would complete the following equation: $1,200 X 0.30 = 360.

3. Look up the maximum allotment figure for your family size using the People in Household link in the Resources section. For example, if you have a family of four, your maximum monthly food stamp allotment is $588.

4. Subtract 30 percent of your monthly earnings (the first figure, which was derived in Step 2) from your maximum monthly allotment (from Step 3). For example, in this case, you would complete the following equation: $588 -- 360 = $228. Therefore, your family's monthly food stamp allotment would be $228.

Tips & Warnings

• Maximum allotment levels are higher in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the Virgin Islands because food prices are higher in those areas.

• You must meet the SNAP eligibility requirements before you can receive food stamps.

References

• FNS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Resources

• People in Household