Can you get food stamps on unemployment?

Yes—you can get food stamps (officially called SNAP) while also getting unemployment benefits. Just keep in mind that the money you get from unemployment counts as income for SNAP, so it can affect whether you qualify and how much you get each month.

But getting unemployment doesn’t automatically disqualify you from food stamps. Plenty of people on unemployment still get SNAP as long as their total income is within the program’s limits. Having both can help ease the financial burden after losing a job or having your work hours reduced.

Here’s what you should know about unemployment benefits and food stamps.

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How unemployment benefits affect SNAP eligibility#how-unemployment-benefits-affect-snap-eligibility

When you apply for SNAP, your total monthly income is a big factor in determining whether you qualify and how much you get. Unemployment benefits count as income, just like wages from a job.

This means two things:

1. Eligibility: If your unemployment benefits push your total household income above your state’s SNAP limit, you may not be eligible for food stamps.
2. Benefit amount: Even if you do qualify, higher unemployment income can lower the amount of SNAP benefits you receive. On the other hand, if your unemployment goes down, your SNAP payments could go up.

For example, a household of two in New York has a SNAP gross monthly income limit of $2,292 in 2025. If that household receives $1,500 per month in unemployment benefits, that’s under the limit, so they could qualify for SNAP depending on their other income and deductions.

If their unemployment benefits drop to $800 per month, their total income would be even lower, which could mean a bigger SNAP benefit.

Once they report the change, the state will recalculate the benefits, either for the next payment or at their next recertification.

Are you exempt from SNAP work rules if you’re on unemployment?#are-you-exempt-from-snap-work-rules-if-youre-on-unemployment

Yes—you usually don’t have to meet SNAP work requirements if you’re on unemployment. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• General work requirements: People ages 16-59 who are able to work will generally need to work, look for work, or participate in training programs to keep their SNAP benefits. However, you are exempt from these work requirements if you meet the work rules for unemployment insurance or TANF.
• ABAWD work requirements: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) can only get SNAP for a limited time unless they work at least 20 hours per week or meet other exemptions. Since receiving unemployment excuses you from the general work rules, it also exempts you from ABAWD work rules and time limits.

If you’re getting unemployment benefits, you most likely won’t have to meet SNAP work requirements—but rules can vary by state, so it's always a good idea to contact your local SNAP office to make sure.

Should you tell SNAP if you lose your job?#should-you-tell-snap-if-you-lose-your-job

Yes—if you already get SNAP benefits and you lose your job, you should contact your SNAP office and let them know about the change in household income.

Any changes in employment can impact your monthly benefits, and losing your job could mean your monthly benefit amount goes up.

Depending on the state, you may need to provide one or more of the following documents to prove you no longer have a job:

• A termination letter or a signed letter from your former employer
• Your final pay stub
• A self-written statement explaining your situation
• Proof that you’ve applied for unemployment or disability insurance

You can still get SNAP benefits even if you aren’t working and you decide to apply for unemployment.

How to apply for SNAP while you’re on unemployment#how-to-apply-for-snap-while-youre-on-unemployment

Applying for SNAP while you’re on unemployment works the same as applying at any other time. You’ll just need to verify your total monthly income and household size with the SNAP office and submit your application.

When you apply, you'll list your unemployment benefits as income and note any recent job loss or reduced hours. Your state will use this information to determine whether you qualify for SNAP and how much you get a month.

You can apply for SNAP:

• Online, through your state's benefits portal or website
• By phone, by calling your local SNAP office
• In person, at your county or local SNAP office