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Yes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (usually shortened to USDA) provides support and resources related to food, agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and more. SNAP (often called food stamps) is one of the many programs the USDA runs.
But, while the USDA is federal, SNAP benefits are distributed by states or counties, and you apply and qualify for SNAP through your state or county office. Let’s break down the relationship between SNAP, USDA, and state and county-run benefits programs, as well as who qualifies for SNAP.
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The USDA vs. state SNAP agencies#the-usda-vs-state-snap-agencies
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) handles the oversight, funding, and national rules for SNAP. That means the USDA is in charge of:
- Funding SNAP benefits
- Settling the eligibility framework
- Approving EBT-eligible retailers, grocery stores, and farmers' markets
- Ensuring states follow SNAP regulations
- Approving state adjustments in the event of an emergency or crisis
The USDA is the policy-maker, bank, and regulator for SNAP. Then there are state or county SNAP agencies. Each state or county is responsible for distributing benefits to qualified residents. That means local SNAP offices are in charge of:
- Processing SNAP applications and recertifications
- Distributing benefits in the form of EBT cards
- Dealing with customer service and outreach
- Covering a portion of the administrative benefits
In most places, SNAP is administered at the state level, but in some states, SNAP is administered by county instead, including California, Colorado, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The federal-state partnership in action#the-federal-state-partnership-in-action
Here is how the federal government and states work together to run SNAP:
- Congress authorizes SNAP funding
- The USDA/FNS sets regulations and sends funding to states
- States implement the program, following federal rules but with room to adjust:
- Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility
- How SNAP interviews are conducted (in person, by phone, or waived for seniors).
- Whether to run state supplements (extra food assistance for specific groups).
- FNS monitors performance, payment accuracy, and timeliness
Who is eligible for SNAP?#who-is-eligible-for-snap
SNAP qualifications can vary by location, but generally, your local office will consider a few different factors when you apply for food stamps.
- Income: The exact amount of income you must be below to qualify for SNAP depends on the state you live in and the number of people in the household who have a qualifying immigration status—some states have higher income limits than others.
- Household size: A household is defined by the number of people in your home who buy and prepare food together. The larger the household, the higher the income qualifications for SNAP.
- Immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or part of an eligible immigrant group to receive SNAP.
How much do people get with SNAP?#how-much-do-people-get-with-snap
According to USDA data, the average monthly SNAP benefit per person is about $187. However, this number will vary by person based on income, household, and the supplemental programs available in your state.
