Alabama Food Assistance Program

Alabama’s Food Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly cash benefits to eligible low income families to help them buy the food they need for good health. Its aim is to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition.

Eligibility is limited to families with gross income not exceeding 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. That’s about $2,887 a month for a family of three to qualify.

Most recipients ages 18—64 who aren’t disabled or raising children under age 14 must comply with special work rules or they will be subject to a three-month time limit on SNAP receipt.

FAQ

Who is eligible for food stamps in Alabama?

In order to qualify for SNAP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Live in Alabama
Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Show proof of identity
Meet certain income guidelines

What is the income limit for food stamps in Alabama?

Most families in Alabama with gross income up to 130% of the federal poverty level, about $2,887 a month for a family of three, qualify for food stamps.

Family Size	100%Net Income	130%Gross Income
1	$1,304	$1,695
2	$1,763	$2,291
3	$2,221	$2,887
4	$2,679	$3,483
5	$3,138	$4,079
6	$3,596	$4,675
7	$4,054	$5,270
8	$4,513	$5,866

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

Are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

How much food stamps for a family of 3 in Alabama?

SNAP benefits may vary from family to family depending on a variety of factors, including the household size, income and allowable deductions.

For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 in monthly benefits or $485 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Family Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

How do I apply for food stamps in Alabama?

To apply for food assistance benefits, please visit MyDHR which is the online application portal for Alabama’s public assistance. Before you can complete the application, you must first register for an account.

Once you’re accepted into the program, you will receive an electronic EBT card that is preloaded monthly with cash benefits and is used, like a debit card, to purchase eligible food from local grocery stores.

Food Assistance Division
(833) 822-2202

What is the food assistance for seniors in Alabama?

If everyone in your household is age 60 or older, and no one is working, you can apply for benefits through the Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project (AESAP).

Specifically, ESAP uses a simplified application, waives the recertification interview requirement, and extends the certification period to 36 months.

For more information about AESAP, or to request a simplified application for seniors or people with disabilities, call (800) 438-2958.

Does Alabama drug test for food stamps?

Under the current law, SNAP participants are not legally required to take or pass a drug test in order to apply for or receive benefits under SNAP.

However, a proposed new Alabama law would require residents to pass a drug test “if there is reasonable suspicion that the person uses or is under the influence of a drug”.