How Much Can a Disabled Person Get in Food Stamps? EBT & State Benefits Guide

How much can a disabled person get in food stamps is one of the most important questions for individuals living with disabilities who rely on government support to afford daily essentials. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, offers monthly benefits through an EBT card, helping millions of Americans access nutritious food.

This guide explains eligibility, how benefit amounts are calculated, and how disabled recipients can also unlock extra programs like Lifeline.

1. Understanding EBT for disabled individuals

Before diving into the frequently asked question “How much can a disabled person get in Food Stamps?”, it’s important to understand the origins of the Food Stamps program (now SNAP), how the EBT card works, and why it is a crucial support system for disabled individuals.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “Food Stamps”, is a federal initiative designed to help low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, access sufficient and nutritious food. Through the EBT card, recipients can use their benefits to purchase groceries at eligible food stores and supermarkets across the United States. 

Understanding how EBT functions for disabled individuals can help you maximize the benefits you are entitled to. 

What is an EBT disability? 

In the SNAP system, “EBT disability” is not a separate program. Instead, it refers to individuals who are classified as disabled according to specific standards and who receive SNAP benefits through an EBT card. 

To qualify as disabled under SNAP, you must meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• Receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). 
• Receive retirement or disability benefits from a federal or state government agency due to a long-term or permanent disability. 
• Receive railroad retirement disability benefits. 
• Provide official medical documentation stating that you are unable to work for at least 12 months, or that you have a condition that may result in death. 

Being classified as disabled not only helps you qualify for SNAP more easily but also exempts you from certain strict requirements, such as work obligations or stringent asset limits. 

Benefits of EBT for disabled individuals 

Once approved for SNAP, you will receive an EBT card to spend your monthly food assistance funds. Below are the specific benefits that disabled individuals can receive using the EBT card: 

Monthly food assistance 

• The amount of assistance depends on your household income, household size, and essential living expenses. 
• Households with a disabled member may qualify under more flexible criteria, allowing them to receive higher benefit amounts. 

Exemption from work requirements 

• Normally, SNAP requires able-bodied adults without dependents to work at least 20 hours per week. 
• However, disabled individuals are fully exempt from this requirement, even in states with strict work requirement policies. This means you can continue receiving SNAP benefits even if you are unable to work. 

Medical expense deductions to increase benefits 

• If your eligible medical expenses exceed $35/month, the amount above that threshold may be deducted from your income, potentially increasing your monthly SNAP benefits. 
• Eligible expenses include: prescription medications, treatment costs, medical supplies, personal care services, and transportation to healthcare facilities. 

Relaxed asset limits 

• Disabled individuals receiving SSI or other disability benefits are often exempt from strict asset tests that apply to other SNAP applicants. 
• Certain assets, such as your primary vehicle, medical equipment, or designated savings accounts, may not be counted during the SNAP eligibility review.

>>> Also read: Support for Low Income Families In the US: Benefits, Housing, Medical Assistance & More

2. How Much Can a Disabled Person Get in Food Stamps? 

The maximum SNAP benefit a disabled person can receive 

The amount a disabled person can receive in the SNAP depends on income, household size, and eligible deductions such as medical or housing expenses. 

Below is the maximum monthly support you may receive on your EBT card, based on your household size: 

Your actual benefit may be lower if your income is higher, but it can increase if you have qualifying deductions (such as medical costs, rent, etc.). 

A guide to calculating benefits for disabled individuals 

SNAP calculates your monthly food stamp benefit using the following formula:

Determine benefit = [Net income after deductions] → Subtract 30% of net income = Final benefit amount

The monthly net income limit (after deductions) for disabled individuals applying for SNAP is: 

These limits may vary depending on your state and are subject to annual updates from the USDA. 

Key deductions for disabled individuals include: 

• Medical expenses exceeding $35/month (e.g., medications, treatments, assistive devices) 
• Rent and utilities 
• Dependent or personal care costs 

Accurately calculating and reporting these deductions can significantly reduce your net income, allowing you to qualify for a higher SNAP benefit. 

(*) Example:

If you earn $1,800 a month and are wondering, “If I make $1,800 a month, can I get food stamps?”, the answer doesn’t depend solely on that $1,800 figure. It depends on your net income after deductions. 

Here’s a specific example: 

• You live alone and earn $1,800/month. 
• You pay $900/month in rent and have about $150/month in medical expenses. 

=> Net income after deductions = $1,800 – $900 – $150 = $750

Since $750 is below the $1,215 net income limit for a one-person household, you would still qualify for SNAP and could potentially receive up to $291/month in benefits. 

Understanding how to calculate your net income and accurately report your medical or living expenses can help you maximize your food stamp benefits. 

>>> Learn more about how much food stamps SSI recipients get: What Are SSI Benefits? What Makes Someone Eligible For SSI?

3. Can a Disabled Person on Food Stamps Get Lifeline Benefits?

Yes, disabled individuals who receive Food Stamps (SNAP) are generally eligible for Lifeline benefits automatically. This is because SNAP is one of the qualifying government assistance programs under the Lifeline program’s eligibility criteria. 

What is the Lifeline program? 

Lifeline is a federal assistance program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that aims to make phone and internet services more affordable for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. 

Eligible participants can receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on communication services, or up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands. 

For many disabled individuals, Lifeline provides a critical lifeline to: 

• Emergency services 
• Medical support 
• Remote access to healthcare (telehealth) 
• Online education and training 
• Job applications and communication tools 

This is especially vital for those who may be homebound, have limited mobility, or rely heavily on digital access to connect with the world.

Trusted providers offer extra perks 

One of the leading providers participating in the Lifeline program is AirTalk Wireless, known for offering free smartphones and unlimited talk, text, and data to eligible users, all without monthly bills. 

For SNAP participants with disabilities, this partnership brings even more value: 

• Free smartphone (from trusted brands like Apple, Samsung) with free monthly service
• No contracts, no bills 
• Optional upgrade programs for better devices 
• Support for hearing- or vision-impaired users 

This expanded access means more than just convenience. It supports independence, safety, and digital inclusion for people living with disabilities.

>>> See more: Free iPhones From The Government: Is It Possible And How To Apply?

4. Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you get food stamps while on disability in California? 

Yes. If you are receiving SSI or SSDI in California, you may qualify for CalFresh (California’s Food Stamps program). Since June 1, 2019, SSI recipients in California have been automatically eligible to apply for CalFresh without risking their SSI benefits and without complex procedures. 

• CalFresh does not affect your other benefits, including SSI and SSDI. 
• If you qualify for SSI due to a disability, you may also be fast-tracked through the CalFresh application process, saving time and effort. 

Does Food Stamps affect SSI payments? 

No. Receiving SNAP (Food Stamps) does not reduce your SSI payment, because SNAP benefits are not counted as income or assets by the Social Security Administration (SSA) when determining SSI eligibility. 

• SSA does not treat SNAP as either gross or unearned income for SSI purposes. 
• In fact, recent SSA updates have expanded the definition of “household on public assistance,” meaning SNAP can no longer negatively impact SSI and may even increase your SSI benefit in some cases. 

Final Words 

Understanding how much a disabled person can get in food stamps is key to maximizing your benefits and improving your daily life. Check your eligibility today and apply for SNAP to secure essential food and nutrition assistance.