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$158/month
in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults and young families in Montana pay for food.
If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, and some online retailers to buy foods that qualify for SNAP. Many farmers markets across Montana also take part in SNAP, and you can use your card there as another form of payment.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Montana SNAP work?
- What is the SNAP application process like in Montana?
- How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Montana?
- What happens after I apply for SNAP in Montana?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does Montana SNAP work?
The Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people pay for groceries for themselves and their families. Once known as Food Stamps, this program is operated by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). The Offices of Public Assistance (OPAs) review SNAP applications and serve SNAP participants regarding their cases.
If you qualify for SNAP, you will receive your benefits through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. This card works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. It only works with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you choose when you get your card.
Your EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, and even farmers markets to buy SNAP-approved food items.
What foods are covered by SNAP in Montana?
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Snack foods
- Seeds and plants that produce food
What items are not covered by SNAP in Montana?
- Beer, wine, and liquor
- Cigarettes
- Pet food
- Live animals
- Pharmacy items
- Personal care items
- Household supplies
What is the SNAP application process like in Montana?
The thought of applying for SNAP may feel overwhelming. But it’s easier than you might think. Even better, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, there are people who can assist you—like a friend, family member, or DPHHS caseworker.
Generally, here are the steps to apply for Montana SNAP:
- Fill out an application: You can apply for Montana SNAP online, over the phone, in person, or by mail. Completing the application could take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
- Have an interview: You will be required to take part in an interview when applying for Montana food assistance. This is usually done over the phone.
- Wait for a decision: Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an EBT card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.
How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP in Montana?
To qualify for Montana SNAP, you must generally meet the requirements below:
- People who live together and buy food and prepare meals together are considered a “household” for SNAP. Spouses and children under age 22 living with their natural, adoptive, or step-parents are considered to be one household.
- Household members (who wish to be included) must be U.S. citizens or legal non-citizens.
- Household members (who wish to be included) must provide or apply for a Social Security number.
- Certain income and asset (resource) guidelines must be met.
- Able-bodied household members age 16 through 59 must register for work, and may be required to participate in a SNAP Employment and Training Program (unless a specified exemption is met).
The amount of money you will get in SNAP benefits depends on:
- How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
- How many people live with you
What are the Montana SNAP income limits?
There are two ways to satisfy the income requirements for SNAP in Montana:
- Your household income is less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Your household qualifies for another benefit program, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This automatically makes you SNAP-eligible under Expanded Categorical Eligibility (ECE). ECE households, including those with members who are age 60+ or have a disability, must pass a gross income test of 200% FPL, but are not required to pass a net income test. There is no asset/resource test for ECE households.
What do the terms "gross" and "net" mean?
- Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
- Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.
The following charts show the maximum gross and net monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Montana. These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.'
| Family size | Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 1,255 |
| 2 | $ 1,704 |
| 3 | $ 2,152 |
| 4 | $ 2,600 |
| 5 | $ 3,049 |
| For each additional person, add: | +$ 449 |
What are the Montana SNAP resource (asset) limits?
Assets (resources) include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, properties, and certain other limited assets. The home you live in, vehicles, tax-preferred educational and retirement accounts, and combat-related military pay are excluded (not counted) as assets. Assets of household members who meet ECE criteria are also excluded.
If your household does not meet ECE criteria, countable household assets cannot exceed:
- $4,250 for households that include a member age 60+, or a member with a disability
- $2,750 for all other households
Some household expenses may be subtracted from your total monthly income to help you meet the SNAP income limit; these are called deductions. Examples of allowable deductions are:
- 20% of the total gross earned income for each household
- A standard deduction of the net income limit based on the household size
- Certain dependent-care costs
- Legally owed and paid child support
- A percentage of shelter costs
- A medical expense deduction can be allowed for the portion of non-reimbursable medical expenses that exceed $35 per month per household (only for members age 60+, or those with a disability)
How do I prepare to apply?
When applying for Montana SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.
Before you start, gather the following information to make your SNAP application process easier:
- Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or other government-issued I.D.
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- If not a U.S. citizen, proof of legal non-citizen status
- Proof of your monthly earnings from the last 30 days, such as recent pay stubs
- Self-employment financial records, if applicable
- Copy of check or benefit statement from Social Security, pensions, SSI, or other unearned income
- Medical bills of household members age 60 or older and those who have a disability (if these bills are not paid by insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare)
- Bankbook or current bank statement, if you have one
- Receipts for child care or dependent care costs
- Utility and rent bills (or proof of mortgage and property tax payments, if you own your home)
- Proof of any assets you have, such as bank accounts, trust accounts, CDs, stocks, or bonds
If you wish to, you can use the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) screening tool to see if your household may be eligible for SNAP. It takes just a few moments! Visit Apply.MT.gov and click ‘Am I Eligible?’ to start your screening.
How do I apply for Montana SNAP?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for Montana SNAP is online through the Montana DPHHS website. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.
Apply on Montana's DPHHS Website- To begin your SNAP application, visit Apply.MT.gov.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'Apply Now'.
- From that screen, check off the 'Start a new application' box and click 'Next'.
- Read the notes on that page and then click 'Next' again. On that screen, you will have the option to log in to your existing account (if you have one) or create a new account.
- If you don't have an account, check the 'Create an account' box and follow the instructions to set up a user name and password. While you can apply to SNAP without creating an account, we recommend you do. Creating an account allows you to save your application progress and return any time to complete it. You will also be able to manage your benefits later on through your account.
- Once you have successfully logged in to your account, read the Confidentiality Agreement and click 'I accept' to continue.
- Then click 'Apply for Assistance' at the top of the page and follow the prompts to begin your SNAP application. Allow yourself 30 to 60 minutes to complete it.
- Fill out as much information as you can, since that can speed up your approval process. Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own. You will also be able to upload the requested documents online.
Tips for success:
- Authorized representative: If you would like to choose another person (family, friend, or professional) to help you with your SNAP application, you can enter these details in the application. Your authorized representative must be 18 or older.
- Additional help: For detailed help in setting up your account, click ‘Help’ in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You can also contact the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
To apply over the phone, call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535 and say you would like to apply for SNAP.
Visit your nearest Office of Public Assistance to pick up a paper application, or call them to have a paper application mailed to you. You can then mail your completed application back to that office or drop it off in person. Find a location near you.
You can also email DPHHS at hhssspapplicationcustomersupport@mt.gov to have a printable electronic application form (PDF format) emailed to you.
What if I need food assistance right away?
You may be able to get SNAP benefits sooner in Montana (within 7 days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. The following households qualify for expedited (faster) benefits:
- Households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid resources
- Migrant or seasonal farm worker households with $100 or less in liquid resources
- Households with a combined monthly gross income and liquid resources less than the household’s monthly rent (or mortgage) and utilities
How can I get help with my application?
There are several ways to get help filling out your Montana SNAP application. You can:
- Call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
- Reach out to your nearest Office of Public Assistance. Find one near you.
- Contact the Montana Food Bank Network SNAP hotline at 1-406-239-6475 with questions about SNAP and the application process. You can also email questions to snap@mfbn.org.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.
NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Montana?
It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits).
After you apply, the Office of Public Assistance will call you for a phone interview, which is required to qualify for SNAP in Montana. But don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to trip you up or try to disqualify you from the program. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your caseworker can tell you more about the program and answer any questions you have.
During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.
Once your interview is complete and the Office of Public Assistance has all the information it needs to make a decision, your application will be processed. If more information is needed, your caseworker will contact you. Once a decision is made, you will receive a notice stating whether or not your household is eligible for SNAP benefits.
What happens after I am approved for SNAP?
If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a notice explaining your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most Montana households, that period is 12 months. Households with adults age 60+ or those who have a disability and have no earned income typically qualify to receive SNAP benefits for 24 months.
Within 30 days, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. It will be automatically reloaded with your SNAP benefit amount every month.
Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Montana
If you are denied SNAP benefits and you disagree with this decision, you can request an Administrative Hearing within 90 days of your denial notice. This is an appeal process within the DPHHS that allows you to have your SNAP decision formally reviewed. Your SNAP denial notice will contain instructions on how to request an Administrative Hearing. You can also send a written request directly to DPHHS.
- You can manage your SNAP benefits through your account at the Apply.MT.gov Self-Service Portal. There, you can check the status of your application, view your benefits, report a change to your household situation, and renew your benefits. You can also choose whether you'd like to receive notifications via email or mail.
- You can activate your EBT card and check your balance and account activity by visiting the BNFT website. You must create an account first.
- You can call the EBT Cardholder Help Desk at 1-866-850-1556 to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen EBT card.
- Being a SNAP participant in Montana entitles you to other benefits beyond food assistance, including discounted museum admissions and free or low-cost cell phone or internet services. Contact your local Montana DPHHS office to learn more.
You must renew your Montana SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure if you should apply?
BenefitsCheckUp helps assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.
