Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP / PAN)

Puerto Rico does not participate in SNAP. Instead, it operates the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP, known locally as PAN — Programa de Asistencia Nutricional) under a federal block grant. That means SNAP calculators, including ours, do not apply to Puerto Rico households.

Last reviewed: August 10, 2026 · Rules: FY 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)

How NAP differs from SNAP

  • NAP is funded by a capped federal block grant, not the open-ended SNAP entitlement, so benefit levels and income limits are set locally by Puerto Rico.
  • Eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and payment schedules are different from every SNAP state table on this site.
  • Part of the monthly benefit can typically be withdrawn as cash for food purchases, unlike SNAP.

Why Puerto Rico is different

Puerto Rico participated in the food stamp program until 1982, when Congress replaced it with a capped block grant — the Nutrition Assistance Program. Because the grant is a fixed annual amount rather than an entitlement that grows with need, Puerto Rico sets its own eligibility thresholds and benefit levels to fit within the budget, and those parameters can change in ways SNAP rules do not. This is also why national SNAP news — COLA increases, federal rule changes, emergency allotments — often does not apply to the island, and why after hurricanes Congress has had to pass separate disaster nutrition funding for Puerto Rico rather than extending SNAP mechanisms.

How PAN works day to day

Households apply through ADSEF (the Administración de Desarrollo Socioeconómico de la Familia), which determines eligibility using local income standards and household rules. Approved families receive monthly benefits on the Tarjeta de la Familia — an EBT card usable at participating grocers across the island — with a portion available as cash for food purchases where EBT terminals are scarce. Recertification and change-reporting obligations work much like SNAP: report income changes, keep contact information current, and complete periodic reviews to avoid interruptions.

Where to apply for PAN

PAN is administered by the Administración de Desarrollo Socioeconómico de la Familia (ADSEF), part of the Puerto Rico Department of the Family. Apply or manage benefits through ADSEF offices or their official channels:

Common questions

Can I use my Puerto Rico benefits in the states, or SNAP in Puerto Rico?

No in both directions. PAN benefits work only in Puerto Rico, and state SNAP benefits generally cannot be used on the island because the programs are separate. If you relocate, close the old case and apply fresh in your new location.

Are PAN amounts the same as SNAP amounts?

No. Because PAN operates under a capped block grant, Puerto Rico sets its own benefit levels and income standards, which differ from every table on this site. Contact ADSEF for current PAN parameters.

Could Puerto Rico join SNAP in the future?

Transitioning Puerto Rico from NAP to full SNAP has been studied by USDA and debated in Congress repeatedly; it would require federal legislation. Until that happens, PAN remains the island’s program.

Moving to a state?

If you move from Puerto Rico to any of the 50 states or D.C., you would apply for SNAP there. Use our state SNAP calculators to estimate benefits under that state's FY 2026 rules — for example Florida, New York, or Pennsylvania.

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