Montana SNAP Income Limits 2026
Montana has adopted the most generous screening option federal law allows. Through broad-based categorical eligibility, the gross income cutoff sits at 200% of the poverty guideline — over half again as high as the federal baseline — and there is no asset test for most households. In practice, working families with modest savings who would be rejected on paper in stricter states can qualify here, and the net income test becomes the deciding factor.
Montana income limit chart (FY 2026)
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit | Net monthly income limit | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,610 | $1,305 | $298 |
| 2 | $3,526 | $1,763 | $546 |
| 3 | $4,442 | $2,221 | $785 |
| 4 | $5,360 | $2,680 | $994 |
| 5 | $6,276 | $3,138 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $7,192 | $3,596 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $8,110 | $4,055 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $9,026 | $4,513 | $1,789 |
How Montana compares to neighboring states
Montana's 200% gross screen is the most generous in its neighborhood: South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho all cut off eligibility at lower income levels.
| Neighbor | Gross screen | Asset test |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 200% | None |
| South Dakota | 130% | Federal ($3,000/$4,500) |
| Wyoming | 130% | Federal ($3,000/$4,500) |
| Idaho | 130% | $5,000 |
Asset and resource rules
Under BBCE, Montana does not apply a separate SNAP asset test for most households — savings and bank balances usually do not disqualify you.
Utilities and the shelter deduction in Montana
Like most states, Montana publishes annual Standard Utility Allowances that caseworkers apply in place of actual bills. We haven't yet verified Montana's FY 2026 SUA amounts from an official source, so our calculator conservatively uses the utility amount you enter — your official determination may come out higher if the state's allowance exceeds your actual bills.
How deductions change the math
Because Montana's gross screen is so high, most applicants who get denied here fail the net test — which makes deductions the whole game. Before Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) compares your income to the 100% line, it subtracts 20% of wages, a standard deduction, dependent care, court-ordered child support, elderly/disabled medical costs over $35, and excess shelter costs. Enter those expenses in the calculator (and later in apply.mt.gov) — skipping them is the most common self-inflicted denial. See the deductions guide for worked examples.
Worth knowing about Montana
Montana residents can apply online through apply.mt.gov, use local Office of Public Assistance resources, and use Montana EBT Cardholder Services for card activation, PIN selection, balance inquiry, transaction review, and EBT system problems. Questions about your own case go to the agency directly: USDA lists 888-706-1535 as a Montana SNAP phone resource. Montana DPHHS lists 1-866-850-1556 for Montana EBT Cardholder Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SNAP income limit for a family of 3 in Montana?
For FY 2026, the gross monthly limit for a household of 3 in Montana is $4,442 (200% BBCE screen). The net limit after deductions is $2,221.
Does Montana use gross or net income?
Both. Gross income (before taxes) is checked against the 200% screen, and net income after deductions must be at or below 100% of the poverty guideline. Households with a member age 60+ or disabled skip the gross test.
What if my income is over the limit in Montana?
Deductions can pull your net income under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) limit even when gross pay looks too high — rent and child care are the big ones. Run the Montana calculator before writing off an application at apply.mt.gov.
Does Montana have an asset test?
Under BBCE, Montana does not apply a separate SNAP asset test for most households — savings and bank balances usually do not disqualify you.
Who runs SNAP in Montana?
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, which administers the program statewide. Applications go through apply.mt.gov. Contact: USDA lists 888-706-1535 as a Montana SNAP phone resource. Montana DPHHS lists 1-866-850-1556 for Montana EBT Cardholder Services.
More Montana SNAP resources
Montana SNAP calculator
Estimate your exact monthly benefit with FY 2026 rules.
How to apply in Montana
Portal, phone, documents, and timelines for apply.mt.gov.
National income limits guide
Federal limits, BBCE by state, and elderly/disabled rules.