Last Updated: May 29, 2025

Hello, Montana neighbors! Looking to make your grocery budget go further? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help Montana families access nutritious food. We've put together this helpful guide to help you understand if you're eligible, what benefits you might receive, and how the Forage app can make finding the best deals - and saving money - a breeze!

SNAP Eligibility Requirements in Montana

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Montana, you will need to meet several criteria:

1. Residency and Citizenship

• Be a Montana resident;
• Be a U.S. citizen or have qualifying immigration status; AND
• Provide a Social Security number for all household members applying for benefits

2. Income Guidelines

Montana evaluates both gross income (total income before deductions) and net income (income after allowed deductions) to determine eligibility. Most households will need to meet both limits.

Note: Households with an elderly person (60+) or a person with disabilities may only need to meet the net income limit.

3. Resource Limits

Montana applies asset limits to most SNAP applicants:

• $2,750 in countable resources for most households; AND/OR
• $4,250 in countable resources if at least one household member is age 60+ or disabled

Resources that DON'T count include:

• Your primary residence;
• Personal belongings and household goods;
• One vehicle per household member who uses it for transportation;
• Most retirement accounts; AND/OR
• Property essential for self-employment (like farm equipment)

4. Work Requirements

If you're an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) and are between 18-49 years old, you must meet certain work requirements to receive SNAP for more than 3 months in a 36-month period:

• Work at least 80 hours per month;
• Participate in a qualifying work program for at least 80 hours per month; AND/OR
• Comply with a workfare program

Important for Montana residents: Due to high unemployment rates in certain counties in Montana, some areas have work requirement waivers. Currently, these include several tribal reservations and rural counties such as Glacier, Big Horn, and Roosevelt counties.

Exemptions to work requirements include:

• Caring for a dependent child or incapacitated person;
• Being physically or mentally unable to work;
• Pregnancy;
• Veterans;
• Homelessness; AND/OR
• Participation in substance abuse treatment programs

How Much Assistance Could You Receive?

SNAP benefits in Montana vary based on your household size, income, and expenses. The maximum monthly allotment for a household of four in Montana is currently $973.

On average, eligible Montanans should expect to receive approximately $178 per month, which can help supplement your grocery budget.

Special Considerations for Montana Residents

Tribal SNAP Resources

Montana is home to seven Indian reservations with rich cultural heritage. If you're a tribal member, you may have access to additional resources:

• The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) as an alternative to SNAP;
• Tribal SNAP outreach coordinators who can provide friendly assistance with applications; AND
• Combined application processes for tribal and state benefits

Seasonal Workers

Montana's dynamic seasonal economy - from tourism to agriculture and forestry - means your income may change throughout the year. Good news! SNAP eligibility can be reassessed if your income changes, so keep your case worker informed of significant changes.

Not Sure If You Qualify? Use These Friendly Tools

1. Montana DPHHS Benefits Estimator: Visit the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services website to use their helpful benefits calculator.
2. Montana No Kid Hungry Screening Tool: Text "FOOD" to 304-304 to check your potential eligibility in just a few minutes.
3. Local Assistance: Connect with your county Office of Public Assistance for personalized guidance from local staff. Find your office using the Montana DPHHS Office Locator.

How Forage Makes Life Easier for Montana SNAP Recipients

If you are receiving SNAP, the Forage app is your friendly companion for managing your EBT benefits, unlocking the best offers, and saving money on your grocery purchases:

• Find EBT-friendly stores near you in Montana
• Discover significant deals and discounts that make your benefits go further
• Earn rewards on eligible purchases

Ready to Apply for Montana SNAP Benefits?

Check out our next article in this series: "How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Montana: A Step-by-Step Guide" to learn exactly how to complete your application with confidence.

Download the Forage App (Apple App Store / Google Play Store) today to start managing your EBT benefits with ease and unlock exclusive savings across Montana!