Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

A healthy diet helps us feel good and stay independent as we get older. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Montana pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, you will get an electronic benefits card (EBT card). It works just like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Montana to buy food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

It’s worth checking Montana SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.Find out right now if you’re eligible by using the state's screening tool (click here).

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 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?

SNAP helps people with low income afford food. If you’re eligible, it makes it easier to buy healthy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. Montana SNAP can help free up money for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

Montana SNAP is run by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Field offices across the state help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

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. You don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DPHHS case worker can assist you.

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. This takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

• Have an interview: You must have an interview when applying for Montana food assistance. This is usually done over the phone.

• Wait for a decision: Most SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food quickly, you may be able to have your application reviewed 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.

• Your household must meet certain income (and sometimes asset) guidelines. Special SNAP rules apply to households with older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. This can make it easier to qualify, even if your income looks too high.

• Most adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.

What are the SNAP work requirements in Montana?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for these rules used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get SNAP benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local DPHHS field office to find out exactly what these new work rules mean for you.

How much SNAP can I get in Montana?

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

If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more SNAP benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are the Montana SNAP income limits?

There are income guidelines for SNAP. In Montana, most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Special SNAP rules make it easier for older adults (60+) and people with disabilities to qualify.Many older adults are surprised they qualify for food benefits and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

The SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your local DPHHS office can tell you if you qualify. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (200% FPL)

1 $ 2,610

2 $ 3,526

3 $ 4,442

4 $ 5,360

5 $ 6,276

For each additional person, add: +$ 918

Source: MT DPHHS - SNAP Eligibility (October 2025)

Some SNAP households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home). Your case worker will tell you if an asset limit applies to you.

How do I apply for Montana SNAP?

If you want to, you can first use the DPHHS screening tool to see if your household may be eligible for SNAP. Visit Apply.MT.gov and click ‘Am I Eligible?’ to start. If you qualify, follow the steps below.

• Get important documents ready

When you apply, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and your benefit amount. Before you start, gather the following to make things 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

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for Montana SNAP is online through the Montana DPHHS website. All your personal information is kept 100% private 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 username and password. You can apply for SNAP without creating an account, but it is a good idea to make one. An account lets you save your application and come back later to finish it. You can also use your account later to manage your benefits.

• 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.

APPLY BY PHONE

To apply over the phone, call the Public Assistance Helpline at [1-888-706-1535](tel:1-888-706-1535) and say you would like to apply for SNAP.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

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 you need food right now. 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

Need food right now? Visit the Montana Food Bank Network website.

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.

• Call the Human Resource Development Council at 1-406-587-4486 or email them at HELLO@THEHRDC.ORG.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Montana?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application. If you qualify for expedited (faster) benefits, it may take about 7 days.

After you apply, the Office of Public Assistance will call you for a phone interview. This interview is required to get SNAP in Montana. The interview is simply to review the information on your application. Your case worker can also explain 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.

After your interview, DPHHS will review your application. If they need more information, your case worker will contact you. When a decision is made, you will receive a letter telling you if your household qualifies for SNAP benefits.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a notice showing your monthly benefit amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. 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 can get SNAP benefits for 24 months.

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

What if my Montana SNAP application is denied?

If your SNAP application is denied and you think the decision is wrong, you can ask for an Administrative Hearing. This is a way to have your case reviewed. You must request the hearing within 90 days of the date on your denial notice. The notice will explain how to request a hearing, or you can send a written request to DPHHS.

What are important things I should know?

• 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](https://mfbn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/EBT-External-Benefits.pdf) 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.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Montana?

You must renew your Montana SNAP benefits before your time period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew.