United States · District of Columbia · SNAP FY2027
District of Columbia SNAP income limit 2027.
District of Columbia's SNAP gross income limit by household size, the maximum benefit and the rule that sets the limit, from the USDA's FY2027 tables and its BBCE chart.
Short answer: District of Columbia's gross income limit under broad-based categorical eligibility is 200% of the poverty guideline, $5,500 a month for a household of 4, against $3,575 federal. The maximum monthly benefit for 4 is $1,023. Figures are for FY2027, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
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District of Columbia SNAP income limits for FY2027
District of Columbia uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% of the federal poverty guideline for all households are eligible, which is $5,500 a month for a family of 4, above the federal gross limit of $3,575, and FNS lists no asset limit for the qualifying program. The figures are for FY2027, October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, and the guideline behind them is the 2026 poverty guideline for the 48 states and DC.
| Household size | District of Columbia gross limit (200%) | Federal gross limit (130%) | Federal net limit (100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $1,729 | $1,330 |
| 2 | $3,607 | $2,345 | $1,804 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $6,447 | $4,191 | $3,224 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $4,806 | $3,697 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $5,421 | $4,170 |
| 8 | $9,287 | $6,037 | $4,644 |
29 of the 50 states and DC list 200% as a gross limit. That is the highest percentage on the FNS list.
How the rule works in District of Columbia
FNS describes District of Columbia's qualifying program as: all households are eligible. The chart shows no limit on assets for that program. FNS also says that BBCE cannot limit eligibility: a household not covered by the qualifying program can still apply under regular rules, where households with an elderly or disabled member do not need to meet the gross income limit but must meet the net income limit.
Maximum benefit and deductions for District of Columbia
The standard deduction for District of Columbia is $217 for 1 to 3 people, $229 for 4, $268 for 5 and $308 for 6 or more, and the maximum excess shelter deduction is $769.
| Household size | Maximum monthly benefit | Standard deduction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $306 | $217 |
| 2 | $562 | $217 |
| 3 | $808 | $217 |
| 4 | $1,023 | $229 |
| 5 | $1,217 | $268 |
| 6 | $1,463 | $308 |
| 7 | $1,616 | $308 |
| 8 | $1,841 | $308 |
Worked example for District of Columbia
A household of 4 in District of Columbia with $3,900 of gross monthly income is $325 over the federal gross limit of $3,575. Under District of Columbia's 200% limit of $5,500 the household is under the limit, so it would be treated as categorically eligible on this income test. The amount of any benefit then depends on net income: try the SNAP benefit calculator.
Common mix-ups
- The 200% figure is the gross limit of the qualifying program. It is not the benefit and it is not the net limit.
- FY2027 is not calendar 2027. The limits above began October 1, 2026 and end September 30, 2027.
- The maximum benefit is not the payment. A household of 4 in District of Columbia receives at most $1,023, and less as net income rises.
- Applying is not the same as qualifying. Your District of Columbia agency decides each application using deductions and verified income.
Method
Each dollar limit is the percentage of the federal poverty guideline for the household size, divided by 12 and rounded up to the next whole dollar, which reproduces every figure in the FNS tables (for example 130% of $21,640 is $2,344.33 a month, published as $2,345). Broad-based categorical eligibility limits use the same arithmetic with the percentage FNS lists for the state. The page screens one income test; it does not apply deductions, assets or the other eligibility rules. For District of Columbia the screening result uses the 200% row, with the 48-state guideline.
What this does not cover
- District of Columbia's standard utility allowances, shelter and utility rules and any caseworker policy.
- Deductions, assets and work rules beyond the income test shown.
- Whether a specific household qualifies; the state agency decides each application.
- Any fiscal year other than FY2027.
Figures read from the sources below on November 9, 2026. Last updated November 9, 2026.
Sources
- USDA FNS: SNAP FY 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (page updated November 4, 2026) (retrieved November 9, 2026)
- USDA FNS: Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (page updated June 29, 2026) (retrieved November 9, 2026)
- HHS ASPE: 2026 Poverty Guidelines (retrieved November 9, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the SNAP income limit in District of Columbia for 2027?
$5,500 gross a month for a household of 4 (200% of the poverty guideline), through broad-based categorical eligibility, according to the FNS chart.
Does District of Columbia use broad-based categorical eligibility?
Yes. District of Columbia is on the FNS list, with a 200% gross limit.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit in District of Columbia?
$1,023 a month for a household of 4; one person gets at most $306.
Is there an asset limit in District of Columbia?
The FNS chart shows no limit on assets for District of Columbia's qualifying program.
Do seniors or disabled people in District of Columbia need to pass the gross income test?
Under regular rules FNS says households with an elderly or disabled member do not need to meet the gross income limit but must meet the net income limit of $2,750 for a household of 4.
What is the District of Columbia SNAP limit for one person?
$2,660 gross a month (200%); the federal gross limit is $1,729.
When do the FY2027 limits take effect?
October 1, 2026, and they continue through September 30, 2027.
Not legal or tax advice
This page is general information from an unofficial guide, not legal or tax advice, and it is not an eligibility decision. Programs and thresholds change and the figures here are estimates. Confirm with the agency that runs the program before you apply or file. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.