Montana SNAP (Food Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Montana SNAP puts monthly food money on an EBT card. You use the card like a debit card at most grocery stores. Apply online at apply.mt.gov, which handles SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF cash on one application. You can also call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535, or go in person to your local Office of Public Assistance.
SNAP looks at two income lines: gross and net. These numbers run from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. For a household of four, the gross monthly limit is $3,483 and the net limit is $2,680. For one person, the gross limit is $1,696 and the net limit is $1,305. Each extra person adds $596 to the gross limit and $459 to the net limit. Your local Office of Public Assistance runs the exact numbers, so apply even if you are close to the line.
Montana also has a resource test for most households. Your countable resources cannot be more than $2,750. That limit rises to $4,500 if someone in the home is age 60 or older, or has a disability. Some households have their resources excluded. Homes where everyone gets TANF, tribal TANF, or SSI have no resource limit at all.
If you have very little coming in, help can move fast. Expedited SNAP makes food benefits available within seven calendar days of your application date. This is for households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and $100 or less in cash on hand, some migrant or seasonal farm workers, and households whose income plus cash is less than their rent or mortgage plus utilities. Say so on your application if this describes you.
Adults in the home who can work and are age 16 through 59 must register for work. Some adults without dependents may be sent to the SNAP Employment and Training program to stay eligible. Once you are approved, your benefits load onto an EBT card each month. You can reach the Montana EBT help desk at 1-866-850-1556 if your card is lost or you have a problem.
The program counts some costs against your income, which can help you qualify. Allowed deductions include part of your earned income, a standard deduction based on household size, some child-care costs, child support you pay, part of your housing costs, and medical costs over $35 a month for older or disabled members. Whether you qualify is up to the program, not this page. While you wait, dial 2-1-1 for a local food pantry.
Phone 1-888-706-1535
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; most households must meet gross and net monthly income limits for their size, and your local Office of Public Assistance runs the exact numbers
- Working families, older adults, and people with disabilities with limited income may qualify
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at apply.mt.gov, by phone at 1-888-706-1535, or in person at your local Office of Public Assistance.
- 2
Have proof of your income and your countable resources ready; the resource limit is $2,750, or $4,500 if a member is 60 or older or has a disability.
- 3
If you have almost no income, ask about expedited SNAP, which can provide food within seven calendar days.
- 4
Finish your interview and turn in any papers the office asks for.
- 5
Set up your EBT card after you are approved, and call 1-866-850-1556 if you need card help.
What to have ready
- Photo ID for the person applying
- Proof of income for everyone in the home
- Proof of where you live and your monthly costs, like rent and utilities
- Proof of your resources, such as bank statements. Your local Office of Public Assistance confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for a household of four?
From October 2025 through September 2026, the gross limit is $3,483 a month and the net limit is $2,680. Each extra person adds $596 gross and $459 net.
Is there a resource test?
Yes, for most households. Countable resources cannot be more than $2,750, or $4,500 if a member is 60 or older or has a disability. Some households have their resources excluded.
How fast can I get help?
Households with the lowest income can get expedited SNAP within seven calendar days of the application date.
How do I use the benefits?
Benefits load onto an EBT card you use like a debit card at most grocery stores. Call the EBT help desk at 1-866-850-1556 for card problems.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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