State legislatures and administrative practices influence how much support low-income families receive from SNAP (food stamps). Although SNAP is a federal program, some states establish rules that are less generous than federal guidelines, while others opt to provide more generous support for parents and children. As a result, families’ experiences with SNAP vary considerably depending on the state in which they live. To learn more about the policy options that states can set, click on SNAP flexibilities here or in the table. Click on a profile below to view flexibilities as they have been set in that state.
Note on methods: These SNAP and TANF state profiles were compiled by extensive review of administrative guidelines including those published in state TANF manuals and other resources. Additionally, NCCP researchers referred to recent and past state legislation in regulation of both programs.
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