How many people get SNAP benefits, and at what cost?
The following chart lists the current gross and net income eligibility standards for the continental United States, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Eligibility levels are slightly higher for Alaska and Hawaii. • In 2005, it served 25.7 million people a month and cost $28.6 billion • In 2000, it served 17.2 million people a month and cost $17.1 billion • In 1995, it served 26.6 million people a month and cost $24.6 billion • In 1990, it served 20.1 million people a month and cost $15.5 billion • in 1985, it served 19.9 million people a month and cost $11.7 billion • In 1980, it served 21.1 million people a month and cost $9.2 billion • In 1975, it served 17.1 million people a month and cost $4.6 billion • In 1970, it served 4.3 million people a month and cost $577 million. The program’s all-time high participation was 29.85 million people in November 2005 when an estimated 4 million people received disaster assistance in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and William. The program’s all-t
In 2008, SNAP served 28.4 million people a month at an annual cost of $34.6 billion. In February 2009, SNAP served 32.6 million people, an all-time record. SNAP participation fluctuates with the economy and with the pattern of poverty in America. As the number of persons in poverty rose, SNAP participation grows. When poverty falls, so does reliance on SNAP. Participation for the latest available month can be found on Program Data. Below shows how participation and benefit costs have changed in 5-year intervals over the history of the program: • In 2005, it served 25.7 million people a month and cost $28.6 billion • In 2000, it served 17.2 million people a month and cost $17.1 billion • In 1995, it served 26.6 million people a month and cost $24.6 billion • In 1990, it served 20.1 million people a month and cost $15.5 billion • in 1985, it served 19.9 million people a month and cost $11.7 billion • In 1980, it served 21.1 million people a month and cost $9.2 billion • In 1975, it serve
