Trust · accuracy & methodology
How accurate are these calculators?
We test our calculators against USDA's published FY2026 tables and the federal benefit formula. In the most recent validation, 16 of 16 cases matched exactly (100%).
16/16
match USDA's figures
Last validated: 2026-06-03
How we validate
- Each calculator implements the exact FY2026 federal formulas (7 CFR 273.9 and 273.10).
- We compare the outputs against USDA's published tables — maximum allotment, gross (130% FPL) and net (100% FPL) income limits, standard deduction, and asset limits.
- And against benefit-formula cases (max allotment minus 30% of net income, with the $24 minimum).
- We run the calculators' actual code against each case and publish the result.
Validation results
| Category | Case | USDA / formula | Our output | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max allotment (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 1 | $298 | $298 | ✓ Yes |
| Max allotment (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 2 | $546 | $546 | ✓ Yes |
| Max allotment (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 4 | $994 | $994 | ✓ Yes |
| Max allotment (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 8 | $1,789 | $1,789 | ✓ Yes |
| Max allotment (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 10 (+$218 each over 8) | $2,225 | $2,225 | ✓ Yes |
| Gross income limit — 130% FPL (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 1 | $1,696 | $1,696 | ✓ Yes |
| Gross income limit — 130% FPL (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 4 | $3,483 | $3,483 | ✓ Yes |
| Gross income limit — 130% FPL (USDA FY2026 table) | Household of 8 | $5,867 | $5,867 | ✓ Yes |
| Net income limit — 100% FPL | Household of 4 | $2,680 | $2,680 | ✓ Yes |
| Benefit formula (7 CFR 273.10) | HH 3, $1,000 net → max − 30% of net | $485 | $485 | ✓ Yes |
| Benefit formula (7 CFR 273.10) | HH 1, $500 net | $148 | $148 | ✓ Yes |
| Minimum benefit floor (1–2 person) | HH 1, $1,000 net (formula yields $0) | $24 | $24 | ✓ Yes |
| Standard deduction (USDA FY2026) | Households of 1–3 | $209 | $209 | ✓ Yes |
| Standard deduction (USDA FY2026) | Household of 4 | $223 | $223 | ✓ Yes |
| Standard deduction (USDA FY2026) | Households of 6+ | $299 | $299 | ✓ Yes |
| Asset limit (non-BBCE states) | Standard / elderly or disabled | $3,000 / $4,500 | $3,000 / $4,500 | ✓ Yes |
What this is — and isn't
This validates that our calculators reproduce USDA's published figures and the federal formula. It is not a claim of matching USDA's restricted Quality Control (QC) microdata, which isn't public. And no calculator replaces your state SNAP agency's determination — the final result is set by your state after they review your application.
Sources
- USDA FNS — FY2026 SNAP COLA (max allotments, deductions, income limits)
- 7 CFR § 273.9 & § 273.10 — income, deductions, and benefit computation