Benefits are based on need, income vs outlay(avg outlay, plus some personalized(such as medical & i believe elec in some states), you cannot have a 15k/mo mortgage & get ebt because of it-lol) So guess it was a blessing your friend didn't qualify for max. They calculated that she could spend the difference between 300 & her amount from her own pocket. I was only saying that 300/mo isnt anything to sneeze at...10/day eating at home isnt bad at all!! Its not going to get you every food you've ever dreamed about, but it can absolutely provide a decent spread if you shop right...even today!