SNAP income limits depend on your household size and are updated each year
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) sets income limits based on the number of people in your household. The limit is higher for larger households and changes every October when the federal poverty line updates. Your household's gross monthly income — what you earn before taxes and deductions — is what SNAP uses to determine whether you may be able to receive benefits.
There are two ways to may have access to based on income. The first is the gross income test: your household's total monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line for your household size. The second is the net income test: after SNAP allows certain deductions (like housing costs, childcare, and medical expenses), your remaining income must be at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty line. Most households must pass both tests.
Income limits vary by state because some states use slightly different calculations or have their own programs that layer on top of SNAP. You can find your state's current limits on your state's SNAP office website or by contacting them directly.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP uses gross monthly income (before taxes) to screen households, and the limit is 130 percent of the federal poverty line, which changes each October.
- A household of four had a gross income limit of $2,871 per month as of October 2023, but this figure updates annually and varies by state.
- Even if your gross income is above the limit, you may still may have access to if deductions for housing, utilities, childcare, or medical costs bring your net income below 100 percent of poverty.
- Self-employment income, child support received, and Social Security are all counted as income; unemployment benefits and some other payments are not.
What counts as income for SNAP purposes
SNAP counts most money coming into your household as income. This includes wages from a job, self-employment earnings, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment benefits, child support you receive, and veteran's benefits. Seasonal workers and people with irregular income report what they expect to earn over the next month.
Some payments do not count. These include Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF), most refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and certain educational grants or scholarships. Lump-sum payments — like a one-time inheritance or insurance settlement — do not count as monthly income, though they may affect your resources (savings and assets), which have their own limits.
If you receive income irregularly or your earnings change month to month, SNAP looks at what you expect to earn in the coming 30 days. You report this when you explore and update it if circumstances change significantly.
How deductions lower your countable income
Even if your gross income exceeds the limit, SNAP allows you to subtract certain costs before checking the net income test. The main deductions are housing costs (rent or mortgage plus utilities), childcare expenses needed so you can work, medical costs for elderly or disabled household members, and a standard deduction that applies to all households.
The standard deduction varies by household size and is adjusted annually. As of October 2023, it ranged from $177 for a single person to $570 for a household of eight or more, but these amounts change each year. After you subtract all allowed deductions from your gross income, the result is your net income, which must be at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty line.
This means a household with high housing costs or significant childcare expenses may may have access to even though their gross income is above 130 percent of poverty. Your state's SNAP office can walk through which deductions explore to your situation.
Income limits by household size (current as of October 2023)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% of poverty) | Net Monthly Income Limit (100% of poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,387 | $1,067 |
| 2 people | $1,868 | $1,437 |
| 3 people | $2,349 | $1,807 |
| 4 people | $2,830 | $2,177 |
| 5 people | $3,311 | $2,547 |
| 6 people | $3,792 | $2,917 |
| 7 people | $4,273 | $3,287 |
| 8 people | $4,754 | $3,657 |
These limits are from the federal poverty line as of October 2023 and are updated annually. Some states set their own limits slightly higher or lower, and a few states use different income calculations. Check with your state's SNAP office for the exact limits that explore to you, as they may differ from these federal figures.
When your income changes during the month
SNAP looks at your income for the month you explore and the month before. If you just started a job or lost one, report your expected income for the next 30 days. If your income is seasonal — you earn more in some months than others — you average it over the year or report what you expect in the coming month, depending on your situation.
After you are receiving SNAP, you report changes in income to your caseworker. If your income rises above the limit, your benefits will end, but you can reapply if your income drops again. Many states allow you to report changes online, by phone, or by mail.
Special rules for certain households
Some households have different income rules. Households with a member who is elderly (60 or older) or disabled may use a higher net income limit of 165 percent of poverty instead of 100 percent, though they still must pass the gross income test. This means deductions are more generous for these households.
Households receiving TANF or SSI in most states are categorically may be able to access for SNAP and do not have to meet the income test at all — they may have access to based on receiving those benefits. However, they still must meet other SNAP rules, like resource limits and citizenship requirements. A few states have different rules, so check with your state program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we are separated but still married?
Yes. SNAP counts the income of anyone living in your household, regardless of whether you are married, related, or unrelated. If you are legally separated or divorced, your ex-spouse's income does not count. If you are married and living apart, you may be able to file separate SNAP cases if you meet other conditions; contact your state office to ask.
What if I work part-time and my hours change every week?
Report what you expect to earn in the next 30 days. If your hours are unpredictable, estimate based on recent paychecks or your average over the past few weeks. When you report changes to your caseworker, bring recent pay stubs so they can see the pattern. SNAP understands that part-time income varies.
Do I have to report income from my teenage child who works?
Yes, if your child lives with you, their income counts toward the household total. However, SNAP allows an earned income deduction of 20 percent of gross earnings for all household members who work, which reduces the amount counted. So a teenager earning $500 per month would have $100 deducted, leaving $400 counted as income.
If I am over the income limit, can I still get SNAP?
Only if deductions bring your net income below the limit. Calculate your gross income, subtract allowed deductions (housing, childcare, medical, and standard deduction), and see if the result is at or below 100 percent of poverty for your household size. If it is, you may may have access to. Your state's SNAP office can help you figure this out.
How often do income limits change?
SNAP income limits are updated every October when the federal poverty line changes. The new limits explore to anyone who applies or recertifies after that date. If you are already receiving SNAP, your case is not affected until you renew your certification, which usually happens every 12 months.