What income level qualifies you for SNAP

SNAP uses a gross income test and a net income test. Gross income is what you earn before taxes and deductions. Net income is what remains after certain deductions are subtracted. You must pass both tests to receive benefits.

The gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty line for your household size. The net income limit is 100% of the federal poverty line. These limits change every October when the poverty line updates. For example, in 2024, a single person's gross income limit is around $1,691 per month, but this figure varies by year and your state may have different rules.

Your household size determines which limit applies to you. SNAP counts everyone living with you and buying food together as one household, even if you are not related. If you live alone, only your income counts. If you live with a spouse and two children, all four incomes combine.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP has two income tests: gross income (what you earn before deductions) and net income (after certain deductions), and you must pass both.
  • Gross income limits are set at 130% of the federal poverty line, which changes each October and varies by household size.
  • Net income limits are set at 100% of the federal poverty line, and certain expenses like child care and medical costs can lower your countable income.
  • Your household includes everyone living with you who buys and prepares food together, and all their incomes combine for the test.
  • Some households with elderly or disabled members may have different income rules, and your state may set stricter limits than the federal standard.

How deductions lower your countable income

SNAP allows you to subtract certain expenses from your gross income to calculate net income. These deductions include a standard deduction (a flat amount based on household size), dependent care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and shelter costs like rent or mortgage.

The standard deduction ranges from about $180 to $200 per month depending on household size, though this amount changes yearly. If you pay for child care so you can work, you can deduct those costs up to a limit. Medical expenses for people over 60 or with disabilities can be deducted if they exceed $35 per month.

Shelter costs—rent, mortgage, property tax, utilities, and insurance—can be deducted, but only the amount above half your net income after other deductions. This is called the shelter cap. If your rent is $1,200 and your net income after other deductions is $1,400, you can deduct $400 (the amount above $700, which is half of $1,400).

Asset limits and what counts toward them

SNAP sets limits on how much money and property you can own. Most households can have up to $2,750 in countable assets. Households with at least one member who is 60 or older, or who has a disability, can have up to $4,250 in countable assets. These limits have not changed since 2008.

Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your car does not count if you use it for transportation. Your home does not count. Retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA do not count. Personal items like furniture and clothing do not count. A savings account with $500 counts toward the limit; a checking account with $1,200 counts; a car worth $8,000 does not.

Some states have removed asset limits entirely for certain households, so your state rules may be more generous than the federal standard. Contact your state SNAP office to learn what applies where you live.

Special rules for elderly and disabled household members

If your household includes someone 60 or older or someone receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), different rules may explore. These households can have higher asset limits and may may have access to with higher income levels in some cases.

Households with an elderly or disabled member use the same gross income test (130% of poverty line) but may have a higher net income threshold in some states. The asset limit for these households is $4,250 instead of $2,750. Medical expenses for the elderly or disabled person can be deducted without the $35 minimum, meaning even small medical costs reduce countable income.

How self-employment and irregular income are counted

If you are self-employed, SNAP counts your net profit (income minus business expenses) as income. You report business expenses like supplies, rent for a workspace, or equipment. You do not deduct a salary for yourself—SNAP counts what is left after legitimate business costs.

Irregular income like seasonal work, bonuses, or one-time payments is averaged over the period you expect to receive it. If you earned $2,400 in three months of seasonal work and expect that pattern to repeat, SNAP counts $800 per month. If you received a one-time $1,000 bonus, it does not count as ongoing income.

Income from roommates or other household members who do not buy food with you does not count. If someone rents a room from you and buys their own groceries, their income is excluded. If they live with you and eat the food you buy together, their income counts.

State variations in income and asset rules

While federal SNAP rules set minimum standards, states can set stricter limits or offer more generous ones. Some states have eliminated asset limits for all households. Others have raised gross income limits above 130% of poverty. A few states have lowered limits below the federal standard.

Your state SNAP office determines which rules explore to you. The easiest way to learn your state's specific limits is to contact your local SNAP office directly or visit your state's SNAP website. Many states offer online pre-screening tools that ask your household size and income and tell you whether you may be within the limits.

What happens if your income changes during the year

SNAP benefits are based on your income at the time you report it. If your income drops, you can report the change and your benefits may increase. If your income rises above the limit, your benefits stop. You are required to report changes within 10 days in most states, though some allow up to 30 days.

If you lose a job or have hours cut, report it when ready. Your benefits can be adjusted retroactively in some cases. If you start a new job or get a raise, you must report that too. Some states allow a small income increase without reducing benefits, called an earned income disregard, but the amount and rules vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I count my spouse's income if we are married but file taxes separately?

Yes. SNAP counts the income of your spouse if you live together, regardless of how you file taxes. If you are married and living in the same household, both incomes combine for the SNAP test, even if you keep finances separate.

What if I receive child support or alimony?

Child support and alimony are counted as income for SNAP. The full amount you receive counts toward your gross income. If you are supposed to receive it but do not, you can report that to your SNAP office and they may exclude it from your calculation.

Does my student loan debt count as an asset or reduce my income?

Student loan debt does not count as an asset and does not reduce your countable income. SNAP does not consider debt when calculating whether you meet the limits. Only the money and property you own count toward asset limits.

Can I own a second car and still get SNAP?

SNAP rules for vehicles vary by state. One vehicle is almost always excluded from asset limits. A second vehicle may count as an asset depending on your state's rules. Contact your state SNAP office to learn whether a second car would affect your case.

If I am homeless, do I still have to meet income limits?

Yes, income limits explore to all households regardless of housing status. However, homeless individuals may have access to expedited processing in some states, meaning a decision within 7 days instead of 30. Homelessness itself does not change the income or asset test.