To determine food stamp eligibility, the government considers various sources of income, including employment earnings, Social Security benefits, and pensions. However, Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits, which are intended to provide financial assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities, are not counted as income when evaluating food stamp eligibility. This is because VA disability benefits are meant to offset the economic impact of a veteran’s disability, not to serve as a general source of income. As a result, veterans receiving VA disability benefits can apply for food stamps without the concern that their benefits will affect their eligibility or the amount of assistance they receive.
SNAP Eligibility Criteria
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility for SNAP is based on a variety of factors, including:
- Income
- Assets
- Household size
- Disability status
Income
To be eligible for SNAP, your household’s gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. The poverty level is adjusted each year based on the cost of living.
For example, in 2023, a household of four must have a gross income of $3,648 per month or less to be eligible for SNAP. This amount includes all income from all sources, such as wages, Social Security benefits, child support, and veterans disability benefits.
Assets
In addition to income, SNAP eligibility is also based on your household’s assets. Assets include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other valuable items.
For most households, the asset limit is $2,500. However, there are some exceptions. For example, the asset limit is higher for households that include a member who is 60 years of age or older or who has a disability.
Household Size
SNAP eligibility is also based on your household size. A household is defined as a group of people who live together and share their income and expenses.
The SNAP benefit amount is based on the number of people in your household. The more people in your household, the higher your benefit amount will be.
Disability Status
If you are disabled, you may be eligible for SNAP even if your income and assets exceed the limits. To be eligible, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.
You can apply for SNAP online, by mail, or in person at your local SNAP office. If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,882 |
| 2 | $2,541 |
| 3 | $3,199 |
| 4 | $3,858 |
| 5 | $4,516 |
| 6 | $5,175 |
| 7 | $5,833 |
| 8 | $6,492 |
Types of Allowable Income for SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. To be eligible for SNAP, households must meet certain income and asset limits. Income is defined as any money received from a source other than SNAP benefits. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and disability benefits. However, not all types of income are counted when determining SNAP eligibility.
- Earned income: This includes wages, self-employment income, and tips. It is counted as income, but there is a deduction for work expenses.
- Unearned income: This includes Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), pensions, and annuities. It is counted as income, but there are deductions for certain expenses, such as medical bills and childcare costs.
- In-kind income: This includes food, housing, and utilities that are provided for free or at a reduced cost. It is not counted as income.
Additionally, states have the option to exclude certain types of income when determining SNAP eligibility. These exclusions may include income from child support, alimony, and certain types of disaster assistance. Households that are eligible for SNAP benefits receive a monthly allotment of food stamps that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Earned Income | Unearned Income | In-Kind Income |
|---|---|---|
| Wages | Social Security benefits | Food |
| Self-employment income | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Housing |
| Tips | Pensions | Utilities |
| Annuities |
Categorization of VA Disability Benefits
VA disability benefits are categorized into two types: taxable and non-taxable. Taxable benefits include:
- VA compensation for service-connected disabilities
- VA pension for veterans with low income and net worth
- VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors of veterans
Non-taxable benefits include:
- VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits for veterans who need help with daily living activities
- VA Housebound benefits for veterans who are unable to leave their homes
- VA clothing allowance for veterans who need to purchase new clothing due to a service-connected disability
- VA automobile allowance for veterans who need to purchase a vehicle due to a service-connected disability
VA disability benefits are considered to be countable income for the purpose of determining eligibility for food stamps. However, there are some exceptions. For example, VA A&A benefits and VA Housebound benefits are not considered to be countable income.
The following table summarizes the categorization of VA disability benefits and their treatment under the food stamps program:
| VA Disability Benefit | Taxable | Countable Income for Food Stamps |
|---|---|---|
| VA compensation for service-connected disabilities | Yes | Yes |
| VA pension for veterans with low income and net worth | No | Yes |
| VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors of veterans | Yes | Yes |
| VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits for veterans who need help with daily living activities | No | No |
| VA Housebound benefits for veterans who are unable to leave their homes | No | No |
| VA clothing allowance for veterans who need to purchase new clothing due to a service-connected disability | No | No |
| VA automobile allowance for veterans who need to purchase a vehicle due to a service-connected disability | No | No |
Thanks for hanging around until the end! I know this is quite a dense topic, and I really appreciate you for sticking with it. If you’ve got any more questions about VA disability counting as income for food stamps, be sure to drop me a line. I’m always happy to help out any way I can. And be sure to check back soon, as I’ll be posting more helpful articles like this one in the near future. Until then, take care and I hope you have a great day!