To determine eligibility for food stamps, the government considers various forms of income. This includes income from employment such as wages, salaries, self-employment, military pay, tips, and commissions. Additionally, government benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, unemployment compensation, and pensions are counted. In-kind benefits such as free housing and utilities are also considered as income. Additionally, income from dividends, interest, and certain types of royalties may be counted. Notably, some types of income like child support, foster care payments, and certain disaster assistance benefits are typically excluded when calculating eligibility.
What Income is Counted for Food Stamps?
Food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal program that provides food-buying assistance to low-income individuals and families. To qualify for food stamps, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. This article will explain what income is counted when determining eligibility for food stamps.
Requirements to Apply for Food Assistance
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Residency: You must reside in the state where you are applying for food stamps.
- Income: Your income must be below certain limits.
- Assets: Your assets must be below certain limits.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents must meet certain work requirements.
Income That is Counted for Food Stamps
- Wages, salaries, and tips from employment
- Self-employment income
- Social Security benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Pensions and annuities
- Unemployment benefits
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- VA benefits
- Rental income
- Child support payments
- Alimony payments
- Income from a trust or an estate
Income That is Not Counted for Food Stamps
- Gifts
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Prizes
- Money received from the sale of a home
- Income tax refunds
Table of Income Limits for Food Stamps
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Net Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,836 | $1,380 |
| 2 people | $2,464 | $1,847 |
| 3 people | $3,092 | $2,314 |
| 4 people | $3,720 | $2,781 |
| 5 people | $4,348 | $3,248 |
| 6 people | $4,976 | $3,715 |
| 7 people | $5,604 | $4,182 |
| 8 people | $6,232 | $4,649 |
Note: The income limits for food stamps are updated annually.
Net Income Limits
To qualify for food stamps, your net income must be at or below certain limits. Net income is your total income minus certain deductions. The income limits differ for households of different sizes. Refer to the table below for more information.
Income limits are based on your household size. For example, if you live by yourself, your monthly net income cannot be more than $1,294. For a family of four, the limit is $2,230.
- If your household size is 1, the net income limit is $1,294.
- If your household size is 2, the net income limit is $1,722.
- If your household size is 3, the net income limit is $2,006.
- If your household size is 4, the net income limit is $2,230.
- For each additional person in your household, add $224 to the net income limit.
| Household Size | Net Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,294 |
| 2 | $1,722 |
| 3 | $2,006 |
| 4 | $2,230 |
| 5 | $2,454 |
| 6 | $2,678 |
| 7 | $2,902 |
| 8 | $3,126 |
You can find more information about food stamps at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website.
Income Excludes for Food Stamps
Various income sources are excluded when applying for food stamps to ensure fair and accurate assistance. These exclusions aim to support individuals and families who face financial hardships and help them meet their nutritional needs. Here are the common types of income excluded from food stamp calculations:
Earned Income Exclusions
- Dependent Care Deduction: A portion of earned income used to pay for child care or adult dependent care is excluded up to a certain limit.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): EITC payments received from the government as part of tax refunds are excluded from food stamp calculations.
- Student Income: Income earned from work-study programs, on-campus jobs, or other student employment is typically excluded if the student is enrolled at least half-time.
Unearned Income Exclusions
- Child Support Payments: Child support payments received for the benefit of a household member are excluded.
- Foster Care Payments: Payments received for providing foster care to children are excluded.
- Home Energy Assistance: Assistance received through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is excluded.
- Educational Assistance: Scholarships, grants, and other educational assistance received for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are excluded.
- Housing Assistance: Housing assistance payments received from government programs or private sources are excluded.
Other Exclusions
- Capital Gains: Proceeds from the sale of assets, such as stocks or real estate, are excluded unless they are deemed excessive.
- Life Insurance Payments: Payments received as life insurance benefits are excluded.
- Prizes and Awards: Prizes and awards won through contests, games, or lotteries are excluded unless they are considered excessive.
Excluded Assets
In addition to income exclusions, certain assets are also not counted when determining eligibility for food stamps. These include:
- Home and Lot: The home and surrounding property is generally excluded, regardless of its value.
- Retirement Accounts: Retirement savings in accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions are excluded.
- Life Insurance Policies: The cash value of life insurance policies is excluded.
- Burial Plots: Any asset used for burial purposes is excluded.
| Asset | Exclusion Limit |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | Up to one vehicle per household member, regardless of value |
| Cash on Hand | Up to $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples, and $4,000 for households with more than two members |
| Bank Accounts | Up to $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples, and $4,000 for households with more than two members |
Gross Income Limit
To be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, your household’s gross monthly income must be at or below certain limits. The gross income limit is the total amount of money your household earns before any deductions, such as taxes, Social Security, or child support. Income from all sources is counted, including:
- Wages
- Salaries
- Tips
- Self-employment income
- Social Security benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Child support
- Alimony
- Unemployment benefits
- Workers’ compensation
- Pensions
- Annuities
- Interest
- Dividends
- Rental income
- Royalty income
Not all income is counted towards the gross income limit, including:
- The value of SNAP benefits
- Housing assistance
- Energy assistance
- Child care assistance
- Educational assistance
- Medical assistance
- Disaster assistance
The gross income limit varies depending on the size of your household and the state you live in. The following table shows the gross income limits for a household of four in each state as of July 2023:
| State | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,829 |
| Alaska | $3,683 |
| Arizona | $2,964 |
| Arkansas | $2,782 |
| California | $3,884 |
| Colorado | $3,317 |
| Connecticut | $3,691 |
| Delaware | $3,346 |
| District of Columbia | $3,758 |
| Florida | $2,745 |
| Georgia | $3,033 |
| Hawaii | $3,619 |
| Idaho | $3,273 |
| Illinois | $3,264 |
| Indiana | $3,097 |
| Iowa | $3,125 |
| Kansas | $3,011 |
| Kentucky | $2,815 |
| Louisiana | $2,845 |
| Maine | $3,434 |
| Maryland | $3,717 |
| Massachusetts | $3,667 |
| Michigan | $3,393 |
| Minnesota | $3,388 |
| Mississippi | $2,807 |
| Missouri | $3,220 |
| Montana | $3,273 |
| Nebraska | $3,156 |
| Nevada | $3,536 |
| New Hampshire | $3,498 |
| New Jersey | $3,803 |
| New Mexico | $3,187 |
| New York | $3,998 |
| North Carolina | $3,067 |
| North Dakota | $3,184 |
| Ohio | $3,236 |
| Oklahoma | $2,921 |
| Oregon | $3,615 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,475 |
| Rhode Island | $3,641 |
| South Carolina | $2,929 |
| South Dakota | $3,152 |
| Tennessee | $2,995 |
| Texas | $3,275 |
| Utah | $3,595 |
| Vermont | $3,524 |
| Virginia | $3,446 |
| Washington | $3,859 |
| West Virginia | $2,837 |
| Wisconsin | $3,256 |
| Wyoming | $3,346 |
If your household’s gross income is above the limit, you may still be eligible for SNAP benefits if you meet certain deductions or exemptions. For example, you may be able to deduct child care costs, medical expenses, or housing expenses.