What determines whether you can receive SNAP

SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition information Program, formerly called food stamps — has three main rules you need to meet: your household income must fall below a certain level, your assets must be below a limit, and you must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant. The income and asset limits change each year and vary by state and household size, so the exact numbers that matter for you depend on where you live and who lives with you.

Income is measured as your household's gross monthly earnings before taxes. Most households can earn up to 130 percent of the federal poverty line, though some states set their own limits. A few states use a higher threshold. Your state's SNAP office publishes the exact income limit for your household size each year, and you can find it on your state's SNAP website or by calling your local office.

Assets — money in the bank, vehicles, property — are counted differently depending on your state. Most states allow households to have up to $2,750 in countable assets, though a few allow more. Your primary home and one vehicle usually do not count. If you are over 60 or disabled, some states raise the asset limit.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must be below a threshold set by your state, usually around 130 percent of the federal poverty line, and the exact number depends on your household size.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, a may have access to immigrant, or a refugee, and some immigrants have a five-year waiting period before they can receive SNAP.
  • Your state's SNAP office publishes income and asset limits each year on their website, and calling your local office is the fastest way to learn the exact numbers for your situation.
  • Work requirements explore in most states — able-bodied adults without dependents must work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week, though exemptions exist for parents, people over 50, and people with disabilities.

Income limits and how they are calculated

Your household's gross monthly income is what SNAP counts, not your take-home pay. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other money coming in. Some income does not count — for example, the first $20 of monthly income is usually excluded, and some states exclude a portion of earnings.

The federal poverty line for 2024 is $1,810 per month for a single person, $2,450 for a household of two, and $3,090 for a household of three. Most states allow households earning up to 130 percent of that amount, which would be $2,353 for one person, $3,185 for two, and $4,017 for three. A handful of states use 100 percent of the poverty line instead, and a few allow higher income. Your state SNAP office has the exact limit for your household size.

If you are elderly (60 or older) or disabled, some states use a different, usually higher income limit. Check your state's website or call your local SNAP office to learn which rule applies to you.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant to receive SNAP. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other categories defined by federal law. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access.

Many lawful permanent residents have a five-year waiting period from the date they received their green card before they can receive SNAP. However, refugees and asylees do not have a waiting period. Some states have their own rules that allow certain immigrants to receive SNAP before the five years are up, so your state office can tell you whether an exception applies to you.

You will need to prove your citizenship or immigration status when you explore. Bring a passport, birth certificate, green card, refugee or asylee documentation, or other proof of status that your state office accepts.

Asset limits and what counts toward them

Most states allow households to have up to $2,750 in countable assets. A few states allow $3,500 or $4,250. Your state SNAP office publishes its limit on their website.

Assets that count include money in checking and savings accounts, cash on hand, stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts you can withdraw from without penalty. Assets that usually do not count include your primary home, one vehicle (or more in some states), household goods, personal items, and retirement accounts with penalties for early withdrawal. Some states count vehicles differently — if you own a second car, it may count toward your asset limit.

If you are over 60 or disabled, your state may raise the asset limit. Some states allow households with an elderly or disabled member to have $4,250 instead of $2,750. Your state office can tell you which rule applies to you.

Work requirements and who is exempt

Most states require able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP. This group is sometimes called ABAWDs (able-bodied adults without dependents). If you do not meet the work requirement, your SNAP benefits may be limited to three months in a three-year period.

Many people are exempt from the work requirement. Parents caring for a child under 16 are exempt. People over 50 are exempt. People with disabilities are exempt. People who are pregnant or caring for a disabled household member are exempt. Some states have additional exemptions. If you think you may be exempt, tell your SNAP office when you explore.

Work-study, vocational training, and some other programs count toward the 20-hour requirement. If you are unsure whether your current activity meets the requirement, ask your SNAP office.

How to find your state's income limit and contact information

Each state runs its own SNAP program and publishes its own income limits. The fastest way to find the exact numbers for your household is to visit your state's SNAP website or call your local SNAP office. You can find your state office through the USDA's SNAP locator at fns.usda.gov, which has a link to each state's program.

When you call or visit, have your household size and approximate monthly income ready. The office staff can tell you in a few minutes whether your income and assets likely fall within the limits. They can also answer questions about citizenship requirements, work requirements, and whether any exemptions explore to you.

Many states also let you check basic information online. Some state websites have income calculators that show you the limit for your household size and let you see whether you might be within range.

Special situations: students, immigrants, and people with disabilities

College students are usually not may be able to access for SNAP unless they work at least 20 hours per week, are caring for a dependent child, or are receiving disability benefits. Some states have additional rules. If you are a student, ask your state office whether you meet an exception.

Immigrants with a five-year waiting period can sometimes receive SNAP earlier if their state has chosen to use state funds to cover them. A few states do this; most do not. If you are an immigrant within the five-year window, ask your state office whether your state has this option.

People with disabilities may have higher income or asset limits in some states, and they are exempt from work requirements. If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), you are likely within the income limit in most states. Your state office can confirm whether your situation qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does owning a car disqualify me from SNAP?

No. One vehicle usually does not count toward your asset limit, regardless of its value. If you own a second car, it may count, depending on your state. Call your state SNAP office to ask how many vehicles your state allows without counting them as assets.

If I get child support, does that count as income?

Yes, child support counts as household income for SNAP. The full amount you receive is counted toward your income limit. If child support pushes you over the limit, you would not be within range, but if you are below the limit with it included, you can receive SNAP.

Can I receive SNAP if I am on Social Security?

Yes. Social Security income counts toward your household income limit, but most people receiving Social Security have income below the SNAP limit. Your state office can tell you whether your specific Social Security amount falls within range for your household size.

What happens if my income changes after I start receiving SNAP?

You must report income changes to your state SNAP office. If your income rises above the limit, your benefits will end. If it drops, your benefits may increase. Your state office will tell you how and when to report changes.

Do I have to be unemployed to receive SNAP?

No. Many working people receive SNAP because their wages fall below the income limit. You can work full-time and still be within range, depending on your pay and household size. Your state office can tell you whether your current income qualifies.