How SNAP Income Limits Work

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program, formerly called food stamps) sets income limits based on your household size, not a single dollar amount. The limit changes each year and varies by state because it is tied to the federal poverty line, which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updates annually.

Most households must have a gross monthly income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line to be considered. Some states use 185 percent for certain households. Your state's SNAP office determines which threshold applies to you based on your household composition and circumstances.

Income limits are higher for households that include an elderly person (age 60 or older) or a person receiving disability benefits. These households may be evaluated under a different standard called the "net income test" rather than the gross income test.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP income limits are based on household size and the federal poverty line, which changes yearly, so the exact dollar amount you need to know depends on your state and the current year.
  • Most households must have gross monthly income at or below 130 percent of the poverty line, though some states allow up to 185 percent for households with elderly or disabled members.
  • Your state SNAP office publishes the current income limits for each household size, and you can find them on your state's SNAP website or by calling your local office.
  • Income from employment, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment, and child support all count toward the limit, but some types of income are excluded.

Current Income Limits by Household Size

Because federal poverty guidelines change yearly, the exact income limit for your household depends on when you check and which state you live in. As of 2024, a single person in most states cannot exceed roughly $1,400 to $1,500 in gross monthly income, while a family of four cannot exceed roughly $2,900 to $3,100. These figures are approximate and vary.

Your state SNAP office maintains the official current limits for your area. You can find them by visiting your state's SNAP website (usually under the state's Department of Human Services or Department of Social Services) or by calling your local SNAP office directly. The office staff can tell you the exact limit for your household size in your state right now.

Some states, including California, Illinois, New York, and Vermont, use the higher 185 percent threshold for all households. Most other states use 130 percent. A few states have different rules for households with elderly or disabled members. Calling your local office is the fastest way to know which rule applies to you.

What Income Counts Toward the Limit

SNAP counts most money your household receives as income. This includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security payments, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, child support, and alimony. If you receive regular payments from any source, they likely count.

Some income does not count. Student financial aid, certain scholarships, and money set aside in certain disability accounts (like ABLE accounts or certain trusts) are excluded. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as income for SNAP purposes in most cases. Your state office can tell you whether a specific income source counts in your situation.

How Deductions Affect Your Income

Even if your gross income is above the limit, you may still be considered if your household qualifies for deductions. SNAP allows deductions for certain expenses: a standard deduction based on household size, dependent care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and shelter costs (rent, mortgage, utilities).

Your net income — what remains after deductions — is what actually determines whether you fall within the limit. A household with gross income above 130 percent might still be approved if deductions bring the net income down. This is why calling your local office with your specific numbers is more useful than comparing your gross income to the published limit.

Income Limits for Households with Elderly or Disabled Members

If your household includes someone age 60 or older or someone receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), different rules may explore. These households are often evaluated under the net income test rather than the gross income test, which can make a significant difference.

Under the net income test, your household's net income (after deductions) must be at or below 100 percent of the poverty line, not 130 percent. However, because more deductions are allowed, many households with elderly or disabled members end up being approved even with higher gross income. Ask your state office whether your household qualifies for this evaluation method.

How to Find Your State's Current Limits

Your state SNAP office publishes income limits annually, usually in September or October when the federal poverty guidelines are updated. The easiest way to find the current limits is to visit your state's SNAP website directly. Search "[your state] SNAP income limits" or "[your state] food information income limits" to find the official page.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local SNAP office. The staff can tell you the current limit for your household size and answer questions about whether specific income counts in your case. You can find your local office number on your state's SNAP website or by calling 211 (a free referral service) and asking for your local SNAP office.

What Happens If Your Income Is Above the Limit

If your household's income exceeds the limit, you are not considered for SNAP at this time. However, income limits change yearly, and your household circumstances may change. If your income decreases, you can contact your local SNAP office to see whether you now fall within the limit.

Some households above the income limit may be considered for other food information programs. Your state may run a separate program for households with slightly higher income, or you may be directed to local food banks or community meal programs. Your SNAP office can tell you what other resources exist in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. SNAP counts the income of all people living in your household, regardless of whether you file taxes together. If you are married and living together, both spouses' income counts toward the household limit, even if you file separately for tax purposes.

If I get a raise, will I lose SNAP when ready?

No. SNAP uses your income from the past 30 days to determine whether you remain within the limit. A single raise does not when ready disqualify you. However, if your income stays above the limit for a full month, your case will be reviewed. Your local office can explain how changes in your income affect your case.

Do child support payments I receive count as income?

Yes, child support counts as income for SNAP purposes. The full amount of child support you receive is included when calculating your household's gross income against the limit. If you pay child support to someone outside your household, that payment does not reduce your income for SNAP purposes.

What if my income varies month to month because I work irregular hours?

SNAP uses your income from the past 30 days as a snapshot. If some months you are above the limit and other months below, your case is reviewed based on the current month's income. If your income is expected to change, tell your SNAP office when you report changes, and they can explain how the variation affects your case.

Are there income limits for people receiving unemployment benefits?

Yes. Unemployment benefits count as income for SNAP purposes, and the same household income limits explore. If you are receiving unemployment and your total household income (including unemployment) is at or below your state's limit, you may be considered for SNAP.