Massachusetts Food Stamp Income Limits by Household Size

Massachusetts uses federal income limits set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, adjusted each year. The limit depends on how many people live in your household and whether you count gross income (before taxes) or net income (after certain deductions). Most households must fall below the gross income limit to move forward in the process.

As of 2024, the gross monthly income limit for a household of one is $1,550. For a household of two, it is $2,082. For three people, $2,614. For four people, $3,146. For five people, $3,678. For six people, $4,210. For seven people, $4,742. For eight people, $5,274. Each additional person adds $532 to the limit.

These numbers change once per year, usually in October. If you are close to the limit, contact the Massachusetts Department of Transitional information (DTA) directly to confirm the current figure for your household size, since the limits may have shifted since this article was written.

Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts uses federal income limits that vary by household size, ranging from $1,550 per month for one person to $5,274 for eight people as of 2024.
  • The limit is based on gross monthly income before taxes, though certain deductions can lower your countable income.
  • Income limits increase by $532 for each household member beyond eight people.
  • The DTA updates income limits every October, so you should confirm the current limit before submitting information.

What Counts as Income for Food Stamps in Massachusetts

Not all money coming into your household counts toward the income limit. Wages from a job count. Self-employment income counts. Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support all count. Pensions and retirement account withdrawals count.

Some income does not count. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count. Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF) does not count. Most student loans and grants do not count. Gifts and loans from other people do not count. Refunds of taxes you already paid do not count.

If you receive multiple types of income, the DTA will add them together to determine your gross monthly total. You can contact the DTA at 877-382-2363 to ask whether a specific income source counts toward your limit.

How Deductions Lower Your Countable Income

Even if your gross income is above the limit, you may still move forward if deductions bring your net income below a separate threshold. Massachusetts allows several deductions from gross income: a standard deduction of $194 per month (as of 2024), a 20 percent deduction on earned income from work, dependent care costs, child support you pay, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members.

These deductions are applied in a specific order. The standard deduction comes first. Then the 20 percent earned income deduction. Then dependent care and child support. Then medical expenses. After all deductions are subtracted, your remaining net income is compared to the net income limit, which is lower than the gross limit.

The net income limit for a household of one is $1,193 per month. For two people, $1,602. For three, $2,011. For four, $2,420. For five, $2,829. For six, $3,238. For seven, $3,647. For eight, $4,056. Each additional person adds $409.

Self-Employment Income and Irregular Earnings

If you are self-employed, the DTA counts your net profit after business expenses, not your total revenue. You will need to provide documentation of your business expenses and income, such as tax returns, profit and loss statements, or bank records showing deposits and withdrawals related to the business.

If your income varies month to month — from seasonal work, gig work, or irregular hours — the DTA will average your income over the past three months or the past year, depending on which gives a more accurate picture. If you just started a job, they may use only the income you have received so far. Bring recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer stating your expected income, or bank statements showing deposits.

Income Limits for Expedited Processing

Massachusetts offers expedited processing, which means a decision within seven days instead of the standard 30 days. To receive expedited processing, your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line. For a household of one, that is $1,385 per month. For two, $1,868. For three, $2,351. For four, $2,834. For five, $3,317. For six, $3,800. For seven, $4,283. For eight, $4,766.

If you meet the expedited income limit, you can receive benefits within seven days if you meet other requirements. This does not change the overall income limit for the program — it only speeds up the decision timeline.

Household Composition and Who Counts

Your household includes everyone who lives with you and buys and cooks food together. A spouse counts. Children under 22 who live with you count, even if they are in school or working. Parents or other relatives living in your home count. Unrelated people who share meals and expenses count.

People who do not count include boarders (people who rent a room but do not share meals), live-in aides or caregivers, and people who are temporarily away at school, in the military, or in a hospital or institution. If you are unsure whether someone in your home should be counted, the DTA can clarify during the intake process.

What to Do If Your Income Is Above the Limit

If your gross income exceeds the limit, you may still be able to move forward if deductions bring your net income below the net income threshold. Calculate your deductions using the amounts listed above and see where you land. If you still do not may have access to, you can reapply later if your income decreases or your household size changes.

Some households above the income limit may be able to receive benefits under a different program. The DTA administers several information programs with different rules. Contact them at 877-382-2363 to learn whether another program might help your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The DTA counts the income of your spouse regardless of how you file taxes. If you are living together as a married couple, both incomes are included in your household total, even if you file separate tax returns.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

You must report changes in income to the DTA within 10 days. If your income increases above the limit, your benefits may end. If your income decreases, your benefit amount may increase. Contact the DTA to report the change.

Does child support I receive count toward the income limit?

Yes. Child support received counts as income. However, child support you pay to someone else is deducted from your income, which can lower your countable total.

How often do the income limits change?

Massachusetts updates income limits once per year in October to match federal adjustments. The limits may increase slightly each year based on inflation. Check the DTA website or call 877-382-2363 in October to confirm the current limits.

Can I include my adult child's income if they live with me?

Yes, if your adult child lives with you and you buy and cook food together, their income counts toward your household total. If they pay for their own food separately, they may be considered a separate household.