The Basic Rules for SNAP and TANF

EBT—the Electronic Benefits Transfer card—carries two main programs: SNAP (food information) and TANF (cash information). The rules for each are different, and your household's income, citizenship status, and work history all matter. SNAP has looser income limits than TANF, and some people get one program but not the other.

You do not need to be employed to get either program. You do not need to own or rent a home. You do not need to have a bank account. What you need is to live in the state where you are explore, be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, and meet that program's income and resource limits.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP income limits are roughly 130 percent of the federal poverty line for most households, though some states set them higher.
  • TANF has much stricter income limits—usually around 50 percent of the poverty line—and requires work or work-related activities for most adults.
  • Citizenship rules differ: U.S. citizens always may have access to, but some immigrants can get SNAP while others cannot get TANF.
  • Your state sets the exact rules, so two households with identical income may have different outcomes depending on where they live.
  • Resources (savings, vehicles, property) count toward limits, though the limits are usually high enough that most households do not hit them.

Income Limits for SNAP

SNAP uses a gross income limit of roughly 130 percent of the federal poverty line. For a household of three in 2024, that is approximately $2,900 per month before taxes. Some states have raised their limit to 200 percent of poverty, so check your state's rules—the limit varies.

Gross income means what you earn before deductions. It includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other money coming in. Some income does not count: student financial aid, certain scholarships, and money from some information programs are excluded.

After calculating gross income, SNAP then applies deductions for things like child care costs, medical expenses, and housing costs. These deductions can lower your countable income enough to bring you under the limit even if your gross income is above it. Your state's SNAP office can walk you through which deductions explore to your situation.

Income and Work Rules for TANF

TANF has a much tighter income limit—usually around 50 percent of the federal poverty line, or roughly $1,200 per month for a household of three. This is why some households get SNAP but not TANF. TANF is also a work program: most adults must work, look for work, or participate in work-related activities like job training or community service.

The work requirement has exceptions. You may be exempt if you are caring for a child under age six, if you are over 60, if you have a disability, or if you are a parent caring for a disabled household member. Each state defines these exemptions slightly differently, so the rules in your state may be broader or narrower than in another.

TANF also has a time limit: most adults can receive benefits for no more than 60 months in their lifetime, though some states have shorter limits or allow extensions in hardship cases. SNAP has no time limit for most people, though able-bodied adults without dependents face a three-month limit if they do not work or participate in a work program.

Citizenship and Immigration Status

U.S. citizens always may have access to for both SNAP and TANF, provided they meet income and other rules. may have access to immigrants—a legal term that includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and some refugees and asylees—can get SNAP when ready. They can also get TANF, though some states restrict it.

Other immigrants may not may have access to. Undocumented immigrants cannot get SNAP or TANF. Some visa holders and temporary residents also do not may have access to. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents when you explore so the office can determine your status. The rules are complex enough that staff should make the call, not you.

Resources and Assets

Both SNAP and TANF count your resources—money in the bank, vehicles, and other property—toward limits. SNAP allows households to have up to $2,750 in countable resources (or $4,250 if at least one person is over 60). TANF limits are usually lower, around $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the state.

Some resources do not count. Your primary home and the land it sits on are excluded. One vehicle per household is usually excluded. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs do not count. Personal items like furniture and jewelry do not count. The rules are detailed, and what counts varies by state, so ask your local office if you are unsure whether a specific asset will disqualify you.

How State Rules Create Differences

Federal law sets the floor, but states can be more generous. Some states have raised their SNAP income limit to 200 percent of poverty instead of 130 percent. Some states have lowered their TANF income limit or made the work requirement stricter. Some states exempt more people from the work requirement or allow longer time limits.

This means your neighbor in another state with the same income and household size might get different benefits. Before you assume you do not may have access to, check your specific state's rules. Your state's SNAP or TANF office website will have the current limits and rules, or you can call 211 to reach a local referral service that knows your state's programs.

What Happens After You Meet the Rules

Meeting the income and citizenship rules does not automatically mean you receive benefits. You must also provide proof: pay stubs or tax returns for income, a lease or utility bill for address, a birth certificate or Social Security card for identity, and immigration documents if you are not a citizen. The office will verify your information with employers and other agencies.

Processing usually takes 30 days for SNAP and varies for TANF depending on your state. Some states process faster if you are in a crisis. Once approved, you receive an EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores (SNAP) or ATMs (TANF cash). The card is reloaded each month with your benefit amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SNAP if I work part-time?

Yes. SNAP does not require you to work, and working part-time does not disqualify you. Your income must still be under the limit after deductions are applied. Many working households get SNAP because their wages are low enough that they fall below the threshold.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

You must report changes within 10 days in most states. If your income goes up, your benefits may decrease or stop. If your income goes down, your benefits may increase. Your state's office will tell you how to report changes—usually by phone, mail, or online.

Do I lose SNAP if I get a tax refund?

A tax refund counts as income in the month you receive it, which could affect your benefits that month. However, it does not count as a resource in future months. If the refund pushes you over the income limit for one month, your benefits may pause, but you can reapply the following month if your income drops back down.

Can I get TANF if I am going to school?

It depends on your state and the type of school. Some states count vocational training or community college as a work-related activity that satisfies the work requirement. Four-year university usually does not count. Ask your state's TANF office whether your specific school program qualifies.

What if I am homeless—do I still may have access to?

Yes. You do not need a permanent address to get SNAP or TANF. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, a mailing address, or even a description of where you sleep. The office needs to know how to reach you, but homelessness itself does not disqualify you.