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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps): Eligibility Requirements

Income You Can Have And Still Get Nutritional Assistance

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There are two income tests to qualify for food assistance: gross income and net income. Most households must meet both the gross and net income tests. A household with an elderly person or a disabled person only has to meet the net income test. There are exceptions to the income test.

Elderly Person Defined

For purposes of food stamps, an "elderly person" is a person age 60 or older.

"Disabled" for Food Assistance purposes

A person is considered to be "disabled" for food assistance purposes if he or she:

  • Receives Federal disability or blindness payments under the Social Security Act, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI); OR
  • Receives State disability or blindness payments based on SSI rules; OR
  • Receives a disability retirement benefit from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent under the Social Security Act; OR
  • Receives an annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act and is eligible for Medicare or is considered to be disabled based on the SSI rules; OR
  • Is a veteran who is totally disabled, permanently housebound, or in need of regular aid and attendance; OR
  • Is a surviving spouse or child of a veteran who is receiving VA benefits and is considered to be permanently disabled.

Gross Income for Food Stamp purposes

Gross income means a household's total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been made.

Net income for Food Assitance purposes

During the period October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015< net income is gross income minus the following allowable deductions:

  • A 20% deduction from earned income.
  • A standard deduction  of $155 for households of 1 - 3 people, $165 for a household of 4 people and more for larger families. 
    • These numbers are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
    • The numbers are higher for larger households. 
  • A dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education to a maximum per dependent..
  • Medical expenses, including health insurance premiums and transportation for medical purposes, for elderly or disabled members which are more than $35 for the month, provided they are not paid by insurance or someone else not part of the household.
  • Legally owed child support payments.
  • Excess shelter costs, which is the cost of shelter that is more than half of the household's income after the other deductions. Shelter costs include:
    • The cost of fuel to heat and with which to cook.
    • Electricity.
    • Water.
    • The basic fee for one telephone.
    • Rent or mortgage payments.
    • Taxes on the home.

The amount of the shelter deduction is limited. 

Allowable Amount of Income

Households, except those noted, that have income over the amounts listed below cannot get food stamps.

For October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015, the income limits are:

Household size Gross monthly income (130 percent of poverty) Net monthly income (100 percent of poverty)

1

$1,265 $ 973

2

1,705 1,311

3

2,144 1,650

4

2,584 1,988

5

3,024 2,326

6

3,464 2,665

7

3,904 3,003

8

4,344 3,341

Each additional member

+440 +339

Exception to the Income Rules

The income test does NOT apply:

  • To households where ALL members are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), formerly called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).
  • In some states in which recipients of General Assistance or General Relief (often called County Welfare) are exempted from an income test.

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