The basic rules for SNAP and TANF may be able to access

To receive SNAP (food assistance) or TANF (cash assistance) through an EBT card, you must meet income and asset limits set by your state, plus citizenship or immigration status requirements. Income limits vary by state and household size — a single person in one state might earn too much while the same income qualifies in another. Most states also count how much money and property you own, though rules differ on what counts and what thresholds apply.

Citizenship rules are strict: you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other visa categories, but rules vary by program and state. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SNAP or TANF, though some states offer separate food programs for mixed-status households.

Work requirements exist for TANF in most states and for some SNAP recipients. TANF typically requires adults to work or participate in work activities, with limited exceptions for caregivers and people with disabilities. SNAP work requirements apply mainly to able-bodied adults without dependents, though many exemptions exist.

Key Takeaways

  • Income and asset limits vary by state and household size, so you must check your specific state's rules rather than assuming a national threshold.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant; undocumented immigrants do not meet federal requirements for SNAP or TANF.
  • TANF has work requirements in most states, while SNAP work requirements apply mainly to adults without dependents.
  • Your state's SNAP or TANF office determines what counts as income and assets, and these definitions differ from federal tax rules.
  • Household composition matters: the number of people you live with and their relationships to you affect both income limits and benefit amounts.

Income limits and how your state calculates them

Your state sets the income threshold for SNAP and TANF, and it depends on your household size. A household of one might have a monthly income limit of $1,400 in one state and $1,800 in another. Your state's SNAP or TANF office publishes these limits, usually on their website or in materials you receive when you contact them.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular money coming in. Some income does not count: the first $20 of unearned income per month in SNAP, work expenses, child care costs, and certain education or training payments. Your state may exclude other income types, so ask your caseworker what counts in your situation.

Gross income (before taxes) is what matters for SNAP, though some deductions apply. TANF rules vary by state — some use gross income, others use net. If you are self-employed, your state calculates net earnings differently than the IRS does, so do not assume your tax return tells the whole story.

Asset limits and what counts as property you own

Most states set a limit on how much money and property you can own and still receive SNAP or TANF. SNAP asset limits are often $2,250 for most households and $3,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member, though some states have raised or removed these limits. TANF asset limits vary widely by state — some are $1,000, others $5,000 or higher, and a few states have no limit.

Assets include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, and vehicles. Your primary home and the land it sits on usually do not count. A car used for work or transportation often does not count either, though limits vary by state. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs typically do not count as assets for these programs.

Household goods, furniture, and personal items do not count. Life insurance policies usually do not count unless they have a cash surrender value. Ask your state office what counts in your case, because rules are specific and caseworkers apply them differently.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

U.S. citizens have no restrictions on SNAP or TANF. may have access to immigrants can receive both programs, but the definition of "may have access to" is narrow and depends on visa type and length of time in the U.S. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can receive SNAP and TANF without time limits. Refugees and asylees can receive benefits for seven years from the date they were granted that status.

Other visa holders — such as those on H-1B, L-1, or student visas — do not meet the definition of may have access to immigrant and cannot receive SNAP or TANF. Some states offer state-funded food programs for immigrants who do not meet federal rules, so contact your state office to learn what is available.

You will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when you apply. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, green card, refugee or asylee approval notice, or state ID. If you cannot provide these documents, your state may use other methods to verify status, but the process takes longer.

Work requirements and exemptions

TANF requires most adults to work or participate in work activities — job training, community service, or education — for a set number of hours per week. The hours and activities vary by state. Parents caring for a child under age six may be exempt, and people with disabilities or serious health conditions may not have to work, depending on your state's rules.

SNAP work requirements apply to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), typically ages 18 to 49. These adults must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program to keep SNAP. Many exemptions exist: people caring for a child, pregnant people, people with disabilities, homeless people, and those in some education or training programs do not have to meet the work requirement.

If you do not meet work requirements, your benefits stop. Some states have programs that help you find work or training, which can count toward the requirement. Ask your caseworker whether your situation qualifies for an exemption and what work activities are available in your area.

Household composition and who counts as part of your household

Your household includes people you live with and buy food with or share cooking facilities with. A spouse, children, and parents in the same home usually count. Adult children, roommates who are not related, and people who rent a room from you typically do not count, even if they live in the same building.

Household size affects your income limit and benefit amount. Adding a household member lowers the income threshold but increases the total benefit. If someone moves in or out, you must report it to your state office, as it changes your case.

Some people in your home do not count toward the household for SNAP or TANF purposes. Undocumented immigrants, people receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and students over 18 who meet certain conditions may not be counted. Your state office can tell you whether specific people in your home count.

How to find your state's specific rules

Each state runs its own SNAP and TANF programs within federal guidelines, so income limits, asset rules, and work requirements differ. Your state's SNAP or TANF office website lists current income and asset limits, usually in a table by household size. You can also call your local office or visit in person to ask about your situation.

Many states use a single application for both SNAP and TANF, while others have separate processes. Some allow online applications, others require you to apply by mail or in person. Your state office can tell you how to apply and what documents to bring.

If you are unsure whether you meet the rules, contact your state office before you apply. They can answer questions about your specific household without starting a formal application. Many states also have online screening tools that give you a rough idea of whether you may be found to meet the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my student status affect whether I can get SNAP?

Most full-time students ages 18 to 49 cannot receive SNAP unless they work at least 20 hours per week, are caring for a child, are pregnant, or have a disability. Part-time students and students over 50 have no restrictions. Contact your state office with details about your enrollment status to learn whether you meet an exception.

Can I get SNAP or TANF if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record alone does not disqualify you. However, certain drug felony convictions can make you ineligible for SNAP in some states, and some states have restrictions on TANF for people with certain convictions. Your state office can tell you whether your specific conviction affects your case.

What happens to my benefits if my income goes up?

If your income rises above your state's limit, your benefits end. You must report income changes to your state office within the timeframe they set — usually 10 days. Some states allow a small amount of income increase before benefits stop, so ask your caseworker about your state's rules.

Do I have to report money I receive as a gift?

Gifts are not counted as income for SNAP or TANF, so you do not have to report them. However, if the gift is large enough to push your assets over the limit, it counts toward your asset total. Ask your caseworker if a specific gift affects your case.

Can I get TANF if I am already receiving unemployment benefits?

Unemployment benefits count as income for TANF, so they may reduce or eliminate your TANF payment. You can receive both programs at the same time if your total income is below your state's limit, but the TANF amount will be lower. Contact your state office to learn what your TANF payment would be with unemployment income included.