Income and household size determine whether you meet the basic threshold

Most states use a gross income limit — the money your household earns before taxes and deductions — to decide if you can receive SNAP or TANF. The limit depends on your household size and changes each year. For SNAP, the federal limit is roughly 130% of the federal poverty line, though some states set it higher. TANF limits vary much more widely by state because each state designs its own program.

Your household size includes everyone living with you and buying food together, not just family members. If you live with roommates who buy their own groceries, they do not count. If you have a spouse or partner, they count even if they do not work. Children in your home count, whether they are biological, adopted, or in your legal care.

You can find your state's current income limits on your state's SNAP or TANF website, or by calling your local department of social services. Income limits shift annually, so a number from last year may not be accurate now.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP and TANF both use income limits based on household size, and these limits change yearly depending on your state and the federal poverty line.
  • Your household includes anyone living with you who shares food purchases, not just relatives, and your income is measured before taxes and deductions.
  • Most states also check your assets — savings, vehicles, property — and set a ceiling on what you can own and still receive benefits.
  • Citizenship or legal residency is required for SNAP and TANF in all states, though the rules differ slightly between the two programs.
  • Work history, age, and disability status affect TANF may be able to access more than SNAP, and some people are exempt from work requirements.

Asset limits: what you can own and still receive benefits

Most states place a ceiling on the total value of assets you can hold. For SNAP, the federal asset limit is $2,750 for most households and $4,250 for households with a member over 60 or disabled, though some states set their own limits. Assets include savings accounts, money market accounts, stocks, and vehicles — but your primary home and one vehicle used for work or transportation usually do not count.

TANF asset limits are set by each state and are often lower than SNAP limits. Some states count vehicles toward the limit; others exempt one vehicle entirely. A few states have no asset limit at all for TANF. You will need to check your state's rules directly because the variation is significant.

If you are over the asset limit, you may still be able to receive benefits if you can show the assets are essential — for example, a second vehicle needed for two jobs, or a home repair fund. Each case is reviewed individually, and your local office can tell you whether an exception applies to you.

Citizenship and residency requirements

For SNAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen. may have access to non-citizens include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration statuses. Undocumented immigrants do not meet the requirement, though some states offer separate food assistance programs for them.

TANF has similar but slightly stricter rules. You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen, and some states add additional requirements. A few states require that at least one adult in the household be a citizen. Your state's TANF office can confirm whether your immigration status meets the requirement.

You do not need to be a citizen of the state where you apply. If you have recently moved, you can apply in your new state immediately. Some states ask how long you have lived there, but residency requirements are no longer allowed under federal law.

Work requirements and exemptions for TANF

TANF requires most adults to work or participate in work-related activities — job training, community service, or education programs — to receive cash assistance. The number of hours required varies by state, typically between 20 and 35 hours per week. However, several groups are exempt from this requirement.

You may be exempt if you are caring for a child under a certain age (usually under 6), if you are pregnant, if you have a documented disability that prevents work, or if you are over 60. Some states exempt people who are the sole caregiver for a disabled household member. Parents with very young children may have reduced work hours instead of a full exemption.

If you lose a job or cannot meet the work requirement, you can request a hardship exemption. These are temporary and require documentation of why you cannot work. Your local TANF office handles these requests and can explain what counts as a valid reason in your state.

Age and disability considerations

SNAP has no age requirement — children, working-age adults, and seniors all can receive benefits if they meet the income and asset limits. However, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between 18 and 49 face a work requirement in most states: they must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period.

If you are disabled, you may be exempt from the ABAWD work requirement. Disability is defined as receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or having a medical condition that prevents you from working. You will need documentation from Social Security or a doctor to prove this.

For TANF, age and disability affect both may be able to access and the work requirement. Seniors and people with disabilities may have reduced or eliminated work requirements. Children in the household do not have to work, but if you are the parent or caregiver, you do unless you fall into an exempt category.

How your income is calculated

Income includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not include tax refunds, one-time gifts, or money from selling personal property. For SNAP, most deductions are allowed — you can subtract rent, utilities, childcare, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members — which can lower your countable income below the limit even if your gross income is above it.

TANF income calculation varies by state. Some states allow similar deductions; others count gross income with few deductions. If you are self-employed, both programs count your net income (after business expenses) rather than gross revenue.

If your income changes — you lose a job, get a raise, or start receiving benefits from another source — you must report it to your local office. Most states allow you to report changes online, by phone, or in person. Reporting quickly prevents overpayments that you would have to repay later.

Special situations: students, immigrants, and people in institutions

College students may face restrictions on SNAP. If you are 18 to 49, enrolled full-time, and not working at least 20 hours per week, you may not be able to receive SNAP. However, several exemptions exist: if you are working study, receiving work-study funds, caring for a child, pregnant, disabled, or in a state-approved job training program, you may still be able to receive benefits.

Immigrants with certain statuses — such as refugees or asylees — may have time limits on SNAP. Refugees and asylees can receive SNAP for seven years from the date they entered the country. After that, they must meet the same requirements as other non-citizens. Some states offer state-funded food assistance to immigrants who lose federal SNAP may be able to access.

If you are living in an institution — a nursing home, prison, or residential treatment facility — you do not meet the requirement for SNAP or TANF. However, if you are about to leave an institution, you may be able to apply before you leave so benefits start when you are released.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a criminal record disqualify me from SNAP or TANF?

A criminal record alone does not disqualify you from SNAP. However, if you were convicted of certain drug felonies, you may be permanently or temporarily barred depending on your state. TANF has similar rules. Contact your local office with details of your conviction to find out whether you meet the requirement.

Can I receive SNAP if I am unemployed but looking for work?

Yes, unemployment alone does not disqualify you. Your income is what matters — if your household income is below the limit, you can receive SNAP. If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents, you must work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week, but actively job-hunting does not count toward this requirement.

What happens if my household income goes over the limit after I start receiving benefits?

You must report the income change to your local office. Your benefits will end or reduce, but you will not be penalized for the increase. Most states allow a grace period of one month before the change takes effect, giving you time to adjust.

Can I receive TANF if I am working part-time?

Yes, if your part-time income is below your state's limit. TANF is designed to supplement low wages, not replace them. Your work hours may also count toward the work requirement, depending on how many hours you work and what your state requires.

Do I need to be looking for work to receive SNAP?

For most people, no. SNAP has no work requirement except for able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18 to 49, who must work or participate in a work program 20 hours per week. If you are over 49, disabled, caring for a child, or have other dependents, there is no work requirement for SNAP.