Your income limit depends on household size and your state
The federal government sets a baseline income limit, but your state can set its own limit higher. Most states use the federal limit: 130 percent of the federal poverty line for gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions). For a single person in 2024, that is roughly $1,550 per month. For a family of four, it is roughly $3,200 per month. These numbers change each year when the poverty line updates, usually in October.
Some states use a higher limit called the "broad-based categorical" limit, which can go up to 200 percent of poverty. A few states have their own rules entirely. Your state's SNAP office (the program that runs food stamps) publishes its exact limit on its website. The fastest way to find your state's number is to search "[your state] SNAP income limit" or call your local SNAP office and ask directly.
Income limits are based on gross income, meaning what you earn before taxes, child support, or other deductions come out. Some types of income do not count toward the limit at all — student loans, some scholarships, and certain disability payments are excluded. Your SNAP office will tell you which income sources count in your case.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to earn up to 130 percent of the federal poverty line, which is roughly $1,550 per month for one person and $3,200 for a family of four in 2024.
- Income limits change every October when the federal poverty line updates, so the number you see this year will not be the same next year.
- Your state may use a higher limit than the federal baseline, so you must check your specific state's SNAP office for the exact number that applies to you.
- Gross income (before taxes) is what counts, but some types of income like student loans and certain disability payments do not count at all.
- If your income is above the limit, you may still be able to receive benefits if you have high expenses like medical costs or child care that reduce your net income.
How your expenses can lower your countable income
Even if your gross income is above the limit, you may still receive food stamps if you have large expenses that bring your net income down. The SNAP program allows you to subtract certain costs from your income before comparing it to the limit. These deductions include child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and utility bills.
The most common deduction is the standard deduction, which every household gets automatically. In 2024, this ranges from about $180 to $210 per month depending on your household size. On top of that, you can deduct actual child care costs, actual medical expenses above $35 per month, and actual utility costs. If you are self-employed, you can also deduct business expenses.
This means a single person earning $1,700 per month might still receive benefits if they pay $200 in child care and $150 in medical costs — their net income would drop to $1,350, below the limit. You do not have to calculate this yourself; your SNAP office does it when you report your income and expenses.
Self-employment income and irregular earnings
If you are self-employed, SNAP counts your net self-employment income — what you keep after business expenses — not your total revenue. You will need to show tax returns or business records to prove your actual net income. The SNAP office will ask for your most recent tax return and may ask for recent bank statements or profit-and-loss statements if your income has changed significantly since you filed taxes.
If you have irregular income — seasonal work, gig work, or a job where hours vary — SNAP usually averages your income over the past three months. If you just started a job or your hours recently dropped, tell your SNAP office. They may use a shorter period or project your new income forward instead of averaging the past three months.
Bonuses, commissions, and tips all count as income in the month you receive them. If you receive a one-time bonus that pushes you over the limit for one month, you may still stay on food stamps — SNAP looks at your ongoing income, not one-time payments. Again, report the change to your SNAP office so they can recalculate correctly.
What happens if your income changes
You are required to report income changes to your SNAP office within 10 days in most states, though some states give you 30 days. If your income goes up and pushes you over the limit, your benefits will stop, usually at the end of the month in which you reported the change. If your income goes down, your benefits may increase, and the increase usually takes effect the month after you report it.
If you get a raise or lose a job, contact your SNAP office right away. Many offices let you report changes online, by phone, or by mail. Do not wait until your recertification date — reporting early protects you from being overpaid (which you would have to repay) and makes sure you get the right benefit amount.
Your SNAP case is usually recertified once a year. At recertification, the office will ask for current pay stubs, tax information, and proof of any expenses you claimed. If your income has stayed the same, recertification is usually quick. If your income has changed, bring documentation of the new amount.
Income limits by household size (2024 federal baseline)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% of poverty) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$1,550 |
| 2 people | ~$2,100 |
| 3 people | ~$2,650 |
| 4 people | ~$3,200 |
| 5 people | ~$3,750 |
| 6 people | ~$4,300 |
| 8 people | ~$5,400 |
Note: These are federal baseline limits. Your state may use a higher limit. These numbers change in October each year. For exact current limits in your state, contact your state SNAP office.
Types of income that do not count
SNAP excludes certain income sources entirely, so they never count toward your limit. Student loans and student grant money do not count. Money from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program does not count. Certain disability payments, workers' compensation, and energy assistance do not count. If you receive money from a food bank, shelter, or other nonprofit, that does not count either.
Some earned income tax credits and child tax credits do not count. Irregular or one-time payments like tax refunds, gifts, or insurance settlements do not count as income (though they may count as resources if you are over the resource limit). Reimbursements for expenses you paid out of pocket do not count.
The rule is complex enough that if you are unsure whether a specific payment counts, ask your SNAP office before you report it. Telling them about income that does not count does not hurt you, and it makes sure your case is handled correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I earn exactly the income limit, will I be denied?
No. The limit is a ceiling, not a threshold you must stay below. If you earn exactly 130 percent of poverty or less, you meet the income test. If you are one dollar over, you do not, unless you have deductible expenses that bring you back under.
Do I have to report a small side job or gig work?
Yes. All income must be reported, even if it is small or irregular. Gig work like delivery or freelance jobs counts as self-employment income. Report it when you receive it, and keep records of what you earned so you can show your SNAP office.
What if my spouse works but I do not — does their income count?
Yes. SNAP counts the income of everyone in your household, including spouses. If you are living with someone but not married, their income usually does not count unless they are your parent or a dependent child.
Can I lose benefits if I get a raise?
Only if the raise pushes your income over the limit after deductions. If you stay under the limit, your benefits stay the same. If you go over, your benefits will end, usually at the end of the month you report the change. Report raises to your SNAP office so they can recalculate your case.
How do I know if my state uses a different income limit?
Search "[your state name] SNAP income limit" or call your state SNAP office directly. They will tell you the exact limit for your household size. Some states post this on their website; others require you to call.