Income limits for food stamps depend on household size and are set by the federal government, but they change yearly
The SNAP income limit (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the official name for food stamps) is based on your household size, not on how many people work or what type of income you earn. The limit is roughly 130% of the federal poverty line for most households, though some states set their own higher limits. These numbers increase each October when the poverty guidelines update.
You cannot find a single number that applies everywhere — the limit for a family of three in one state may differ slightly from another state's limit. Your state's SNAP office publishes the exact monthly income limit for each household size. The fastest way to find your state's current limit is to search "[your state] SNAP income limits" or call your local SNAP office directly.
Income limits are gross income, meaning before taxes are taken out. Some types of income do not count toward the limit at all — for example, some student financial aid, some disability payments, and some child support do not count. Your SNAP office can tell you which income sources count in your case.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP income limits are set by household size and increase each October; you must check your state's current limit because it varies by state.
- The limit is based on gross income (before taxes), and some income sources such as certain student aid or disability payments do not count toward it.
- Earning slightly more than the limit does not automatically disqualify you, because deductions for expenses like childcare or medical costs can lower your countable income.
- Your state SNAP office or a local food bank can tell you the exact limit for your household size and help you understand which income counts.
How your household size affects the income limit
A single person has a lower income limit than a family of four. The limit increases with each additional household member. A household includes anyone who buys and prepares food together — usually family members living in the same home, but sometimes roommates or others if they share meals and costs.
If you live with people but do not buy or prepare food together, they may not count as part of your household for SNAP purposes. This matters because it can lower your household size and raise the income limit you are measured against. Your SNAP office can clarify who counts as part of your household based on your living situation.
What counts as income and what does not
Earned income — wages from a job, self-employment income, tips — counts toward the limit. Unearned income — Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pension payments — also counts. However, not all unearned income counts. Some types are excluded entirely, and others are only partially counted.
Income that typically does not count includes certain student financial aid, some disability payments (like SSI in some cases), some child support, some foster care payments, and some energy assistance. The rules are specific and depend on the type of payment and your state. When you contact your SNAP office, bring documentation of all income sources so they can tell you exactly which ones count in your situation.
Even if your gross income is above the limit, deductions can bring your countable income down. Common deductions include childcare costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and shelter costs like rent or mortgage. These deductions are subtracted from your income before it is compared to the limit.
Income limits by household size (general ranges)
These are approximate federal limits as of 2024 and are updated each October. Your state may use a higher limit. Check your state's SNAP office for the exact current number for your household size.
| Household Size | Approximate Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | Around $1,400 |
| 2 people | Around $1,900 |
| 3 people | Around $2,400 |
| 4 people | Around $3,000 |
| 5 people | Around $3,600 |
| 6 people | Around $4,100 |
| 7 people | Around $4,700 |
| 8 people | Around $5,300 |
| Each additional person | Add approximately $600 |
These figures are federal baseline limits. Some states use higher limits — for example, a few states set the limit at 200% of the poverty line instead of 130%. Your state SNAP office will tell you the exact limit that applies to you.
What happens if you earn slightly more than the limit
Earning a little over the stated limit does not automatically disqualify you. Your SNAP office looks at your net income after deductions, not just your gross income. If you have childcare expenses, medical costs, or high shelter costs, these are subtracted from your income. After deductions, your net income might fall below the limit even though your gross income is above it.
The only way to know is to report all your income and expenses to your SNAP office. They calculate your net income using their rules and tell you whether you meet the limit. Many people assume they earn too much and do not apply, when in fact deductions would have brought them under the limit.
How to find your state's exact income limit
Your state SNAP office publishes income limits each October. You can find them by searching "[your state name] SNAP income limits" or by calling your local SNAP office. Many states also post the limits on their Department of Human Services or Department of Social Services website.
If you cannot find the number online, call your county or state SNAP office directly. They can tell you the limit for your household size and answer questions about which income sources count. Many states also have local food banks or community action agencies that can help you understand the limits and guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we are married but file taxes separately?
Yes. For SNAP purposes, married couples living together are treated as one household, and both spouses' income counts regardless of how you file taxes. If you are legally separated or divorced, your ex-spouse's income does not count.
If I get a raise and go over the income limit, do I lose SNAP immediately?
No. SNAP recertification typically happens every 12 months (or less frequently in some states). If your income increases mid-year, you keep your benefits until your recertification date. At that point, if your income is still above the limit, your benefits would end. Some states allow you to report a change early if you want to.
Does child support I receive count as income?
Child support counts as unearned income for SNAP purposes. However, some states exclude a portion of it or have special rules. Contact your state SNAP office to find out how child support is treated in your state.
What if I am self-employed — how do they count my income?
Self-employment income counts as earned income. You report your net profit (income minus business expenses) to SNAP. Bring tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, or business records so your SNAP office can verify your income accurately.
Can I include my adult child's income in my household if they live with me?
Only if your adult child is under 22 and a full-time student, or if they are disabled. Otherwise, if an adult child lives with you but is not dependent on you, their income may not count as part of your household. Your SNAP office can clarify based on your specific situation.