How SNAP income limits work
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has two income tests: gross income and net income. Your household must pass both to receive benefits. Gross income is what you earn before taxes and deductions. Net income is what remains after the program subtracts certain costs — like child care, medical expenses, and shelter costs — from your gross income.
The federal government sets the baseline income limits, but they change every October. Your state may set its own limits higher than federal minimums. This means the cutoff in your state could be different from the cutoff in another state, even for the same household size.
Most households must meet both the gross income limit and the net income limit. Some states have eliminated the gross income test for certain households, so you may pass net income but still not meet your state's rules. Contact your state SNAP office or use the SNAP pre-screening tool to learn which test applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- Federal SNAP income limits change every October and vary by household size, ranging from roughly $1,400 to $4,800 per month in gross income depending on how many people live with you.
- Your state may set income limits higher than the federal baseline, so you should check your specific state's rules rather than assuming the federal number applies.
- Most households must pass both a gross income test and a net income test, which accounts for deductions like child care and shelter costs.
- Some states have removed the gross income test for certain groups, so passing one test does not may provide you will pass the other in your state.
Federal income limits by household size
The federal SNAP program updates its income limits annually on October 1st. The limits below reflect the 2024 federal baseline for gross monthly income. These numbers apply to households in most states, but your state may allow higher income.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Net Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,430 | $1,100 |
| 2 people | $1,920 | $1,480 |
| 3 people | $2,410 | $1,860 |
| 4 people | $2,900 | $2,230 |
| 5 people | $3,390 | $2,610 |
| 6 people | $3,880 | $2,990 |
| 7 people | $4,370 | $3,370 |
| 8 people | $4,860 | $3,740 |
For households with more than 8 people, add $490 to the gross income limit and $370 to the net income limit for each additional person.
These limits are the federal standard. Some states — including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington — have raised their income limits above the federal baseline. If you live in one of these states, you may be within your state's limit even if you exceed the federal number shown here.
What counts as income for SNAP
SNAP counts most money coming into your household as income. This includes wages from a job, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and pension payments. It also includes money from rental property, interest, and dividends.
Some income does not count. Irregular or infrequent income under $20 per month is excluded. Certain benefits do not count either: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and most housing assistance payments are not counted as income for SNAP purposes.
If you receive money from a one-time source — such as a tax refund, insurance settlement, or inheritance — it does not count as income, though it may affect your resources (savings and assets) if you have more than the resource limit.
How deductions lower your net income
Even if your gross income exceeds the limit, you may still receive SNAP if your net income falls below the limit after deductions. The program allows several standard deductions that reduce your countable income.
A standard deduction is a flat amount subtracted from gross income. The standard deduction varies by state and household size, typically ranging from $180 to $250 per month. Your state SNAP office will apply this automatically.
Beyond the standard deduction, you can deduct actual costs for dependent care (child care or adult care needed so you can work), medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and shelter costs (rent, mortgage, property tax, utilities, and insurance). Shelter costs above half your remaining income after other deductions may be deducted, though some states cap this deduction.
If you are self-employed, you can deduct business expenses. If you receive child support, you can deduct what you pay to collect it. These deductions are why two households with the same gross income may have different net income — and different SNAP benefit amounts.
State variations in income rules
States have flexibility in how they set SNAP income limits and which deductions they allow. Some states use the federal limits exactly. Others have raised the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty line, which is higher than the federal SNAP limit of 130%.
A few states have eliminated the gross income test entirely for certain households, meaning you only have to pass the net income test. This is more common for households with elderly or disabled members. Your state may also allow additional deductions — such as a child support deduction or a higher shelter deduction — that lower your net income further.
Because rules differ, the only way to know whether you meet your state's income limits is to contact your state SNAP office or use your state's pre-screening tool. The SNAP outreach website (fns.usda.gov/snap) has links to each state's program.
What happens if your income changes
If your income drops below the limit, you can report the change to your state SNAP office and your benefits may increase. If your income rises above the limit, your benefits will end, though you may have a grace period depending on your state's rules.
Most states allow you to report changes online, by phone, or by mail. Some require you to report within 10 days; others give you a full month. If you do not report a change and you were overpaid, your state may ask you to repay the difference.
If you lose a job or have a significant drop in income, report it right away. Many states process changes within two weeks, so your new benefit amount can take effect quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my income limit change if I have a disabled person in my household?
Some states allow a higher income limit or additional deductions for households with elderly or disabled members. A few states have eliminated the gross income test for these households. Contact your state SNAP office to learn whether your household qualifies for a higher limit or different rules.
What if I am self-employed — how is my income counted?
Self-employment income is counted as gross income, but you can deduct business expenses (supplies, equipment, rent for a workspace) to lower your net income. Keep records of your expenses. Your state SNAP office will ask for tax returns or profit-and-loss statements to verify your income.
Does child support count toward the income limit?
Yes, child support you receive counts as income for SNAP. However, you can deduct the cost of collecting it (court fees, attorney fees) if you paid those costs. Money you pay to someone else as child support does not count as income.
Can I be over the gross income limit but still get SNAP?
Yes, if your net income falls below the limit after deductions. For example, if you have high shelter costs or dependent care expenses, those deductions may bring your net income low enough to may have access to even if your gross income exceeds the limit. Your state SNAP office will calculate both numbers.
What if my state's income limit is higher than the federal limit?
If your state has raised its income limit above the federal baseline, you can use your state's higher limit. You do not need to meet the federal limit — only your state's limit. Check your state SNAP website or call your local office to confirm what limit applies in your area.