What the income limits are in Ohio for 2024
Ohio uses federal income limits set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, adjusted each year. For 2024, the gross monthly income limit for a single person is $1,550. For a family of three, it is $3,289. For a family of four, it is $4,163. These limits increase by roughly $870 for each additional household member.
The state also looks at net income — what remains after certain deductions like child care costs, medical expenses, and shelter costs are subtracted. Your net income must fall below a separate limit, which is 100 percent of the federal poverty line. This second calculation is what actually determines whether you receive benefits, so meeting the gross limit is only the first step.
Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services administers the program, called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Ohio. Income limits change every October when the federal government updates them, so the figures that apply in January 2024 differ from those in October 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Gross monthly income limits for 2024 start at $1,550 for one person and increase by roughly $870 per additional household member.
- Ohio also calculates net income after deductions like shelter costs and medical expenses, which must fall below the federal poverty line.
- Income limits change every October, so the 2024 limits apply from October 2023 through September 2024.
- Household size is determined by who lives with you and shares food and money, not by legal relationship or lease.
How Ohio counts income and household size
Not all money counts toward the income limit. Wages and self-employment income count. Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support count. However, some income is excluded: the first $20 of monthly income from any source is not counted, and certain types of income like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received from Ohio are excluded entirely.
Household size matters because the income limit rises with each person. Ohio counts anyone who lives with you and shares food and money as part of your household — this includes roommates, adult children, parents, and others, regardless of whether you are related or on the lease together. If someone lives with you but buys and cooks their own food separately, they may not count as part of your household.
Self-employed people report income differently. You report gross income minus allowable business expenses. If you are farming, you report income based on the previous year's tax return or a projection for the current year, depending on which is more recent.
What happens if your income is slightly over the limit
If your gross income exceeds the limit but your net income (after deductions) falls below the poverty line, you may still receive benefits. This is why the net income calculation matters. Common deductions include rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and court-ordered child support or alimony you pay.
If both your gross and net income are over the limits, you do not meet the income requirement. However, you may still be able to receive emergency SNAP benefits in some cases if you face an immediate food crisis, though these are temporary and have separate rules.
How to report income when you apply
When you apply through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, you will need to report all household income for the past 30 days. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or letters from your employer or benefits programs. If your income varies — for example, if you work seasonal jobs or receive irregular self-employment income — report what you expect to earn over the next 30 days.
You can apply online through the Ohio Benefits website, by mail, in person at your county Job and Family Services office, or by phone. The application asks for income information for each household member. If you are unsure whether something counts, list it and let the caseworker determine whether it is included in the calculation.
Income limits for different household sizes in 2024
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Net Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,550 | $1,194 |
| 2 people | $2,082 | $1,605 |
| 3 people | $2,614 | $2,016 |
| 4 people | $3,146 | $2,427 |
| 5 people | $3,678 | $2,838 |
| 6 people | $4,210 | $3,249 |
| 7 people | $4,742 | $3,660 |
| 8 people | $5,274 | $4,071 |
For households with more than 8 people, add $532 to the gross limit and $411 to the net limit for each additional person. These figures are current as of October 2023 and apply through September 2024. When October 2024 arrives, the federal government will release new limits, and Ohio will update its program accordingly.
When income changes during the year
If your income changes after you are approved, you must report it to Ohio within 10 days. If your income drops, you may receive more benefits. If your income rises above the limit, your benefits will end, though you will receive notice before that happens. Some changes — like a job loss or reduction in hours — may may have access to you for expedited processing if you reapply.
If you receive a one-time payment like a tax refund, inheritance, or bonus, it does not count as monthly income unless you expect to receive it regularly. Report it to your caseworker so they can determine how it affects your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we are not married but live together?
Only if you share food and money. If you buy and cook separately, their income may not count. When you apply, explain your living arrangement to the caseworker, and they will determine whether that person is part of your household for SNAP purposes.
What if I work under the table or receive cash payments?
You must report all income, including cash. Bring any documentation you have — pay stubs, receipts, or a statement from your employer. If you have no documentation, report what you earned and explain how you were paid. The caseworker will work with you to verify the amount.
Do child support payments I receive count as income?
Yes, child support counts as income toward the limit. The first $20 of any income is excluded, so if you receive only child support, the first $20 does not count. Any amount above $20 is included in your gross income calculation.
Can I get benefits if I am retired and living on Social Security?
It depends on the amount. Social Security counts as income toward the limit. If your monthly Social Security payment is below $1,550 (for a single person), you likely meet the gross income test. Your net income after deductions must also fall below the poverty line, which it usually does if you have housing costs.
What if my income is seasonal or changes every month?
Report your expected income for the next 30 days. If you work seasonal jobs, average your income over the past 12 months and divide by 12 to get a monthly figure. Bring documentation like tax returns or pay stubs showing the pattern. Your caseworker will use this to determine your ongoing income.