SNAP has income limits and citizenship rules, but no asset test

To receive SNAP, your household income must fall below a set threshold that changes each year and varies by household size. You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen. You must also meet work requirements unless you fall into an exempt category — most people between 16 and 60 without dependents must work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week, though many households are exempt from this rule.

SNAP does not count your savings, car, or home as disqualifying factors. The program focuses on income and citizenship status, not what you own. This makes SNAP different from some other assistance programs that do count assets.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, which is roughly $1,967 for a single person and $4,050 for a family of four in 2024, though these amounts change yearly.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen, which includes lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, but excludes most undocumented immigrants and recent arrivals.
  • Work requirements apply to most adults aged 16 to 60 without dependents, but exemptions exist for people over 60, those with disabilities, parents caring for young children, and people in certain hardship situations.
  • SNAP does not disqualify you based on how much money you have in savings or what assets you own, only on your monthly income.
  • Each state administers SNAP with slightly different rules, so your state's income limit or work requirement may differ from another state's.

Income limits that change by household size and year

SNAP sets a gross income limit at 130 percent of the federal poverty line. This limit is recalculated every October and applies to the following year. In 2024, the gross monthly income limit for a single person is roughly $1,967; for a family of four, it is roughly $4,050. These figures shift annually, so you should check your state's current limits rather than relying on these numbers.

Your state may also set a net income limit, which is what remains after certain deductions. Deductions can include a standard deduction, dependent care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and shelter costs. Net income limits are typically lower than gross limits. Some states use gross income only; others use both.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming into your household. Excluded income includes most student financial aid, some scholarships, and certain veteran benefits. Your state's SNAP office can tell you which income sources count.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen to receive SNAP. may have access to non-citizens include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, and certain other protected statuses. Most undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access, nor are non-immigrants on temporary visas such as student or work visas.

Some states offer limited SNAP benefits to certain non-may have access to immigrants using state funds, but this varies widely. A few states provide no state-funded benefits; others cover broader groups. You will need to provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when you apply — typically a birth certificate, passport, green card, or immigration court documents.

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you generally become may be able to access for SNAP immediately. Refugees and asylees are may be able to access for seven years from the date they received that status. After that period, they must meet the same citizenship or may have access to non-citizen rules as everyone else.

Work requirements and who is exempt

Most able-bodied adults aged 16 to 60 without dependents must work or participate in a work program at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP. Work can be paid employment, self-employment, or participation in a state-approved work program such as job training or community service. If you do not meet this requirement, your benefits will end after three months in any 36-month period.

Many people are exempt from work requirements. These include people aged 60 and older, people with disabilities, parents or caretakers of children under 6, pregnant people, people caring for a disabled household member, and full-time students. Some states also exempt people in hardship situations, such as those with no jobs available in their area or those facing temporary barriers to work.

If you lose your job or your work hours drop below 20 per week, you have a grace period before your benefits end. The length of this grace period varies by state. You should report any change in your work status to your state SNAP office right away, because continuing to receive benefits while not meeting work requirements can result in overpayment that you may have to repay.

No asset or resource limits in most states

SNAP does not count your savings, checking account, car, or home as reasons to deny you benefits. This is one of the largest differences between SNAP and programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, which do have strict asset limits. You could have $50,000 in a savings account and still be may be able to access for SNAP if your income is low enough.

A small number of states have chosen to set resource limits using their own funds, but this is rare. Most states follow the federal rule: income is what matters, not what you own. This means you do not have to spend down your savings before you can receive SNAP.

How state rules create variation in who qualifies

Each state runs its own SNAP program within federal guidelines, which means some rules differ. Most states use the federal income limits, but a few have set their own higher limits. Some states have broader work exemptions or shorter grace periods for people who lose work. A handful of states have chosen to count certain resources, though this is uncommon.

Your state's SNAP office determines how deductions are calculated, whether certain income is excluded, and how quickly your application is processed. If you move to a different state, you may find that your may be able to access or benefit amount changes. You should contact your new state's SNAP office to reapply rather than assuming your old may be able to access carries over.

You can find your state's specific rules and current income limits on your state's SNAP website or by calling your local SNAP office. Most states also have online pre-screening tools that give you a rough sense of whether your household meets income requirements, though these are not official determinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be unemployed to get SNAP?

No. SNAP is for low-income households, whether or not anyone is working. Many SNAP recipients have jobs but earn too little to cover food costs. You do not have to be unemployed, but your household income must fall below the limit for your state and household size.

What counts as income for SNAP?

Wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most regular money coming into your household count as income. Student financial aid, some scholarships, and certain veteran benefits are usually excluded. Your state SNAP office can tell you whether a specific income source counts.

Can I get SNAP if I have a criminal record?

Most people with criminal records can receive SNAP. However, people convicted of certain drug felonies may be permanently disqualified or have time-limited disqualifications depending on your state. Some states have removed or reduced these restrictions. Contact your state SNAP office about your specific situation.

Do I lose SNAP if I get a job or a raise?

If your income rises above your state's limit, your benefits will end. However, SNAP has a reporting requirement — you must tell your state office about income changes. Some states have earned income deductions that allow you to keep working without losing benefits immediately, so your raise may not end your may be able to access right away.

What if I am a green card holder but have not lived in the U.S. for very long?

Lawful permanent residents are generally may be able to access for SNAP immediately, regardless of how long they have lived in the U.S. However, you must still meet income and citizenship requirements. Some states may have additional documentation requirements. Contact your state SNAP office to confirm what you need to provide.