Your Quick Guide to Determine SNAP Eligibility

“The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program, reaching 42 million people nationwide in 2017 alone.”

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. It is a federal program that helps you stretch your food budget and buy healthy food.

These three things determine your eligibility for nutrition assistance from the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net (SNAP): Gross Monthly Income, Net Income, and Assets.

Your household must meet the specific requirements in each category in order to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits:

Gross Monthly Income

This is the total amount of income you earn before any taxes or other expenses are taken out. Generally, you must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line.

Net Income

This is the total amount of income you take-home after paying taxes or other deductions. Your net income must be at or below the poverty line.

Assets/Resources

The total amount of assets one may have must fall below specified limits. This limit is $2,250 or less for households without an elderly (60+ years of age) or disabled member and $3,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member.

Visit here for exact income and resource limits.

Apply For Help

If you wish to receive SNAP benefits you must apply in the state you currently reside in. Contact your state agency by visiting your local SNAP office, visiting your State Agency’s website, or calling your State’s toll-free SNAP information hotline.

To find out if you may be eligible for SNAP benefits utilize this prescreening tool.