The Basic Rules for SNAP

SNAP has three main requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen, your household income must fall below a certain level, and your assets must be under the limit set by your state. The income and asset limits change each year and vary by state and household size. You do not have to be unemployed to receive SNAP — many households that include working people still meet the income threshold.

Your state's SNAP office makes the final decision about whether your household meets these rules. The information here describes what most states require, but your state may have different rules. Contact your state SNAP office or visit your local food bank to learn the exact limits where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen, have income below your state's limit, and have assets under your state's asset cap to be considered for SNAP.
  • Income limits and asset limits vary by state and household size, so you need to check with your state SNAP office for the numbers that explore to you.
  • Working people can receive SNAP if their household income is low enough, and some states have different rules for elderly or disabled household members.
  • Your state SNAP office will review your household's income, assets, and citizenship status before making a decision.

Citizenship and Immigration Status

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, and some other immigration statuses. The rules for who counts as a may have access to non-citizen are set by federal law, and your state SNAP office will ask for proof of your status.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide documents that show your immigration status. These might include a green card, a refugee or asylee approval letter, or other immigration paperwork. Your state SNAP office can tell you which documents they accept.

Income Limits by Household Size

Your household's gross monthly income — the total money your household receives before taxes — must be at or below a limit that your state sets. This limit is usually around 130 percent of the federal poverty line, though some states use a different percentage. The limit changes each year and is different for each household size.

For example, a household of three in one state might have a gross income limit of around $2,800 per month, while a household of four might have a limit around $3,600 per month. These numbers vary by state and change yearly. Your state SNAP office publishes its current income limits, and you can find them by calling or visiting your local SNAP office.

Some types of income do not count toward the limit. For instance, some states do not count certain student loans, child support, or money set aside for a disabled person's future care. Your state SNAP office can explain which income counts and which does not.

Asset Limits

Your household's assets — the money and property you own — must be under a limit set by your state. Most states use a limit of $2,250 for a household, though some states have higher limits. Your car usually does not count as an asset for SNAP purposes, and neither does your home.

Assets that do count include cash, money in bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. If you are elderly or disabled, some states have higher asset limits. Your state SNAP office can tell you what counts as an asset and what the limit is where you live.

Work Requirements and Exemptions

Most able-bodied adults between 16 and 59 years old must meet work requirements to receive SNAP. This usually means working at least 20 hours per week, looking for work, or participating in a work program. However, many people are exempt from this requirement.

You may be exempt if you are caring for a child under age 6, pregnant, elderly (usually 60 or older), disabled, or homeless. Parents caring for children may have different requirements than other adults. Your state SNAP office will ask about your situation and tell you whether you must meet work requirements.

Special Rules for Elderly and Disabled Households

If your household includes someone who is 60 years old or older or someone who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your state may use different income and asset limits. Some states have higher asset limits for these households, and some count income differently.

If you are elderly or disabled, tell your state SNAP office when you explore. They will let you know whether these special rules explore to your household and what that means for your income and asset limits.

How to Find Your State's Specific Rules

Because SNAP rules vary by state, the best way to learn what applies to you is to contact your state SNAP office directly. You can find your state office through the USDA SNAP website, which has a link to each state's program. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) and ask for your local SNAP office, or visit your county's social services office in person.

When you contact your state office, have information ready about your household size, income, and assets. The staff can tell you whether your household meets the rules and what you need to do next. Many states also let you check basic information online before you contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be unemployed to get SNAP?

No. Many households that include working people receive SNAP because their income is low enough to meet the limit. Your state SNAP office looks at your total household income, not whether you have a job.

Does my car count as an asset?

No. Your car does not count as an asset for SNAP purposes in most states. Your home also does not count. Assets that do count include cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds.

What if my state's rules are different from what I read here?

Your state SNAP office sets some of its own rules within federal guidelines, so the exact income and asset limits where you live may be different. Contact your state office to learn the rules that explore to your household.

Can I get SNAP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You may be able to receive SNAP if you are a may have access to non-citizen, such as a lawful permanent resident or refugee. Your state SNAP office will ask for proof of your immigration status and tell you whether you meet this requirement.

Do I have to work to receive SNAP?

Most able-bodied adults between 16 and 59 must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program. However, many people are exempt, including those caring for young children, elderly people, disabled people, and homeless people. Your state office will tell you whether this requirement applies to you.