The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) makes healthy food more affordable for people who are always on a tight budget.

When her husband was laid off during the pandemic, Mrs. Kim, age 66, had a tough time with day-to-day living costs. She went to her local Benefits Enrollment Center to learn how she could get help.

After finding out they qualified for certain programs—and getting help applying for them—Mrs. Kim and her husband started collecting $350 per month in SNAP benefits. They also got Medicaid and Extra Help to cover their medical and drug costs.

How do I find out if I can get SNAP?

SNAP is open to anyone who meets its guidelines, from young families to older adults living on their own. Each state has different rules for SNAP. Often, your monthly income must be below a certain amount.

Also, SNAP looks at the size of your household to decide what food benefits you can get. A household is defined as “everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together”.1

What is the highest income you can have and still get SNAP?

If you're an adult over age 60 and/or you have a disability, your household generally must fall into one of the following two categories:

  • Your net income is less than or equal to the federal poverty line (FPL).
  • Your assets total $3,750 or less.

Your net income is your gross (total, before taxes) income minus any allowable deductions. Assets are "countable resources" like cash, money in a bank account, and certain vehicles. For 2022 (counted as October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022), a two-member household with a net monthly income of $1,452 (100% of poverty) might qualify for SNAP.

Keep in mind that SNAP benefit amounts can differ by state.

How can BenefitsCheckUp help me?

Our free, private tool can help you find out if you may qualify for SNAP. It can also help you find your state's SNAP website, online SNAP application, and contact information. Whether you’re interested in learning more about SNAP for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to take the next step. Start browsing benefits today or contact your local SNAP office to learn more.

Sources

1. USDA's "Who is in a SNAP household?" found on the internet at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility