The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) makes healthy food more affordable for people who are 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.

Mrs. Kim found out they met the rules for some programs and got help applying for them. She and her husband started getting $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.

SNAP also 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 are an adult age 60+ or if you have a disability at any age, your household generally must meet one of the following two rules:

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

Your net income is your total income before taxes minus any allowable deductions. Assets are countable resources like cash, money in a bank account, and some vehicles. For 2022 (counted as October 1, 2021–September 30, 2022), a 2-member household with a net monthly income of $1,452 (100% of the federal poverty level) might qualify for SNAP.

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

How can BenefitsCheckUp help me?

The website you're currently visiting is a free, private tool can help you learn more about SNAP and if you're eligible, can give you more information on how to apply through your state's online SNAP application.

Whether you are interested in learning more about SNAP for yourself or for a person you help care for, we invite you to take the next step. Start by clicking here and then enter your ZIP code.

Sources

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