SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or as they are often still commonly called food stamps, are a benefit program set up by the federal government to help low-income individuals and families eat healthy. It helps the problem of food insecurity, alleviates hunger, and reduces the chances of nutrition-based diseases.
SNAP benefits are distributed monthly through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The EBT card works like a debit card but for food.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for SNAP benefits?
Eligibility criteria for SNAP benefits change annually, and depend mostly on your state of residence. But basically, you’re entitled to SNAP benefits provided you do not exceed certain resource and income requirements. Some resource criterias include a licensed vehicle with fair market value of $4,650, countable resources worth $2,750, and $4,250 if a member of the household is at least 60 years old, or disabled.
What are the 2024 income requirements for SNAP benefits?
Go through the SNAP eligibility criteria for each states to know your eligibility. If you are termed eligible by your state laws, you will be given SNAP benefits through an EBT card that covers up until the day your application was submitted.
What is the highest income to qualify for SNAP benefits?
The highest income to qualify for SNAP benefits is adjusted to suit household size, and changed annually based on the federal poverty level (FPL). FPL is the minimum amount of earnings a household might need for essentials like food, housing and clothing.
In order to get SNAP benefits, your household must meet the following income limits;
- Gross Income Limit which is 130% of the FPL
- Net Income Limit which is 100% of the FPL
According to this, ideal net and gross monthly income limits for various household sizes are shown in the table below.
| Household size | Gross Income Limit (130% of FPL) | Net Income Limit (100% of FPL) |
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $3,357 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $3,785 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $4,214 |
| Each additional member | +$557 | +$429 |
Note that net and gross income limits are higher in some US states like Hawaii and Alaska—see their income eligibility criteria and their maximum and minimum SNAP allotments for 2024, including allowable deductions.
How to apply for SNAP benefits
Because the eligibility criteria for SNAP benefits differ per state, the application process also varies. To apply, contact your state SNAP agency by:
- Visiting your state agency’s local SNAP office,
- Filling an online form on your state agency’s website, if applicable, or simply following given instructions
- Calling your state’s toll-free SNAP Information hotline directly.
In the case where neither of these options is convenient for you, you can authorize a representative to apply and follow through with the interview on your behalf. Note that only a written authorization is valid in this instance.
In conclusion, the highest income to qualify for SNAP benefits is dependent on the federal poverty level (FPL). Note that these current SNAP guidelines and requirements are only valid till Sept. 30, 2024.
