You can do more research and learn more about food stamps requirements before submitting your application. Understanding SNAP qualifications will help you know what to expect and can help you gather any documentation you may need to submit alongside your application.
The largest factor in determining your eligibility is SNAP income limits. Income guidelines for food stamps determine if you’re eligible to receive assistance and the amount of aid your household can receive each month.
In the continental U.S., EBT income limits for households without disabled or elderly persons are broken down like this:
- 1-Person Household: $1,580 Gross Monthly Income Limit
- 2-Person Household: $2,137 Gross Monthly Income Limit
- 3-Person Household: $2,694 Gross Monthly Income Limit
- 4-Person Household: $3,250 Gross Monthly Income Limit
- 5-Person Household: $3,807 Gross Monthly Income Limit
- 6-Person Household: $4,364 Gross Monthly Income Limit
- 7-Person Household: $4,921Gross Monthly Income Limit
- 8-Person Household: $5,478 Gross Monthly Income Limit
For households larger than 8, an additional $557 is added to the limit per additional person.
Keep in mind that these SNAP income limits are before any deductions are applied. Therefore, you may still qualify for benefits if your household income exceeds these amounts. Additionally, income limits are higher for residents of Hawaii and Alaska, as well as households with senior citizens age 60 and older or disabled persons.
If you meet these income guidelines, you will need to meet additional SNAP requirements before you can begin to receive food stamp benefits, including citizenship and SNAP work requirements.
Undocumented citizens are not eligible for food stamps. However, lawfully present non-citizens can qualify for assistance. You may qualify for food stamps as a non-citizen if you meet the following criteria:
- You have lived in the U.S. for a minimum of five years.
- You are currently receiving disability-related benefits or you are a child under 18 years old.
If you are a student between the ages of 18 and 49, you will generally not qualify for SNAP if you are enrolled in college at least part time. Finally, you’ll also need to meet ABAWD food stamps qualifications.
ABAWD stands for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. If you are considered an ABAWD, you must meet work-related eligibility requirements. As part of these requirements, you must be engaged in approved work-related activities for a minimum of 20 hours a week and 80 hours a month, such as employment, unless you are found exempt.
You may qualify for an exemption if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Under 18 years old
- Over 49 years old
- Responsible for an incapacitated individual or a dependent child
- Are unfit to work, even if temporarily, such as if you are receiving disability benefits
- You are pregnant
- You are currently receiving unemployment
If you are an ABAWD that does not meet SNAP work requirements, you will only be eligible to receive benefits for 3 months. Afterwards, you can only continue to receive benefits if you meet work requirements.
By Admin –
