How to Qualify for SNAP Benefits

This article will go over the basic income requirements that families and individuals need to meet to qualify for SNAP benefits.

These income requirements are for the fiscal year of 2022, which began in October 2021.

Keep reading below to find out important information for you and your family.

Changes to SNAP Benefits and Eligibility

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Congress have updated the guidelines for benefits and eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next, let’s take a more detailed look at those updates.

Thrifty Food Plan (TFP)

In August 2021 the USDA revised the Thrifty Food Plan and increased SNAP benefits starting October 2021. This change to the TFP will be good news for each family member or individual, as they will be getting more benefits per month.

SNAP Eligibility Explained

According to federal guidelines, there are three categories a household’s income and resources must meet in order to receive SNAP benefits:

Total monthly income — this is the household’s total income before any deductions are figured in. Must be at or below 130% of the poverty line.
Net income — this is the household’s income after deductions are applied, must be at or below the poverty line.
Assets — There are limits that a family’s or individual’s assets cannot exceed. For any elderly (60 years and older) or persons with disabilities, there is a $,2500 asset limit. For total household assets, the limit is $3,750.

Income

SNAP includes cash income from all sources, such as earned income (before taxes are deducted) and unearned income, like cash assistance, unemployment benefits, child support, and Social Security.

Assets

What SNAP defines as assets are usually resources used to buy food for the household. Personal property, savings accounts, a household’s home, and most automobiles do not count as assets. Each state has the option to adjust asset limits, and many have done that already.

SNAP Benefits At A Glance

According to SNAP Benefits Guide, here is a look at the SNAP benefit dollar amounts, according to household size:

1 Person — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $250
2 People — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $459
3 People — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $658
4 People — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $835
5 People — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $992
6 People — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $1,190
7 People — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $1,316
8 People — Maximum Monthly Benefit: $1,504

Final Word

If you or your family are struggling with basic nutrition, it’s important to know how to get help. This article has gone over the basic income requirements and how much households can receive each month in 2022.