What Is the Limitation of Income to Apply for Food Stamps?
Food and shelter are two of the most basic human necessities. For families that cannot afford to buy enough nutritious food to feed them, government assistance may be a necessity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- formerly known as the food stamp program -- provides money to families to purchase nutritious food.
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Factors Affecting Eligibility
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Family size and the monthly gross and net income primarily determine food stamp eligibility. As of 2011, the federal guidelines set the gross monthly income level at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. Rules base net income eligibility on 100 percent of the poverty level. States may modify the income restrictions. In 2011, a family of three could not gross more than $1,984 or net more than $1,526 in one month for food stamp eligibility.
Deductions May Reduce a Family's Income
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A family must meet the gross income test and the net income test to receive food stamps. Deductions may reduce a family's net income. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines gross income as "a household's total, nonexcludable income, before any deductions have been made." Net income represents the family's income after applicable deductions. Each family's unique financial situation determines what deductions apply. For example, a family can deduct medical costs that are more than $35 dollars for elderly or disabled family members if someone else or insurance does not pay these expenses.
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Resources Test
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State laws may require the family to meet a resources test in addition to the described income tests. Not every state requires the resources test. New York, for example, only applies this test to families previously sanctioned or disqualified from the food stamp program. Under federal rules, a family's resources cannot exceed $2,000, or $3,000 if a member of the family is 60 years or older or disabled.
Assets Included in the Resources Test
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Resources include money held in bank accounts and assets such as stocks or bonds. According to the USDA, a car may be part of the resources test, but state laws determine how cars factor into the equation. As of 2011, 39 states do not count cars in determining resources. The laws are subject to change, however, so families seeking SNAP benefits should check local laws and contact the state office responsible for administering the benefits for up-to-date information.
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