For most households, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) income limits for the period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, require a household's gross monthly income to be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and its net monthly income to be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
Understanding SNAP Income Guidelines
SNAP benefits aim to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. The eligibility requirements, including income limits, are updated annually. For the 2024 fiscal year (which spans from October 2023 to September 2024), these limits are based on household size.
Gross vs. Net Income
When determining SNAP eligibility, two types of income are considered:
- Gross Monthly Income: This is a household's total income before any deductions are made. For most households, this must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Net Monthly Income: This is the income remaining after certain allowable deductions (such as housing costs, child care, and medical expenses for the elderly or disabled) are applied. For most households, this must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
SNAP Income Limits by Household Size (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024)
The table below outlines the specific gross and net monthly income limits for common household sizes during this period.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% of Poverty) | Net Monthly Income (100% of Poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not specified in source, but usually lower than 2 | Not specified in source, but usually lower than 2 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 |
Note: For households with more than four members, additional amounts are added to these limits.
Calculating Limits for Larger Households
If a household has more than four members, the income limits increase for each additional person:
- For each additional member:
- Add $557 to the Gross Monthly Income limit.
- Add $429 to the Net Monthly Income limit.
For example, a household of five would have a gross monthly income limit of $3,250 (for four members) + $557 = $3,807, and a net monthly income limit of $2,500 (for four members) + $429 = $2,929.
Important Considerations
While these are the general federal guidelines, it's important to remember:
- State Variations: Some states may have slightly different income limits or additional eligibility criteria based on specific programs or waivers.
- Special Circumstances: Households with elderly or disabled members may have different rules, including higher gross income limits (sometimes no gross income test applies, only a net income test).
- Deductions: Various deductions can help a household's countable income fall within the limits, even if their initial gross income is higher. These can include deductions for standard expenses, earned income, dependent care, medical expenses (for qualifying individuals), and excess shelter costs.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, individuals should always refer to the official resources provided by their state's SNAP agency or visit the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for detailed guidance on SNAP eligibility: What Are the 2024 SNAP Income Limits?
