What is the maximum gross income to qualify for food stamps?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

As of October 1, 2025, the federal gross income limit to qualify for food stamps for a family of three is $2,888 per month, or $34,656 annually. However, this threshold can vary significantly depending on household size, state rules, and the presence of elderly or disabled members.

Quick Summary

This article explains the gross monthly income requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), outlining federal limits, state variations, and special provisions for elderly or disabled households effective for the 2026 fiscal year.

Key Points

Gross Income Definition: SNAP eligibility considers your total household income before any taxes or deductions are applied.
130% FPL Rule: For most households, the gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level, with specific monthly figures determined by household size and updated annually.
State Variations: Many states use Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) to set higher income limits, sometimes up to 200% of the federal poverty line.
Elderly or Disabled Exemptions: Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members may only need to meet the net income test, which is often easier to pass.
Deductions are Key: Allowable deductions, such as shelter and medical expenses for qualifying households, can lower your countable net income and affect benefit calculations.
Annual Changes: SNAP income limits, benefit amounts, and deductions are adjusted annually on October 1st to account for inflation.

Understanding Gross vs. Net Income for SNAP

Eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is based primarily on two income tests: a gross income test and a net income test. Gross income is your household's total income before any taxes or other deductions are taken out. Net income is the amount remaining after certain allowable deductions are subtracted from your gross income.

For most households, you must pass both income tests to be eligible. However, some households with elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled members are exempt from the gross income test and only need to meet the net income limit. This distinction is crucial, as many expenses can be deducted to lower your net income and help you qualify for benefits or increase your monthly allotment.

Federal Gross Income Limits (Fiscal Year 2026)

For Fiscal Year 2026, which began on October 1, 2025, the federal gross monthly income limit for most households is capped at 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). These limits are higher for households in Alaska and Hawaii due to higher costs of living. Below are the income standards for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia:

1 Person: $1,696 per month
2 People: $2,292 per month
3 People: $2,888 per month
4 People: $3,483 per month
5 People: $4,079 per month
6 People: $4,675 per month
7 People: $5,271 per month
8 People: $5,867 per month
Each Additional Person: Add $596

It is important to remember that these are the federal guidelines. Many states have opted to increase or waive the gross income test entirely through a policy known as Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).

The Impact of State-Specific Rules and BBCE

While federal guidelines set a baseline, a significant portion of SNAP eligibility is determined at the state level. Many states use Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), a policy that expands income and asset limits, allowing more households to qualify. This means the maximum gross income in some states can be considerably higher than the 130% FPL federal standard. The following table illustrates the variation in state policies, comparing the gross income limits for a household of four in different states:


State	Gross Income Limit for 4-Person Household	BBCE Policy	Effective FY 2025/2026
Alabama (AL)	$3,380/month (130% FPL)	No	FY 2025
Arizona (AZ)	$4,810/month (185% FPL)	Yes (185% limit)	FY 2025
California (CA)	$5,200/month (200% FPL)	Yes (200% limit)	FY 2025
Illinois (IL)	$4,290/month (165% FPL)	Yes (165% limit)	FY 2025
Texas (TX)	$4,290/month (165% FPL)	Yes (165% limit)	FY 2025
New York (NY)	$5,200/month (200% FPL)	Yes (200% limit for many)	FY 2025
Ohio (OH)	$3,380/month (130% FPL)	Yes (130% limit, no asset test)	FY 2025

Special Rules for Households with Elderly or Disabled Members

Households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or has a disability receive more lenient income qualifications. These households only need to meet the net income test, meaning their income after specific deductions are applied must be below the federal poverty line.

Furthermore, these households can also deduct monthly out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $35. This can significantly lower their countable net income, helping them to qualify for or receive a higher benefit amount. This provision recognizes the often higher healthcare costs faced by these populations.

What Counts as Gross Income for SNAP?

When determining your household's gross income, SNAP counts most sources of cash income. This includes both earned and unearned income.

Common sources of countable gross income include:

Earned Income: Wages, salaries, and income from self-employment before taxes.
Unearned Income: Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, cash assistance, veteran's benefits, and child support payments received.
Other: Rental income and certain withdrawals from retirement accounts.

It is important to note that some types of income are specifically excluded from SNAP calculations. Excluded income includes most retirement savings (like 401(k)s), tax refunds, most student financial aid, and income from individuals not in the SNAP household.

How Allowable Deductions Affect Net Income

After your gross income is calculated, several deductions can be applied to determine your net monthly income, which is used for the net income test and benefit calculation.

Common deductions include:

Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on household size.
Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your earned income is automatically deducted to account for work-related expenses.
Dependent Care: The cost of childcare or other dependent care needed for a household member to work or attend training.
Child Support: Legally obligated child support payments made to a non-household member.
Excess Shelter Deduction: Housing costs (including utilities) that exceed half of the household's income after all other deductions. There is a cap on this deduction for most households, but it can be higher for elderly or disabled households.

How to Check Your Specific Eligibility

Given the variations by state and special conditions, the most accurate way to determine if you meet the maximum gross income requirement is to contact your state's SNAP agency. You can also use online screening tools offered by many non-profit organizations or state websites. Be prepared with information about your household size, income sources, and expenses to get a precise estimate.

Conclusion

While federal guidelines provide a baseline, the maximum gross income to qualify for food stamps depends heavily on your household size, your state's specific policies, and whether your household includes elderly or disabled members. For most, the gross income limit is 130% of the FPL, but state policies like Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility can raise this threshold. For the most accurate assessment, it is essential to consult your state's SNAP office and provide detailed information about your household's income and expenses. Understanding these factors can help you determine your eligibility and secure vital food assistance.

For more information on the SNAP program and income eligibility, visit the official website of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gross income is your household's total income before taxes and deductions. Net income is the amount left after certain deductions, like medical or dependent care costs, are subtracted from your gross income. Most households must pass both income tests.

Yes, while the federal baseline for gross income is 130% of the federal poverty level, many states have higher limits through a policy called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). For example, some states allow gross income up to 200% of the poverty level.

Yes, households with a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability are often only required to meet the net income limit, not the gross income limit. They can also deduct medical expenses over $35.

Both earned income (wages) and unearned income (Social Security, unemployment, child support received) are counted toward your gross income. Some items, like tax refunds and most retirement savings, are excluded.

To calculate net income, you start with your gross income and subtract allowable deductions, such as a standard deduction, 20% of earned income, and certain medical, dependent care, or shelter costs.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the asset limit is $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member. However, many states have waived these limits through BBCE.

Yes, gig work and other self-employment income are considered earned income for SNAP purposes. The calculation can be favorable, as you can often deduct 40% of your earnings or use actual business expenses.