What Is the Income Limit for SNAP?

The income limits for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) depend on your household size and the state where you live. If anyone in your household is 60 or older or has a disability, that matters, too. In that case, expenses like medical costs can be subtracted from your income to help you meet the threshold for food assistance.

SNAP is a need-based program that helps millions of Americans buy the food they need to stay healthy, including roughly 8.3 million older people.¹ If you’re an older adult, don’t assume your Social Security income, pension, or savings will stop you from getting help.

Read on to learn about SNAP income limits, what income actually counts, and the special eligibility rules for adults age 60 and older. We’ll also explain how to check your eligibility and apply for SNAP benefits.

SNAP Income Limits at a Glance

You may qualify for SNAP if you meet your state’s income rules. Income eligibility standards change every year as of Oct. 1. This is part of the program’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). 

Your eligibility and benefit amount also depend on your household size. SNAP generally counts people who live together and buy and prepare meals together as one household.² But spouses who live together (and children under age 22 who live with a parent) must be included in the same SNAP household, even if they buy and prepare food separately.

Special rules may make it easier to qualify if you’re 60 or older or have a qualifying disability. Still, a lot of older adults don’t think they’re eligible for SNAP—and that misunderstanding can stop them from getting the support they deserve. In fact, as many as 6 out of 10 qualifying older adults aren’t enrolled in the program.³ This means that more than 9 million people are missing out on key financial help that can make a real difference in their day-to-day lives. Could you be one of them?

SNAP is a federal program, but certain eligibility rules—such as income and asset limits and work requirements—vary by state. Your state SNAP office will review your application to decide if you’re eligible.

What is the income limit for SNAP in 2027?

SNAP income limits for 2027 depend on your household size, state, and other factors. The standard federal limits below apply from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, in the 48 states and Washington, D.C. Note: Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.

Many states allow higher gross incomes. Also, households with someone age 60 or older or someone with a qualifying disability usually only need to meet the net income limit. Don’t assume you’re not eligible if your income before deductions is higher than the amounts shown below.

*Federal poverty level, found on the internet at https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines. For fiscal year 2027 (Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027), a two-member household with a gross monthly income of $2,345 (130% FPL) might qualify for SNAP.

How is income calculated for SNAP?

SNAP adds up your household’s countable income, including wages before taxes, Social Security, and pensions. This is called your gross income. 

Your SNAP office then subtracts allowed deductions to find your net income. These deductions may include some earnings, housing, and certain medical expenses for adults 60 or older or people with qualifying disabilities. Allowable deductions can help you meet the income threshold. Your state SNAP office uses these amounts to help decide if you qualify and how much you can receive each month. 

How much savings can you have on SNAP?

That depends on your state. Assets are "countable resources" like cash, money in a bank account, and certain vehicles. Many states have no asset limit for most SNAP households. Some states set their own limits. Where standard federal limits apply, you can have up to $3,000 in countable assets, or $4,750 if anyone in your household is age 60 or older or has a qualifying disability. Many assets—like your home, if you own one, and most retirement assets—don't count toward the $4,750 limit.

If this sounds confusing or intimidating, don’t worry! Each SNAP office employs experts whose job it is to help you understand the rules and requirements. And don’t let it prevent you from checking whether or not you qualify, either. At the bottom of this article, we’ll direct you to our free resource that will help you or someone you know navigate the SNAP application process.

What about D-SNAP income limits?

Like regular SNAP, people applying to the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) must meet certain income and asset requirements. D-SNAP helps people who have suffered financial hardship due to a natural disaster. Learn more about the program and D-SNAP income limits here.

What are the SNAP work requirements? 

Under the updated rules (as of Feb. 1, 2026), adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may need to work, volunteer, or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep receiving benefits. The age limit used to be 55. 

In addition:

• Some caregivers may still qualify for an exemption, and final guidance from the federal government is still being worked out.
• If you are a veteran, you may also be affected, since veterans are no longer automatically exempt from these SNAP work rules.

These changes could affect how long you can receive SNAP, especially if jobs are limited where you live. If you’re unsure how these rules apply to you, your local SNAP office or a benefits counselor can walk you through your options.

It’s worth checking your SNAP eligibility

Nutritious meals are key to maintaining good health as we age. At the same time, quality food is expensive, and can be difficult for many older adults to afford.

Seventy-five-year-old Ms. Smith can attest to that. Before enrolling in SNAP, “I was unable to pay for groceries and often had to go to food pantries for extra help,” she said.

She worried she wouldn’t have the food she needed. That's why getting approved for renewed SNAP assistance was welcome news for Ms. Smith. She told us,

“When I learned I could renew my SNAP benefits online, I was overjoyed,” Ms. Smith said.

That’s why it’s smart to check SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. Since income guidelines change each year, you might qualify this year, even if you didn’t previously. Nationally, nearly 20% of participating SNAP households include adults 60 and older, which means you’re not alone.¹

The average SNAP benefit for older adults is $188 per month⁴—which you can use to purchase fresh, healthy foods and non-alcoholic beverages at supermarkets, convenience stores, and even some farmers’ markets.

By making it easier to eat healthfully, SNAP can also help you maintain your well-being and independence in many important ways.

How can I check my SNAP eligibility?

You can check your SNAP eligibility and find all the information you need at BenefitsCheckup.org. Enter your ZIP code to discover all the benefits you qualify for, including SNAP and other assistance options available in your community.

Our tool is free, secure, and simple to use, giving you a clear view of the support you may qualify for. For the latest information on SNAP benefits in your area, you can also reach out directly to your local SNAP office or visit their website to check income and other guidelines.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for SNAP if I live with family?
You may be able to. Under special program provisions, you (and your spouse, if applicable) may qualify as a separate household if you’re over the age of 60 and unable to purchase or prepare your own meals because of a permanent disability. Collectively, the remaining members of your household will still need to meet SNAP income limits.

What income does SNAP not count?
SNAP doesn’t count certain payments as income, including income tax refunds and most loans you must repay. Some one-time payments also don’t count as income, but may count as assets. Tell your SNAP office about all money you receive, so it can decide what counts. 

Can I get SNAP if I receive Social Security?
Yes. You can receive Social Security and still qualify for SNAP. Social Security usually counts as income, but your eligibility also depends on your household size and allowed deductions. If you’re age 60 or older or have a qualifying disability, certain medical costs you pay out of your own pocket may help you qualify or receive more benefits.

Sources

1. USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Key Statistics and Research. Updated August 31, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research

2. USDA. Who is in a SNAP household? Found on the internet at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility

3. National Council on Aging. Estimation of National, State, and Substate Program Participation Rates for Adults 65 and Older. March 2026. Found on the internet at https://assets.ncoa.org/ffacfe7d-10b6-0083-2632-604077fd4eca/3462824a-d7e9-4ddb-a936-7c2172599005/Estimated_Program_Participation_Rates_for_Adults_65_and_Older_2023.pdf

4. USDA. Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023. April 2025. Found on the internet at https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-FY23-Characteristics-Report.pd