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Is there a gross income test for SNAP?

We are in the process of updating the SNAP Advocacy Guide, so some of the information is no longer current. In the meantime, you can read or download a pdf of the 2023 guide from www.masslegalservices.org/FoodStampSNAPAdvocacyGuide

Produced by Patricia Baker and Victoria Negus, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed January 2020

Yes! Most SNAP households need to have gross income under 200% of the federal poverty level. Gross income is your monthly income before any taxes or deductions. 106 C.M.R. §364.370, 106 C.M.R.§365.180.

Household Size	Gross Income Test 200% FPL*
1	$2,127
2	$2,873
3	$3,620
4	$4,367
5	$5,113
6	$5,860
7	$6,607

*These numbers are effective as of January 15, 2020. For the most up to date numbers, see: MA SNAP Calculation Worksheet

Households that Pay Child Support

If a household member pays legally obligated child support to a child outside the home, the child support is not counted in the initial gross income test. 106 C.M.R. §363.230(O). See What is the child support deduction?.

Elder/Disabled Households above 200% FPL

There is no gross income test for households that include an elder or disabled member. However, to qualify for SNAP, the household must meet the asset test. See When do assets count? . These households must also have very high shelter and/or medical expenses (very low net income) to qualify for any SNAP benefit.

Sanctioned households and 130% FPL

If you are a member of a SNAP household where an adult member has committed an IPV (fraud), the SNAP rules use a lower 130% FPL gross income threshold. In the SNAP math, the sanctioned member is not included in the SNAP household size for the remaining members-however if the sanctioned member has income, their income is included. 106 C.M.R. §363.110. See How does DTA count the income of someone not in my SNAP household?. The sanctioned household is also subject to the asset test. Appendix B has the charts for the 130% gross income and 100% net income tests.
See 106 C.M.R. §§365.180, 364.976, 364.950.

Snapshot of the SNAP income and asset tests

	SNAP Asset Test	Gross Income Test
Family with children, pregnant woman	NO	200% FPL
Persons age 18-60, no kids, not disabled	NO	200% FPL
Elder/disabled household	NO	None - note below if income over 200% FPL
Elder/disabled household – gross income > 200% FPL*	YES	None
Household under sanction due to IPV	YES	130% FPL

* But household’s net income must be low enough to qualify for a benefit. Households above 200% FPL gross income do not receive the $16 minimum benefit.

Note

In 2019 the Trump Administration proposed a rule change that would impact the gross income test. As of January 2020, no rules regarding gross income limits for SNAP have changed. Contact MLRI for more information.

Advocacy Reminders

All eligible 1 and 2 person households with gross income under 200% FPL will receive at least the minimum $16 SNAP benefit, in accordance with 106 C.M.R. §364.600(A).
An individual who is both elderly and disabled, and lives and consumes food jointly with others, can get her or his own SNAP even if she cannot purchase or prepare separately. To be eligible for this special status, the gross income of the rest of the household, (excluding the elderly disabled person, his or her spouse, and children) must be less than 165% FPL. 106 C.M.R. §§361.200(B), 364.975. See What if I live with others but I have a disability that makes it difficult to prepare my food?.

DTA Online Guide Sections:SNAP > Eligibility Requirements > Categorical Eligibility

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