SNAP Income Limits 2026 by Household Size – Complete Chart

SNAP Income Limits 2026 by Household Size: Complete Federal Guidelines

Quick Answer

For fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026), the SNAP gross income limit for a household of 1 person is $1,696 per month** (130% of the Federal Poverty Level), and the net income limit is **$1,305 per month (100% FPL). For a household of 4, the gross limit is $3,483** and the net limit is **$2,680 . Households with a member who is elderly (60+) or disabled are exempt from the gross income test and only need to meet the net income test . Some states have expanded income limits above 130% FPL through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), reaching up to 200% FPL in certain states .

Quick Facts

What Is the SNAP Income Test?

SNAP has two income tests: a gross income test and a net income test. Most households must pass both tests to qualify. The gross income limit is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), while the net income limit is set at 100% FPL .

Gross income means your household’s total, non-excluded income before any deductions have been made . This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, child support, and most other income sources.

Net income means your gross income minus allowable deductions . Allowable deductions include:

• Standard deduction (varies by household size) 

• Earned income deduction (20% of earned income)

• Shelter/utility deduction (up to $744 in 48 states) 

• Dependent care deduction

• Medical deduction (for elderly/disabled members, expenses over $35/month) 

• Child support deduction 

SNAP Gross Income Limits by Household Size (130% FPL) – 48 States + DC

The following table shows the gross monthly income limit (130% FPL) for SNAP eligibility in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. for fiscal year 2026. Most households must have gross income at or below these amounts .

Sources: Illinois DHS, USDA FNS, Arkansas DHS 

SNAP Net Income Limits by Household Size (100% FPL) – 48 States + DC

The following table shows the net monthly income limit (100% FPL) for SNAP eligibility. After allowable deductions are applied, your net income must be at or below these amounts. Households with elderly or disabled members must meet this test but are exempt from the gross income test .

Sources: Arkansas DHS, USDA FNS, DC DHS 

Who Qualifies and Who Does NOT Qualify

Who Qualifies for SNAP

Most households pass the gross and net income tests and meet citizenship, work, and residency requirements. Households with elderly or disabled members only need to pass the net income test .

The gross income test does NOT apply to households that:

• Include a member who is age 60 or older 

• Include a member with a disability 

• Are categorically eligible (receiving TANF or SSI) 

Households are exempt from the net income test if they are categorically eligible (CE/ECE) through another means-tested benefit .

Who Does NOT Qualify

• Undocumented immigrants

• Full-time college students (with limited exceptions)

• Households with gross income above 130% FPL (unless state expanded limits or elderly/disabled exemption applies)

• Households with net income above 100% FPL (unless categorically eligible)

• Households with assets above $2,750 ($4,250 if elderly/disabled) in states without BBCE

Common Exceptions

Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE): Many states have expanded SNAP eligibility by raising the gross income limit to 165% FPL, 200% FPL, or eliminating the asset test entirely . For example, North Dakota uses a 200% FPL gross income limit for Expanded Categorically Eligible (ECE) households: $2,610 for 1 person, $5,360 for a household of 4 .

Elderly/Disabled Households: Exempt from the gross income test but must meet the net income test .

State-by-State Income Limit Differences

While the federal government sets minimum income limits at 130% FPL and 100% FPL, states can expand eligibility through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). This allows states to increase gross income limits to 165% FPL or even 200% FPL and eliminate asset limits .

States with Expanded Income Limits

Important: The 165% FPL limit applies to elderly/disabled households where the elderly/disabled member lives separately from the head of household . The 200% FPL limit applies in states with BBCE expansion .

Alaska and Hawaii Income Limits

Due to higher cost of living, Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits:

Alaska (130% FPL):

• Household of 1: $2,118/month

• Household of 4: $4,354/month 

Hawaii (130% FPL):

• Household of 1: $1,949/month

• Household of 4: $4,007/month 

Real-Life Examples: Do They Qualify?

Example 1: Family of 4 earning $42,000 per year

• Gross monthly income: $42,000 ÷ 12 = $3,500

• 130% FPL limit for family of 4: $3,483

• This family is slightly above the gross income limit

• If no deductions: They would not qualify in a state without BBCE

• If they have significant deductions (shelter, utilities) they may pass the net income test

• If their state has BBCE at 165% FPL ($4,421) they qualify 

Example 2: Elderly couple (both 65+) with Social Security income of $2,500/month

• Gross monthly income: $2,500

• They are exempt from the gross income test because they are elderly 

• They only need to meet the net income test

• After medical deductions (medicare premiums, out-of-pocket expenses over $35/month), their net income likely falls below $2,221 

• They would likely qualify

Example 3: Single mother with 2 children earning $32,000/year

• Gross monthly income: $32,000 ÷ 12 = $2,667

• 130% FPL limit for family of 3: $2,888

• Gross income is below the limit

• After 20% earned income deduction, standard deduction, and shelter deduction, net income is likely under $2,221

• They would qualify

Example 4: Family of 4 in Texas earning $50,000/year

• Gross monthly income: $50,000 ÷ 12 = $4,167

• Texas uses BBCE with 165% FPL limit: $4,421 for family of 4

• Gross income is below the state’s expanded limit

• They would qualify in Texas 

Asset Limits for SNAP in 2026

Most households must have assets (countable resources) under $2,750 ($4,250 if a household member is elderly or disabled). However, many states have eliminated asset limits through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).

Countable resources include:

• Cash on hand

• Bank accounts (checking, savings)

• Stocks, bonds, and other investments

Assets that are NOT counted:

• Your primary home and land

• Personal property (clothing, furniture)

• Most vehicles

• Retirement accounts (pensions, 401k, IRA) 

• Household goods

How Income Limits Are Calculated

The USDA adjusts SNAP income limits each federal fiscal year (starting October 1) based on changes to the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. The gross income limit is always 130% of the applicable FPL for the household size, and the net income limit is always 100% FPL .

Example calculation for a household of 4:

• FY 2026 Federal Poverty Level for a household of 4: $2,680/month (100%)

• Gross income limit (130%): $2,680 × 1.30 = $3,483/month 

• Net income limit (100%): $2,680/month 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the SNAP income limit for a family of 4 in 2026?

The gross income limit for a family of 4 is $3,483 per month (130% FPL). The net income limit is $2,680 per month (100% FPL). However, many states have expanded these limits through BBCE .

2. Do I have to pass both the gross and net income tests?

Most households must pass both tests. However, households with a member who is age 60 or older, or who has a disability, are exempt from the gross income test and only need to pass the net income test .

3. What is Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)?

BBCE is a state option that expands SNAP eligibility by raising the gross income limit (often to 165% or 200% FPL) and sometimes eliminating the asset test. Many states use BBCE to help more working families qualify for SNAP .

4. What is the difference between gross income and net income?

Gross income is your total income before any deductions. Net income is your gross income minus allowable deductions like the standard deduction, 20% earned income deduction, shelter costs, dependent care, and medical expenses for elderly/disabled members .

5. Are SNAP income limits the same in every state?

No. While the federal minimum is 130% FPL and 100% FPL, states can expand eligibility through BBCE. Alaska and Hawaii also have higher limits due to cost of living differences .

6. What is the income limit for a household of 1 in 2026?

The gross income limit is $1,696 per month, and the net income limit is $1,305 per month for the 48 states and DC .

7. What is the income limit for a household of 8 in 2026?

The gross income limit is $5,867 per month, and the net income limit is $4,513 per month for the 48 states and DC .

8. Do I have to report all income sources?

Yes. SNAP requires reporting all household income, including wages, self-employment income, Social Security, SSI, SSDI, child support, and other benefits. Failure to report all income can result in overpayment and penalties.

9. Can I qualify for SNAP if I have a job?

Yes. Many working families qualify for SNAP. The earned income deduction allows households to deduct 20% of earned income, reducing countable income .

10. What deductions can I take to lower my income for SNAP?

You can deduct: a standard deduction (varies by household size), 20% of earned income, shelter/utility costs up to $744, dependent care expenses, medical expenses over $35/month for elderly/disabled members, and legally required child support payments .

11. How often do SNAP income limits change?

The USDA updates SNAP income limits and benefits annually on October 1 based on changes to the Federal Poverty Level and cost-of-living adjustments .

12. What is the asset limit for SNAP in 2026?

Most households must have assets under $2,750 ($4,250 if elderly/disabled). However, states with BBCE often have no asset limit at all .

Key Takeaways

• The gross income limit for SNAP is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level — for a household of 4, that’s $3,483/month .

• The net income limit is 100% of the FPL — for a household of 4, that’s $2,680/month .

• Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members are exempt from the gross income test and only need to meet the net income test .

• States can expand income limits through BBCE — some states allow up to 200% FPL ($5,360/month for a family of 4) .

• Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits due to higher food costs .

• Gross income is total income before deductions; net income is income after allowable deductions .

• Deductions include standard, earned income (20%), shelter, dependent care, and medical expenses .

• Asset limits are $2,750 ($4,250 for elderly/disabled) but many states have eliminated asset tests through BBCE.

• Income limits are adjusted annually on October 1 based on changes to the Federal Poverty Level .

• Check your state’s specific income limits — many states have expanded eligibility beyond federal minimums.

Official Government Resources

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service (SNAP): fns.usda.gov/snap

• SNAP State Directory: fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory

• SNAP Income Eligibility Standards: fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility/income

• Benefits.gov: benefits.gov

• USA.gov: usa.gov/food-help

Related Government Benefits

If you qualify for SNAP based on income limits, you may also be eligible for:

1. SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash assistance for elderly, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income.

2. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly benefits for disabled workers who have paid into Social Security.

3. Medicaid: Free or low-cost health coverage based on income.

4. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Cash assistance for families with children.

5. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Help paying heating and cooling bills.

6. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher: Rental assistance for low-income families.

7. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

8. Free School Meals: Children in SNAP households automatically qualify for free school breakfast and lunch.

9. Health Insurance Marketplace: Subsidized health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

10. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Tax credit for low-to-moderate income workers.