Use this calculator to estimate your household's potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, in Maryland. This tool provides an estimate based on common income and deduction rules for 2024. Actual eligibility is determined by the Maryland Department of Human Services.
function calculateSnapEligibility() {
var householdSize = parseFloat(document.getElementById("householdSize").value);
var grossEarnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossEarnedIncome").value);
var grossUnearnedIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossUnearnedIncome").value);
var medicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("medicalExpenses").value);
var childCareExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("childCareExpenses").value);
var childSupportPaid = parseFloat(document.getElementById("childSupportPaid").value);
var shelterRentMortgage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("shelterRentMortgage").value);
var shelterUtilities = parseFloat(document.getElementById("shelterUtilities").value);
var isElderlyDisabled = document.getElementById("isElderlyDisabled").checked;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Clear previous results
// Input validation
if (isNaN(householdSize) || householdSize < 1 ||
isNaN(grossEarnedIncome) || isNaN(grossUnearnedIncome) ||
isNaN(medicalExpenses) || isNaN(childCareExpenses) ||
isNaN(childSupportPaid) || isNaN(shelterRentMortgage) ||
isNaN(shelterUtilities)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for all fields.";
return;
}
// SNAP Income Limits and Deductions (Approximate for FY 2024, subject to change)
// Source: FNS, state guidelines. These are general estimates.
var grossIncomeLimits = {
1: 1633, 2: 2218, 3: 2803, 4: 3388, 5: 3973, 6: 4558, 7: 5143, 8: 5728
};
var netIncomeLimits = {
1: 1255, 2: 1703, 3: 2152, 4: 2600, 5: 3048, 6: 3497, 7: 3945, 8: 4393
};
var standardDeductions = {
1: 193, 2: 193, 3: 193, 4: 193, 5: 221, 6: 252
};
var maxShelterDeduction = 672; // For non-elderly/disabled
var medicalExpenseThreshold = 35;
// Extend limits for larger households
for (var i = 9; i <= 20; i++) {
grossIncomeLimits[i] = grossIncomeLimits[8] + (i – 8) * 585;
netIncomeLimits[i] = netIncomeLimits[8] + (i – 8) * 448;
}
// Extend standard deduction for larger households (often caps at 6+)
for (var i = 7; i currentGrossIncomeLimit && !isElderlyDisabled) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your household's gross monthly income of $" + totalGrossIncome.toFixed(2) + " exceeds the limit of $" + currentGrossIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + " for your household size. Your household is likely ineligible for SNAP.";
return;
}
// Note: Households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the Net Income Test.
// Step 3: Calculate Deductions
var earnedIncomeDeduction = grossEarnedIncome * 0.20; // 20% of earned income
var medicalDeduction = 0;
if (isElderlyDisabled && medicalExpenses > medicalExpenseThreshold) {
medicalDeduction = medicalExpenses – medicalExpenseThreshold;
}
var totalOtherDeductions = earnedIncomeDeduction + currentStandardDeduction + medicalDeduction + childCareExpenses + childSupportPaid;
// Step 4: Calculate Shelter Costs
var totalShelterCosts = shelterRentMortgage + shelterUtilities;
// Step 5: Calculate Excess Shelter Deduction
var incomeAfterOtherDeductions = totalGrossIncome – totalOtherDeductions;
var excessShelterCost = totalShelterCosts – (incomeAfterOtherDeductions * 0.50);
var shelterDeduction = 0;
if (excessShelterCost > 0) {
if (isElderlyDisabled) {
shelterDeduction = excessShelterCost; // Uncapped for elderly/disabled
} else {
shelterDeduction = Math.min(excessShelterCost, maxShelterDeduction); // Capped for others
}
}
// Step 6: Calculate Total Net Income
var totalNetIncome = totalGrossIncome – totalOtherDeductions – shelterDeduction;
// Step 7: Net Income Test (100% FPL)
if (totalNetIncome > currentNetIncomeLimit) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your household's net monthly income of $" + totalNetIncome.toFixed(2) + " exceeds the limit of $" + currentNetIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + " for your household size. Your household is likely ineligible for SNAP.";
return;
}
// Step 8: Estimate Benefit Amount (Maximum Allotments for FY 2024)
var maxAllotments = {
1: 291, 2: 535, 3: 766, 4: 973, 5: 1155, 6: 1386, 7: 1532, 8: 1751
};
for (var i = 9; i <= 20; i++) {
maxAllotments[i] = maxAllotments[8] + (i – 8) * 219;
}
var currentMaxAllotment = maxAllotments[householdSize] || maxAllotments[Object.keys(maxAllotments).pop()];
var estimatedBenefit = currentMaxAllotment – (totalNetIncome * 0.30);
if (estimatedBenefit < 0) {
estimatedBenefit = 0; // Minimum benefit is usually $23, but if calculation is negative, it means they are above the threshold for benefits.
}
// Minimum benefit for 1-2 person households is $23, if calculated benefit is less than $23 but greater than 0.
if (householdSize 0 && estimatedBenefit < 23) {
estimatedBenefit = 23;
}
// Step 9: Display Eligibility
var eligibilityMessage = "Based on the information provided, your household appears to be **potentially eligible** for SNAP benefits in Maryland.";
eligibilityMessage += "Estimated Monthly Benefit: $" + estimatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + " (This is an estimate and not a guarantee).";
eligibilityMessage += "
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, provides crucial food assistance to low-income individuals and families in Maryland. Administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), SNAP helps eligible households purchase healthy food. This guide explains the key eligibility requirements and how the calculator above can provide an estimate of your potential eligibility.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is a federal program that provides benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card, to buy eligible food items at authorized grocery stores and farmers' markets. The goal is to reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition for millions of Americans.
Key Eligibility Factors in Maryland
Maryland's SNAP eligibility is primarily based on household income, household size, and certain deductions. Unlike some states, Maryland generally waives the asset limit for most households due to its Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) policy, simplifying the application process for many.
1. Household Size
The number of people living together and purchasing and preparing food together is crucial. Income limits and benefit amounts vary significantly based on household size.
2. Gross Monthly Income Test (130% of Federal Poverty Level – FPL)
Gross Income: This is your household's total income before any deductions like taxes, social security, or health insurance. It includes earned income (wages, salaries) and unearned income (Social Security benefits, unemployment, child support received, etc.).
Limit: For most households, your gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size.
Exception: Households with an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled member only need to meet the Net Income Test, not the Gross Income Test.
3. Net Monthly Income Test (100% of Federal Poverty Level – FPL)
After certain deductions are applied to your gross income, the remaining amount is your net income. Your net monthly income must be at or below 100% of the FPL for your household size.
4. Allowable Deductions
Maryland SNAP allows several deductions that can lower your household's countable income, potentially making you eligible or increasing your benefit amount:
Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your gross earned income is disregarded.
Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on household size.
Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, medical expenses exceeding $35 per month can be deducted.
Dependent Care Deduction: Costs for child care or care for other dependents necessary for work, training, or education.
Child Support Deduction: Legally obligated child support payments made to non-household members.
Excess Shelter Deduction: This is a significant deduction. It accounts for shelter costs (rent/mortgage + utilities) that exceed 50% of your household's income after all other deductions. For non-elderly/non-disabled households, this deduction is capped (e.g., $672 for FY 2024). For households with an elderly or disabled member, the excess shelter deduction is uncapped.
5. Asset Limits (Generally Waived in Maryland)
Thanks to Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), most Maryland households applying for SNAP do not have to meet an asset limit. This means your savings, property, or other resources typically won't prevent you from being eligible. However, there are exceptions, and very high-value assets might still be considered in some specific cases. It's always best to confirm with DHS.
How the Calculator Works
Our Maryland SNAP Eligibility Calculator uses the most recent available income limits and deduction rules (for Fiscal Year 2024) to provide an estimate. It walks through the following steps:
Collects Household Information: Number of people, income sources, and specific expenses.
Applies Gross Income Test: Checks if your total gross income is below 130% FPL (unless an elderly/disabled member is present).
Calculates Deductions: Applies earned income, standard, medical, dependent care, child support, and excess shelter deductions.
Applies Net Income Test: Checks if your total net income (after deductions) is below 100% FPL.
Estimates Benefits: If eligible, it provides an estimated monthly benefit amount based on your net income and the maximum allotment for your household size.
Important Considerations and Disclaimer
This calculator is a helpful tool for estimation, but it is not an official determination of eligibility. Several factors not included in this simplified calculator can affect your actual eligibility, such as:
Specific program rules for college students.
Immigration status.
Work requirements for certain individuals.
Changes in federal or state SNAP policies and income limits.
For an accurate and official eligibility determination, you must apply directly through the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS). You can apply online through myMDTHINK, by mail, or in person at your local Department of Social Services office.
Always refer to the official Maryland DHS website or contact them directly for the most current and precise information regarding SNAP eligibility and benefits.