Use this calculator to get an estimated idea of your potential monthly Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits in North Carolina. Please note that this is an estimate based on general federal guidelines and current approximate figures; actual eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) upon application.
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function calculateFoodStamps() {
var householdSize = parseInt(document.getElementById("householdSize").value);
var grossMonthlyIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("grossMonthlyIncome").value);
var earnedMonthlyIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("earnedMonthlyIncome").value);
var monthlyShelterCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyShelterCost").value);
var monthlyDependentCare = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyDependentCare").value);
var monthlyMedicalExpenses = parseFloat(document.getElementById("monthlyMedicalExpenses").value);
var isElderlyDisabled = document.getElementById("isElderlyDisabled").value === "yes";
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Clear previous results
// Input validation
if (isNaN(householdSize) || householdSize < 1 ||
isNaN(grossMonthlyIncome) || grossMonthlyIncome < 0 ||
isNaN(earnedMonthlyIncome) || earnedMonthlyIncome < 0 ||
isNaN(monthlyShelterCost) || monthlyShelterCost < 0 ||
isNaN(monthlyDependentCare) || monthlyDependentCare < 0 ||
isNaN(monthlyMedicalExpenses) || monthlyMedicalExpenses grossMonthlyIncome) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Earned income cannot be greater than total gross income.";
return;
}
// Approximate 2023/2024 Federal SNAP figures (NC follows these generally)
// Max Allotments
var maxAllotments = {
1: 291, 2: 535, 3: 766, 4: 973, 5: 1155, 6: 1386, 7: 1532, 8: 1751
};
var additionalAllotmentPerPerson = 219;
// Gross Income Limits (130% FPL)
var grossIncomeLimits = {
1: 1580, 2: 2137, 3: 2694, 4: 3250, 5: 3807, 6: 4364, 7: 4921, 8: 5478
};
var additionalGrossLimitPerPerson = 557;
// Net Income Limits (100% FPL) – for non-elderly/disabled households
var netIncomeLimits = {
1: 1215, 2: 1644, 3: 2072, 4: 2500, 5: 2929, 6: 3357, 7: 3786, 8: 4214
};
var additionalNetLimitPerPerson = 429;
// Standard Deductions
var standardDeductions = {
1: 193, 2: 193, 3: 193, 4: 193, 5: 221, 6: 221, 7: 221, 8: 221 // and up
};
var shelterCap = 672; // For non-elderly/disabled households
var minimumBenefit = 23; // For 1-2 person households if eligible
// Calculate household-specific limits and allotments
var currentMaxAllotment = maxAllotments[householdSize];
if (householdSize > 8) {
currentMaxAllotment = maxAllotments[8] + (householdSize – 8) * additionalAllotmentPerPerson;
}
var currentGrossIncomeLimit = grossIncomeLimits[householdSize];
if (householdSize > 8) {
currentGrossIncomeLimit = grossIncomeLimits[8] + (householdSize – 8) * additionalGrossLimitPerPerson;
}
var currentNetIncomeLimit = netIncomeLimits[householdSize];
if (householdSize > 8) {
currentNetIncomeLimit = netIncomeLimits[8] + (householdSize – 8) * additionalNetLimitPerPerson;
}
var currentStandardDeduction = standardDeductions[householdSize];
if (householdSize > 5) { // Standard deduction caps at 5+ people
currentStandardDeduction = standardDeductions[5];
}
// Step 1: Gross Income Test (waived for elderly/disabled households if net income test is met)
if (!isElderlyDisabled && grossMonthlyIncome > currentGrossIncomeLimit) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Based on your gross monthly income, your household is likely not eligible for SNAP benefits. Your gross income of $" + grossMonthlyIncome.toFixed(2) + " exceeds the limit of $" + currentGrossIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + " for a household of " + householdSize + " people.";
return;
}
// Step 2: Calculate Deductions
var earnedIncomeDeduction = earnedMonthlyIncome * 0.20; // 20% of earned income
var medicalDeduction = 0;
if (isElderlyDisabled && monthlyMedicalExpenses > 35) { // Only for elderly/disabled, and only if > $35
medicalDeduction = monthlyMedicalExpenses; // Full amount if > $35
}
var totalDeductions = earnedIncomeDeduction + currentStandardDeduction + monthlyDependentCare + medicalDeduction;
// Shelter Deduction Calculation
var shelterCosts = monthlyShelterCost;
var incomeAfterOtherDeductions = grossMonthlyIncome – (earnedIncomeDeduction + currentStandardDeduction + monthlyDependentCare + medicalDeduction);
var shelterDeduction = 0;
if (incomeAfterOtherDeductions > 0) { // Only apply shelter deduction if there's remaining income
var excessShelter = shelterCosts – (incomeAfterOtherDeductions * 0.50);
if (excessShelter > 0) {
shelterDeduction = excessShelter;
if (!isElderlyDisabled && shelterDeduction > shelterCap) {
shelterDeduction = shelterCap; // Apply cap for non-elderly/disabled
}
}
}
totalDeductions += shelterDeduction;
// Step 3: Calculate Net Income
var netMonthlyIncome = grossMonthlyIncome – totalDeductions;
// Step 4: Net Income Test
if (netMonthlyIncome > currentNetIncomeLimit) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Based on your net monthly income, your household is likely not eligible for SNAP benefits. Your net income of $" + netMonthlyIncome.toFixed(2) + " exceeds the limit of $" + currentNetIncomeLimit.toFixed(2) + " for a household of " + householdSize + " people.";
return;
}
// Step 5: Calculate Benefit Amount
var estimatedBenefit = currentMaxAllotment – (netMonthlyIncome * 0.30);
// Apply minimum benefit for 1-2 person households if eligible
if (estimatedBenefit < minimumBenefit && (householdSize === 1 || householdSize === 2)) {
estimatedBenefit = minimumBenefit;
}
// Ensure benefit is not negative
if (estimatedBenefit < 0) {
estimatedBenefit = 0;
}
if (estimatedBenefit === 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Based on your income and deductions, your household is likely not eligible for SNAP benefits, or the calculated benefit is $0.";
} else {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Your estimated monthly SNAP benefit is: $" + estimatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + "" +
"This is an estimate. Actual benefits are determined by NCDHHS.";
}
}
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Understanding NC Food Stamps (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. In North Carolina, the program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and follows federal guidelines with some state-specific adaptations.
Who is Eligible for SNAP in North Carolina?
Eligibility for SNAP in NC is primarily based on household income, resources, and certain work requirements. Generally, households must meet both gross and net income limits, which vary depending on the number of people in the household and whether any members are elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled.
Gross Income Test: Most households must have a gross monthly income (before deductions) at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
Net Income Test: After certain deductions are applied, a household's net monthly income must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
Elderly/Disabled Exception: Households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
Resource Limits: Most households must have countable resources (like bank accounts) of $2,750 or less. Households with an elderly or disabled member have a higher resource limit of $4,250. Certain assets, like your home and primary vehicle, are typically not counted.
Work Requirements: Most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet certain work requirements to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period.
How Are SNAP Benefits Calculated?
The calculation of SNAP benefits involves several steps to determine a household's net income and then apply a formula to arrive at the benefit amount. The goal is to ensure households have enough money to purchase food.
Gross Income: All income received by household members before any deductions.
Deductions: Several deductions are applied to the gross income to arrive at the net income:
Earned Income Deduction: 20% of any earned income (wages, salary) is disregarded.
Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on household size.
Dependent Care Deduction: Costs for care of a child or other dependent when necessary for a household member to work, look for work, or attend training/education.
Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, medical expenses over $35 per month can be deducted.
Shelter Deduction: The amount of shelter costs (rent/mortgage + utilities) that exceed 50% of the household's income after all other deductions. This deduction is capped for most households but is unlimited for households with an elderly or disabled member.
Net Income: Gross income minus all applicable deductions.
Benefit Calculation: The monthly benefit is calculated by taking the maximum allotment for the household size and subtracting 30% of the household's net income. For example, if a household's net income is $500 and the maximum allotment is $700, the benefit would be $700 – ($500 * 0.30) = $700 – $150 = $550.
Minimum Benefit: Some small households (1-2 people) may receive a minimum benefit if their calculated amount is very low.
How to Apply for SNAP in North Carolina
You can apply for SNAP benefits in North Carolina through several methods:
In Person: Visit your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
Mail/Fax: Download a paper application from the NCDHHS website, complete it, and mail or fax it to your local county DSS office.
You will typically need to provide documentation such as proof of identity, residency, income, resources, and household expenses.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on general SNAP rules and approximate figures. Actual eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) after a full application and interview process. Income limits, deductions, and maximum allotments are subject to change annually by federal and state regulations.