SNAP Eligibility Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your household's potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Eligibility is based on household size, income, and assets, with specific rules for elderly or disabled members. Please note that this calculator provides an estimate based on general federal guidelines and illustrative figures; actual eligibility and benefit amounts can vary by state and specific circumstances.
Number of people living in your household.
Total income before any deductions (wages, benefits, etc.).
Portion of your gross income from wages or self-employment.
Out-of-pocket medical costs for household members who are elderly (60+) or disabled.
Costs for childcare or adult care necessary for work, training, or education.
Total monthly rent/mortgage payments plus utilities (electricity, gas, water, etc.).
Total value of readily available funds (cash, checking/savings accounts).
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Understanding SNAP Eligibility
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility for SNAP is determined by several factors, primarily household income, assets, and household composition. While federal guidelines set the framework, specific rules and benefit amounts can vary slightly by state.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Gross Income Test: Most households must have a gross monthly income (income before any deductions) at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For households with an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled member, the gross income test is often waived, and only the net income test applies.
- Net Income Test: After certain deductions are applied to your gross income, your household's net monthly income must be at or below 100% of the FPL. Deductions can include a standard deduction, 20% of earned income, dependent care costs, medical expenses for elderly/disabled members, and excess shelter costs.
- Asset Test: Households must have countable assets below certain limits. For most households, the limit is $2,750. For households with an elderly or disabled member, the asset limit is higher, typically $4,250. Countable assets generally include cash, money in bank accounts, and certain investments. Non-countable assets include your home, vehicles, and retirement accounts.
- Household Size: The number of people in your household directly impacts the FPL thresholds and standard deduction amounts used in the income tests.
How Deductions Work:
- Standard Deduction: A fixed amount subtracted from your gross income, varying by household size.
- Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your earned income is disregarded, encouraging work.
- Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., $35) can be deducted.
- Dependent Care Deduction: Costs for childcare or adult care that enable a household member to work, seek employment, or attend training/education.
- Shelter Deduction: The amount of shelter costs (rent/mortgage + utilities) that exceed 50% of your household's income after all other deductions. This deduction is capped for most households but uncapped for households with an elderly or disabled member.
Important Considerations:
This calculator provides an estimate. Actual SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by your state's SNAP agency based on a full application and verification process. Factors like student status, immigration status, and specific state policies can also affect eligibility. It's always recommended to contact your local SNAP office or visit your state's SNAP website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Eligibility Results:
"; resultHTML += "Household Size: " + householdSize + ""; resultHTML += "Gross Monthly Income: $" + grossMonthlyIncome.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Net Monthly Income (Estimated): $" + netMonthlyIncome.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Liquid Assets: $" + liquidAssets.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Elderly/Disabled in Household: " + (isElderlyOrDisabled ? "Yes" : "No") + ""; resultHTML += ""; resultHTML += "130% FPL Threshold: $" + fpl130Percent.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "100% FPL Threshold: $" + fpl100Percent.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "Asset Limit: $" + assetLimit.toFixed(2) + ""; resultHTML += "
"; resultHTML += "Gross Income Test: Your gross income of $" + grossMonthlyIncome.toFixed(2) + " is " + (grossIncomeTestPassed ? "within" : "above") + " the 130% FPL limit of $" + fpl130Percent.toFixed(2) + "."; resultHTML += "Net Income Test: Your estimated net income of $" + netMonthlyIncome.toFixed(2) + " is " + (netIncomeTestPassed ? "within" : "above") + " the 100% FPL limit of $" + fpl100Percent.toFixed(2) + "."; resultHTML += "Asset Test: Your liquid assets of $" + liquidAssets.toFixed(2) + " are " + (assetTestPassed ? "within" : "above") + " the asset limit of $" + assetLimit.toFixed(2) + "."; resultHTML += "
"; if (overallEligibility) { resultHTML += "Based on these estimates, your household appears to be potentially eligible for SNAP benefits."; } else { resultHTML += "Based on these estimates, your household may not be eligible for SNAP benefits."; } resultHTML += "Note: This is an estimate. Actual eligibility is determined by your state's SNAP agency."; resultDiv.innerHTML = resultHTML; }