Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for food stamp benefits is usually based on gross and net income (for families with at least one elderly or disabled member, just net income). The amount of benefits received is determined by household size and adjusted gross income after these exemptions:

a standard deduction.
a 20 percent earned income deduction.
a deduction for dependent care ($175 for children age two and over and $200 for those under two years old).
a deduction for child support paid by a household member.
a limited deduction for medical expenses for elderly or disabled individuals.
a limited deduction for excess shelter care expenses.

Gross income limits are established by the federal government and adjusted annually. Current gross income limits are available from local food stamp benefit specialists.

A family may have liquid resources (cash, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, etc.) of up to $2,000. With one or more family members who are disabled or age 60 or over, the resource limit is $3,000.

Pre-Screening Tool

To help determine if you are eligible for food stamp benefits, you can use an online pre-screening tool provided by USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

This pre-screening tool is not an application for Food Stamps.

An application for Food Stamps must be made at your local office.

Employment Requirements

Able-bodied applicants must register for work and cooperate in seeking and keeping employment. In certain counties, applicants are required to participate in an Employment and Training Program. However, you may be exempt from this requirement if you are:

responsible for care in the home of a disabled person or child under age six.
pregnant (in fourth month or later).
a household member participating in the TANF work program.
a VISTA volunteer.
employed or self employed and meeting certain requirements.
a student enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school of higher learning.

Report all Changes Affecting Eligibility

Food Stamps recipients must notify their local office about changes in their income or other circumstances. Such changes may affect their eligibility for benefits. Most households are required to report changes on their monthly report form which must be returned to their local office between the 15th and 20th of each month.

Households that do not report monthly are required to report changes within 10 days of when they occur.

These changes include:

the addition or loss of a household member.
a change in residence and the resulting change of shelter costs.
any new source of income or any increase or decrease in total household income of more than $50 a month.
when cash on hand, stocks, bonds, money in a bank account or savings reaches a total of $2,000.
when anyone in the household gets a car or other licensed vehicle.