- SNAP eligibility depends on both gross and net monthly income.
- Income limits rise as household size increases.
- Alaska and Hawaii use higher income limits than the rest of the country.
- Most households must meet both income tests to qualify.
- Assets and resources are reviewed in addition to income.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program determines eligibility largely based on household income and size. For fiscal year 2026, income limits are set using federal poverty levels and adjusted for household size and location.
How SNAP Income Limits Are Determined
SNAP uses two separate income tests to determine eligibility. Gross income refers to total household income before deductions. Net income is calculated after allowable deductions are applied.
For the period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, the gross income limit is set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level, while the net income limit is set at 100 percent. In most situations, a household must meet both limits to qualify.
SNAP Income Limits by Household Size for FY2026
The table below shows the monthly SNAP income limits by household size. Figures are listed for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., with separate higher limits for Alaska and Hawaii.
Monthly Income Limits Table
| Household Size | Gross Limit (48 States + DC) | Net Limit (48 States + DC) | Gross Limit (Alaska) | Net Limit (Alaska) | Gross Limit (Hawaii) | Net Limit (Hawaii) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 | $2,118 | $1,630 | $1,949 | $1,500 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 | $2,864 | $2,203 | $2,635 | $2,027 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 | $3,609 | $2,776 | $3,321 | $2,555 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 | $4,354 | $3,350 | $4,007 | $3,082 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 | $5,100 | $3,923 | $4,692 | $3,610 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 | $5,845 | $4,496 | $5,378 | $4,137 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 | $6,590 | $5,070 | $6,064 | $4,665 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 | $7,336 | $5,643 | $6,750 | $5,192 |
| Each additional person | +$596 | +$459 | +$746 | +$574 | +$686 | +$528 |
These limits represent the maximum monthly income allowed for eligibility under standard SNAP rules.
Example of How to Read the Table
Using the table above, a four person household in the 48 contiguous states must have:
- Gross monthly income of $3,483 or less
- Net monthly income of $2,680 or less
In Alaska, the same household could earn up to $4,354 gross and $3,350 net. In Hawaii, the limits would be $4,007 gross and $3,082 net. For households larger than eight people, the income limits increase by the listed additional amounts for each extra member.
Gross and Net Income Explained
Meeting the gross income limit alone does not guarantee eligibility. SNAP also evaluates net income after deductions.
Common deductions include:
- A percentage of earned income
- A standard household deduction
- Dependent care expenses
- Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members
- Certain housing and utility costs
These deductions can significantly lower countable income, which may allow some households to qualify even if gross income is close to the limit.
Special Rules for Elderly or Disabled Households
If every member of a household is elderly or disabled, the gross income test does not apply. Only the net income limit is used to determine eligibility.
This rule often benefits households with fixed incomes and higher medical or housing expenses, as deductions can reduce net income below the required threshold.
Resource and Asset Limits
In addition to income, SNAP considers household resources. Countable assets are generally limited to:
- $3,000 for most households
- $4,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member
A primary residence and most retirement accounts are excluded. While some states use expanded eligibility policies, income limits remain central to the qualification process.
Summary of SNAP Income Eligibility
SNAP income limits are designed to scale with household size and reflect regional cost differences. By reviewing the table and understanding how gross and net income are calculated, households can better assess whether they meet the financial requirements for SNAP during fiscal year 2026.