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How much money can I make and still get SNAP benefits?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps millions of Americans buy food. Here are the requirements you must meet to qualify.

Sienna Juteau
Sienna Juteau

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You can use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy food. The money comes from the federal government but is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services in Illinois. Anyone who meets the requirements can get these benefits. The most important rules for determining SNAP eligibility are:

  • The number of people in your family
  • Monthly income
  • Expenses

The income limits for SNAP depend on two things:

1. The number of people in your SNAP unit.

Whether someone in your family nucleus is an older adult or a person with a disability. Most households must meet a monthly gross income test and a monthly net income test to be eligible for SNAP benefits. Everyone who lives and prepares meals together is grouped into a SNAP unit. Use the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) SNAP calculator to see if you might be eligible for SNAP benefits. The calculator will also give you an idea of ​​how much you will receive.

2. Asset Limits for SNAP

In some situations, there are also asset limits for SNAP. Assets are the things you own that are worth money. Under the SNAP requirements, you do not need to meet any asset limits, unless one of the following conditions applies:

  • Someone in your household was disqualified due to an Intentional Program Violation (IPV) or has a work disposition penalty. To qualify for SNAP benefits in this case, the asset limit for the rest of the household is $ 2,250; or
  • Your household has a “qualifying member.”

To qualify for SNAP benefits in this case, the asset limit is $3,250. A qualifying member is someone who:

  • Are 60 years or older
  • Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • You receive social security disability or blindness benefits,
  • Receive Assistance for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled or Medicaid benefits,
  • You are a certain type of veteran or their surviving family members,
  • Receive a federal, state, or local government disability pension and are considered to have permanent disabilities
  • Or you receive an annual railroad retirement payment and are eligible for Medicare.
Frugal Living

Sienna Juteau

Proud #vanlife mom passionate about teaching others how to be sustainable in all parts of life.