The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered by DHHR and governed by federal law and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Nutrition Services. SNAP provides monthly benefits to help eligible households buy food. Eligibility to receive benefits is based on household size, income, assets and some household expenses as determined by the federal government. The asset limit is $2,750 for households. NOTE: Most households will not be subject to the asset limit; however, if at least one person is at least age 60 or disabled, the asset limit is $4,250.
Most people must pass a gross income test and then a net income test. Before total income is compared to the federal net income limits, certain deductions are applied to the income, such as: 20% earned income disregard, child care costs, excess shelter/utility costs, court-ordered child support paid out, etc.
The amount of SNAP benefits issued to eligible persons is based on household size and countable income, after all deductions are applied. Households with an elderly or disabled person are given special consideration. In addition to the higher asset limit, there is no gross income test and more excess shelter/utility costs can be deducted, and medical expenses over $35 per month.
SNAP benefits may only be used to purchase food for human consumption and seeds/plants to grow food at home. SNAP benefits cannot be used for household items, grooming products, tobacco, alcohol products, pet food, etc.
To download a SNAP Education & Training brochure/fact sheet, click
here.
Print Versions of Forms:
To make a complaint regarding SNAP to the Bureau for Family Assistance, call Client Services at 1-800-642-8589.