Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) every month to help put food on the table. But while qualifying for SNAP can feel like a lifeline, staying eligible isn’t automatic.
Rules and requirements can be tricky to navigate, especially since states manage their own programs based on federal guidelines.
Knowing what financial resources count against your eligibility—and what doesn’t—can make a huge difference for families trying to hold on to this crucial support.
Let’s break down what resources the SNAP program considers and what’s safely off the table.
Basics
First, let’s cover the basics. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. However, each state administers its own version, which means the specifics of eligibility and paperwork can vary.
When you’re approved for SNAP, your benefits arrive each month on an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card. But to keep receiving them, you have to maintain eligibility, including income and resource limits.
Here’s where things get a little confusing — not all resources count when determining if you qualify.
Limits
In most cases, SNAP places a limit on what your household can have in resources like cash or bank account balances. As of now:
| Household Type | Resource Limit |
|---|---|
| Regular Household | $3,000 |
| Household with a senior (60+) or disabled member | $4,500 |
These numbers usually adjust annually for inflation, so it’s a good idea to check your state’s SNAP website for the latest amounts.
Exemptions
Here’s the good news: several important resources are not counted when applying for SNAP. These exemptions help protect households that have certain assets but still struggle with day-to-day living expenses. Common resources that don’t count include:
- Your home and land: The place you live in, along with the land it’s on, is off-limits for consideration.
- SSI recipients’ resources: If you or a family member gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI), those resources don’t count.
- TANF participants’ resources: Families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are also exempt.
- Most retirement accounts and pensions: While most of these aren’t counted, frequent withdrawals from these accounts might be treated as income.
This means families don’t have to sell their homes or drain retirement funds just to qualify for help with groceries.
Flexibility
To make SNAP more accessible, many states use a policy called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). Under BBCE, states can lift or ease the usual income and resource limits for families who already receive certain types of government-funded help, usually from TANF programs.
For example, in a BBCE state, a household might still qualify for SNAP even if their resources go above the usual $3,000 or $4,500 limits—as long as they’re participating in a qualifying program. It’s one of the ways states can customize SNAP to fit their residents’ needs better.
Otherfactors
It’s not just about income and resources. States also check for other eligibility requirements, like employment status. Adults between 18 and 59 typically need to work or participate in a job training program unless exempt for health or caregiving reasons.
Knowing what counts and what doesn’t can take the stress out of maintaining your benefits. Stay informed, and check with your local SNAP office or website for state-specific rules.
Knowing how SNAP eligibility works isn’t just about numbers on a form — it’s about protecting what you’ve worked hard for while still getting the help you need. Keep this info handy, and you’ll be a step ahead next time you need to recertify.
FAQs
What assets don’t count for SNAP?
Your home, SSI resources, TANF resources, and most pensions.
What’s the SNAP resource limit?
$3,000, or $4,500 if elderly or disabled live in the household.
Do retirement accounts affect SNAP eligibility?
Most don’t count, but regular withdrawals could be treated as income.
What is Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility?
A flexible SNAP rule letting some households bypass strict limits.
Does SNAP eligibility require working?
Yes, for most adults 18-59 unless exempt by law.
