SNAP Eligibility in New York

There are three eligibility tests for SNAP: the Gross Income, the Net Income, and the Asset tests. Depending on your state and whether your household has a member who is 60 or older or has a disability, your household may be exempt from the Gross Income, Net Income, and/or Asset tests.

New York has expanded eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP eligibility requirements, which is why other websites may display stricter financial eligibility requirements than what you see on this page.

While the Gross Income and Asset tests are straightforward, Net Income is more difficult to calculate. We recommend using our SNAP Eligibility Calculator to see if you’re income eligible for SNAP benefits.

This information was collected from USDA and state SNAP resources but is not official. This website is not affiliated with any government organization or SNAP/WIC program.

Gross Income Limits

Total monthly household income before taxes, including job, self-employment, and other income like social security, disability, child support, worker’s comp, unemployment, and pension income.

Income Limits if There Is a Dependent Child in the Household

The gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level.

Income Limits if the Household Has Earned Income (From a Job or Self-Employment)

The gross income limit is 150% of the federal poverty level.

Income Limits for Households without Earned Income and without a Household Member who is a Dependent Child, Aged 60 or Older, or with a Disability

The gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level.

Expanded Income Limits If Any Household Members are 60 or Older or Have a Disability

The gross income limit for households with any members who are 60 or older or have a disability that don’t meet the asset test is 200% of the federal poverty level.

Net Income Limits

Net income is a household’s gross income minus deductions.

The net income limit is 100% of the federal poverty level.

Asset / Resource Limit

This means countable resources, like funds in bank accounts. A home is not counted as a resource.

Note: The SNAP application may still ask about your household’s assets, even if the asset limit does not apply.

Deductions

Child Support Payments Treatment

Court-ordered child support payments are excluded from gross income. Unlike other deductions that only impact net income, child support payments are excluded from gross income, reducing both gross and net income.

Standard Medical Deduction

Monthly out-of-pocket medical expenses for household members who are 60 or older or have a disability can be deducted when calculating net income. You can deduct the full amount of expenses (minus $35) with verification.

Utility Allowances

Households can only receive one utility allowance. If a household qualifies for multiple allowances, choose the highest allowance.

Nassau or Suffolk County

New York City

Rest of New York

Other Deductions

Households can receive deductions for the following expenses. Shelter deductions (utilities, rent, and homeowners insurance) only apply for the amount that total shelter expenses exceed a percentage of household income and are limited to a maximum amount if the household does not contain a member who is 60 or older or has a disability.

• A 20% deduction from job or self-employment income (earned income)
• Dependent care costs (including daycare, babysitters, or other child care) needed for work or school
• Monthly rent or mortgage amount
• Monthly homeowners insurance and taxes

Maximum Benefit Amounts

SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income. Our SNAP Eligibility Calculator can give you a dollar estimate of what you could receive in SNAP benefits.