Deductions

To determine a SNAP household’s monthly net income, there are certain allowable deductions that are subtracted from the household’s gross monthly income. Some of the deduction amounts are set by the Federal government and are subject to change each October 1.

20 percent deduction is applied to earned income (e.g., money from a job or self-employment).

A standard deduction is applied to all SNAP households. The standard deduction is $204 for households with 1 to 3 individuals, $254 for households with 5 individuals, and $291 for households with 6 or more individuals (this may be higher for some larger households).

A dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education.

Legally owed child support payments.

Excess shelter costs that are more than half of the household’s income after all other deductions have been applied. The excess shelter deduction is capped at $712 unless one person in the household is elderly or disabled. Each household receives a standard utility allowance deduction of $374, which is updated every October 1, to account for utility costs such as fuel, electricity, and water. In addition to the standard, a household can claim the following allowable shelter costs: Rent or mortgage payments and interest Taxes on the home Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members in excess of $35 for the month if they are not paid by insurance or someone else