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MS 5800 [1]

Volume 2 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) MS 5800 – R. 8/31/26 - OMTL – 705 Calculation of Allotment

For households with no elderly or disabled members, calculate the SNAP benefit allotment as follows: (See MS 5810 for calculation procedures for elderly or disabled members, excluded members, and self-employed members.)

A. Add all nonexempt gross monthly earned income minus exclusions by all household members. This figure is the household's total gross earned income.

B. Add all nonexempt gross monthly unearned income minus exclusions received by all household members. This figure is the household's total gross unearned income.

C. Add total gross earned income to total gross unearned income. This figure is the household's total gross income.

D. Compare gross income to the Income Scale in MS 5200. If the household's income is equal to or below the standard for its size, the net income and benefit level are calculated. If the income exceeds the gross income standard, the case is denied/discontinued unless the household is Categorically Eligible (CE).

E. Subtract the standard deduction.

F. Multiply the total gross earned income by 20 percent and subtract that amount to determine the monthly income.

G. Allow monthly dependent care expenses paid for each child or other dependent in the household.

H. Allow a deduction for legally obligated child support paid to someone outside the household.

I. Total the allowable shelter expenses to determine shelter costs. Subtract 50 percent of the household's monthly income, after all the above deductions, from total shelter costs. The remaining amount, if any, is the excess shelter cost. If there is no excess shelter cost, the net monthly income is determined. If there is an excess shelter cost, the shelter deduction is computed.

J. Subtract the excess shelter cost from the household's monthly income after all other appropriate deductions, up to the maximum of $744. The remainder is the household's net monthly income.

K. Compare net monthly income to the Income Scale in MS 5200 for the appropriate household size. If the household's income is above the allowable net income, the case is denied/discontinued, unless the household is CE or Expanded Categorically Eligible (ECE). ECE households are denied only when 30 percent of the net monthly income is more than the monthly SNAP allotment for that household size.