409.1 Purpose

This section identifies which households must have their eligibility determined using the gross and net income standards, and which households have their eligibility determined using only the net income standard. It also describes the process for calculating net income and allotment level.

409.2 General Policy

Determining a household’s eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is a two-step process:

Determining eligibility to participate; and

If eligible, determine the amount of the allotment.

The determination of eligibility involves three questions:

Does the household meet all of the non-financial and resource criteria?

Does the gross income exceed the gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level if categorically eligible or 130% of the Federal Poverty Level if not?

Gross income is a household’s total, non-excluded income before any deductions are given.

The 130% gross income limit does not apply to households containing an elderly or disabled member or to households that are categorically eligible.

Categorically eligible Public Assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) households are described in Section 115 of this manual.

Is the net income after all deductions less than the net limit in Section 600 Column B (100% of the Federal poverty level)?

Net income is the gross income minus the program’s allowable deductions.

The net income limit does not apply to households that are categorically eligible.

409.3 Calculation of Net Monthly Income

Follow the procedures described below to determine a three-person household’s net income:

Compute total countable monthly income.

Example: Household’s income is:

Self-employment $200