Use of Income to Determine Eligibility and Benefits; SNAP

In the SNAP program, the countable income

(see OAR 461-140-0010) and adjusted income

(see OAR 461-001-0000) of the financial group

(see OAR 461-110-0530) are used to determine eligibility for SNAP benefits and the benefit level in three steps:

(1) Step one: The countable income of the financial group is compared to the need group's countable income limit in OAR 461-155-0190. If the income equals or exceeds the limit, the need group

(see OAR 461-110-0630) is ineligible for SNAP benefits. A financial group that is categorically eligible

(see OAR 461-135-0505) for SNAP benefits or that includes a client who is elderly

(see OAR 461-001-0015) or has a disability

(see OAR 461-001-0015) need not pass this step.

(2) Step two: If the need group is not ineligible under step one, the adjusted income of the financial group is compared to the need group's adjusted income limit (see OAR 461‑155‑0190). If the income equals or exceeds the limit, the filing group -- except one that is categorically eligible for SNAP benefits -- is ineligible for SNAP benefits. If the adjusted income is less than the limit, the need group meets the income standard for the SNAP program.

(3) Step three: The benefit level for an eligible benefit group

(see OAR 461-110-0750) is determined as follows --- adjusted income is multiplied by 30 percent, and the product is rounded to the next higher dollar. The result is subtracted from the benefit group’s payment standard (see OAR 461-155-0190). The remainder is the benefit amount.