SNAP Income Limits for FY 2026: Gross and Net Tests by Household Size
Verified quick answer
SNAP uses gross and net income tests with important exceptions and deductions. Households containing an elderly or disabled member may be treated differently, and state rules can vary.
What to do next
Confirm the current federal table and your state’s deductions before deciding that income is too high.
Official source: USDA SNAP eligibility
Reviewed August 2, 2026. GlobalBenefits.org is independent and is not a government agency. The responsible program agency makes the final eligibility decision.
Quick answer: SNAP income limits apply by federal fiscal year, not calendar year. FY 2026 generally runs October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Alaska and Hawaii use different standards, and state options can change how a household is screened.
FY 2026 figures for the 48 states and D.C.
For most households in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., the standard gross-income test is 130% of the federal poverty level and the net-income test is 100%. A one-person household is generally compared with $1,696 gross and $1,305 net per month; a four-person household with $3,483 gross and $2,680 net per month. Confirm every household size and geographic adjustment on the official FY 2026 SNAP COLA table.
Gross income is not the final answer
Gross income is countable income before SNAP deductions. Net income is calculated after allowable deductions. Households containing an elderly or disabled member commonly do not have to pass the standard gross-income test, but they must still meet the applicable net-income and other rules. Categorical eligibility policies can also vary by state.
Deductions that can change the result
The calculation may include an earned-income deduction, standard deduction, dependent-care costs, eligible child-support payments, shelter and utility expenses, and unreimbursed medical expenses above the federal threshold for qualifying elderly or disabled members. Review the USDA calculation overview.
How to estimate without creating a false denial
Add income for the correct SNAP household, separate earned and unearned income, and collect proof of allowable expenses. Treat an online calculator as a screening tool only. Apply even if an estimate is slightly above a displayed limit, because state options, deductions and household rules can change the outcome.
Use the correct state standard
Choose your state through the USDA state directory. Ask the state agency which income period it uses, how irregular wages are averaged, and whether a reported expense needs verification. The eligibility notice is the official calculation and carries appeal instructions.
GlobalBenefits.org is an independent information site, not a government agency. Rules can change and states administer SNAP differently. Verify instructions with the agency handling your case.