64. Is there a gross income test for SNAP?
Yes. Most SNAP households need to have gross income under 200% of the federal poverty level. Gross income is your monthly income before any taxes or deductions. 106 C.M.R § 364.370, 106 C.M.R. § 365.180.
|
Household Size |
Gross Income Test 200% FPL* |
|
1 |
$2,510 |
|
2 |
$3,407 |
|
3 |
$4,303 |
|
4 |
$5,200 |
|
5 |
$6,097 |
|
6 |
$6,993 |
|
7 8 Each add'l |
$7,890 $8,787 $897 |
These numbers are effective as of February 1, 2024. For the most up to date numbers, go to: Masslegalservices.org/content/ma-snap-calculation-worksheet
1 and 2 person households
All eligible 1 and 2 person households with gross income under 200% FPL will receive at least the minimum SNAP benefit, currently $23/month. See 106 C.M.R. §364.600(A). See Question 85.
Households that Pay Child Support
If a household member pays legally obligated child support to a child outside the home, the child support is excluded from countable income meaning it is also excluded in the gross income test. 106 C.M.R. § 363.230(O). See Question 78.
Households with members age 60+ or disabled
There is no gross income test for households that include a member who is 60 or older or who gets a disability-based benefits. However, to qualify for SNAP, the household must meet the asset test and the net income test. See Question 63. These households must also have very high shelter and/or medical expenses (very low net income) to qualify for any SNAP benefit. There is no minimum SNAP benefit for 1 or 2 person households in this situation.
Households with a member disqualified due to an IPV
If you are a member of a SNAP household where an adult member is disqualified due to an IPV (fraud), the SNAP rules use a lower 130% FPL gross income threshold. In the SNAP math, the disqualified member is not included in the SNAP household size for the remaining members. However, if the disqualified member has income, their income is included. 7 C.F.R. §273.2(j)(2)(vii). See Question 74. In this situation the household is also subject to the asset test. See Question 63. Appendix B includes the charts for the 130% gross income test.
See 106 C.M.R. §§ 365.180, 364.976, 364.950.
Snapshot of the SNAP income and asset tests
| SNAP Asset Test | Gross Income Test | |
| Family with children, pregnant person | NO | 200% FPL |
| Persons are 18-60, no kids, not disabled | NO | 200% FPL |
| Household with member 60+ or disabled, gross income < 200% FPL | NO | NO |
|
Household with member 60+ or disabled, gross income > 200% FPL** |
YES | NO |
| Household member disqualified due to IPV | YES | 130% FPL |
Note: Household's net income must be low enough to qualify for a benefit. Households above 200% FPL gross income do not qualify for the $23 minimum benefit.
DTA Online Guide
See Appendix G for links to the DTA’s BEACON Online Guide for this section.