Income and Deductions

• If your gross income does not exceed 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and your net income is up to 100 percent of the FPL you may be eligible for assistance. Elderly and disabled individuals are excluded from gross income requirements. While these are 2010 federal income limits, your state may allow you to earn more and still qualify for benefits. Twenty percent of your earned income, childcare expenses, child support payments, qualifying medical bills, some shelter and utility payments and a standard deduction are excluded or subtracted from your gross income to determine your net income. As of 2010, a family of four may be eligible for a standard deduction of $153.
  
  

Maximum Benefit Amounts

• The maximum benefit amount is based on eligible household members. For SNAP benefit eligibility, a household includes all people eating, preparing and buying food together. As of 2010, the maximum monthly allotment for one person is $200, while a family of six may receive up to $952 monthly. For each family member over a total of eight with a maximum benefit amount of $1,202, add $150.
  
  

Calculating Your Benefits

• Your monthly assistance is based on the USDA's recommendation that 30 percent of your net income goes toward food purchases. Calculate your monthly benefits by multiplying your net income after deductions and exclusions by 30 percent and subtracting the total from your maximum benefit amount. For example, if your net income is $1,900 for a family of five, multiply $1,900 by 0.30 for a total of $570. Subtract $570 from $793---the maximum amount for five people---for a food stamp benefit amount of $223 monthly.
  
  

Using Food Stamp Benefits

• Benefits are deposited into a personal account once a month. You may purchase food products with your benefits using an electronic benefit transfer card at participating stores. You may buy approved grain, dairy, meat, fruit and vegetable products. Your benefits have no cash value other than for food purchases. Selling, trading or letting unauthorized individuals make purchases with your card may result in denial of benefits.