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.

These numbers are effective as of February 1, 2023. 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 accordance with 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 older or disabled

There is no gross income test for households that include an elder or disabled member. 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 sanctioned member

If you are a member of a SNAP household where an adult member has committed an IPV (fraud), the SNAP rules use a lower 130% FPL gross income threshold. In the SNAP math, the sanctioned member is not included in the SNAP household size for the remaining members-however if the sanctioned member has income, their income is included. 7 C.F.R. §273.2(j)(2)(vii). See Question 74. The sanctioned household is also subject to the asset test. See Question 63. Appendix B includes the charts for the 130% gross income and 100% net income tests. 

See 106 C.M.R. §§ 365.180, 364.976, 364.950.     

Snapshot of the SNAP income and asset tests

Note: Household's net income must be low enough to qualify for a benefit. Households above 200% FPL gross income do not receive the $23 million benefit.

DTA Online Guide 

See Appendix G for links to the DTA’s BEACON Online Guide for this section.