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, see: 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)(link is external). See How much will I get in SNAP benefits each month?

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)(link is external).  See What is the child support exclusion?

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. See When do assets count? . These households must also have very high shelter and/or medical expenses (very low net income) to qualify for any SNAP benefit.

Sanctioned households and 130% FPL

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 How does DTA count the income of someone not in my SNAP household?. The sanctioned household is also subject to the asset test. Appendix B has 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

* But household’s net income must be low enough to qualify for a benefit. Households above 200% FPL gross income do not receive the $23 minimum benefit. 

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