Income and asset requirements will determine whether you qualify for the maximum payment this month
In September, low-income families who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may receive up to $1,000 in benefits, depending on their household size and financial situation. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP seeks to reduce food insecurity by providing assistance for the purchase of nutritious foods through the EBT card.
To receive the maximum amount of $973, families of four, an average size in the U.S., must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as gross and net income limits, as well as the value of their assets.
Main eligibility requirements:
- Gross monthly income: must not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL), which equates to an annual income of less than $44,157.
- Net Income: After applying allowable deductions, net income must be less than 100% of the FPL, or less than $33,890 annually.
- Household assets: Households without disabled or elderly members must not have assets in excess of $2,750, while households with elderly or disabled individuals may own up to $4,250 in assets.
In addition, there are specific deductions that can reduce net income, such as the $193 standard deduction for small households and a 20% reduction in earned income. However, actual benefits depend on individual circumstances, such as household size and expenses.
Although the maximum benefit is $973, larger families can receive more assistance, going as high as $1,751 for households of eight. On average, a family of four receives about $713 a month, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
These payments provide crucial relief for many American families who face economic hardship and rely on SNAP to access essential food items.