Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP aka Food Stamp)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program in the United States that helps low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. It was formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. SNAP benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other authorized retailers to purchase food items.
*OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) implementations may affect eligibility and program details.
Eligibility
SNAP eligibility is primarily determined by household size, income levels, and financial resources. These guidelines are effective from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Income Limits
Most households must meet both gross and net income tests to qualify for SNAP benefits. The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is used as the baseline for these calculations.
- Gross Monthly Income Limit (New Jersey): Due to the application of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), New Jersey extends the gross income limit to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for the period from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. This is significantly higher than the standard federal limit of 130%.
- Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL): This is the income remaining after specific allowable deductions are subtracted. These deductions include the standard deduction, shelter costs, medical expenses for elderly/disabled members, and dependent care costs.
- Special Rule for Elderly or Disabled Households: Households with members aged 60 or older or individuals with disabilities are exempt from the gross income test. They only need to meet the net income limit (100% of the FPL).
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Household Asset Limits
- Target Asset: Cash, bank account balances, stocks, bonds, and other liquid assets that can be immediately converted into cash (Countable Liquid Assets). *Primary residence, first vehicle, retirement accounts, etc., are excluded.
- New Jersey Standard: Principle exemption from asset evaluation (BBCE policy applied) New Jersey completely waives the asset test for households with incomes at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In other words, as long as the income criteria are met, the household can receive SNAP benefits regardless of the balance in their bank accounts.
- Federal Standard (For states where BBCE is not applied)
- General Households: $3,000 or less
- Households including an elderly (60 or older) or disabled member: $4,750 or less
Standard Deductions
Standard deductions are applied to a household’s gross income to help determine the final benefit amount. For the 48 contiguous states and New Jersey:
- Household size of 1–3 persons: A standard deduction of $217 is subtracted from gross income (4 persons: $229, 5 persons: $268, 6 or more persons: $308).
** Additional Allowable Deductions (Beyond Standard Deduction):
- Earned Income Deduction: 20% of earned income.
- Dependent Care Deduction: Costs for caring for dependents (for work, education, or training purposes).
- Medical Expense Deduction for Elderly/Disabled: Out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35.
- Excess Shelter Deduction: Monthly shelter costs that exceed 50% of the household’s income after other deductions. The maximum deduction for most households is $769 (FY2027). However, for households with members aged 60+ or individuals with disabilities, there is no limit—the full excess amount can be deducted.
- Homeless Household Standard Shelter Deduction: $205.66 per month (FY2027).
How to Apply
- Online
- Eligibility Check: NJHelps.gov (5-10 minutes)
- Application: MyNJHelps.gov (20-45 minutes)
- You will be notified of your eligibility within 30 days of applying. During this period, an interview (via telephone or in-person) will be conducted.
- In-Person
- Bergen County Board of Social Services
Address: 218 Route 17 North, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662
Phone: 201-368-4200
Hours: Weekdays 8:00 am thru 4:30 pm - NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) – Queens SNAP Center
Phone: (718) 784-6315
Address: 32-20 Northern Blvd., 2nd Fl., LIC, NY 11101
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
**Hours are subject to change. Check with each agency prior to visiting.
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