Who's in your household, savings, and college students

Your SNAP household

SNAP looks at the people who live together and buy and prepare food together. They're one household, and their income counts together. Roommates who shop and cook separately can be separate households, even at the same address.

Some people always count together. Spouses who live together are one household. So are parents and their children under 22 who live with them, even if they cook on their own. A child under 18 living with a parent or guardian who controls them is in that household too.

Savings and other resources

Under federal rules, a household can have up to $3,000 in countable resources, such as cash and money in the bank. The limit is $4,750 if at least one member is 60 or older or disabled.

Many things never count, including your home, most retirement accounts, and the savings of household members who get SSI or TANF. States decide how to treat cars. And in most states, broad-based categorical eligibility raises the savings limit or removes it entirely, so check with your state before assuming savings will disqualify you.

College students

Most students ages 18 to 49 who are enrolled in college at least half time can't get SNAP unless they meet an exemption. Common ones include working at least 20 hours a week, taking part in work-study, caring for a young child, or being unable to work because of a disability. Students in some career and technical programs may also qualify. Your state agency can tell you which exemptions it accepts.

Getting the household right

Answer the household questions on the application carefully. Listing someone who doesn't buy food with you, or leaving out a spouse, can mean a wrong benefit and a bill later. If your living situation is unusual, such as several families sharing a house, explain it at your interview and let the caseworker decide.

Sources: SNAP eligibility, USDA.