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SNAP uses two income tests, gross and net. Net income allows deductions for things like earned income, dependent care, and shelter costs, and households with an elderly or disabled member may only need to pass the net test. If your notice does not show these deductions, you can ask the office to recheck the math or request a fair hearing.
What happened
Your SNAP application or case was denied. The notice says your household income was over the limit. SNAP actually checks income in two ways. Gross income is everything coming in before anything is taken out. Net income is what is left after some amounts are taken out. Your household may need to pass one of these tests, or both.
What usually applies
Most households must first pass a gross income test. Gross income is all your money before anything is taken out. This limit is set by household size. Next, some amounts get taken out. These can include part of your earned pay, a standard amount, child care costs, and high housing costs. What is left is net income. A household with an elderly or disabled member only has to pass the net test. That household can also take out medical costs over $35 a month. Its housing cost amount has no cap. If your notice does not list these amounts, ask the office to check the math again.
“Gross income means a household's total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been made. Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions. A household with an elderly or disabled person only has to meet the net income limit”
We are re-checking this quote against its source. The rule itself has not changed.
“The following deductions are allowed for SNAP: A 20-percent deduction from earned income. A standard deduction of $209 for household sizes of 1 to 3 people (higher for some larger households and different for households in Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam). A dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education. Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members that are more than $35 for the month if they are not paid by insurance or someone else.”
We are re-checking this quote against its source. The rule itself has not changed.
“The amount of the shelter deduction is capped at (or limited to) $744 unless one person in the household is elderly or disabled. The limit is different in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands . For a household with an elderly or disabled member, all shelter costs over half of the household's income may be deducted.”
We are re-checking this quote against its source. The rule itself has not changed.
“If you disagree with a decision in your case, you may request a fair hearing with an official who is required by law to review the facts of your case in a fair and objective manner. You must request a fair hearing within 90 days of the day your local SNAP office made the decision in your case that you disagree with.”
We are re-checking this quote against its source. The rule itself has not changed.
What to do
- 1
Compare your gross income to the limit for your household size
Gross income is all your money before anything is taken out. Ask the office for the limit that fits your exact household size.
- 2
Ask which amounts were taken out
Some amounts can lower your income before the second test. These include your pay, child care costs, and housing costs. They also include medical costs for an elderly or disabled member.
- 3
Check if the net income test applies to you
If anyone in your household is elderly or disabled, only the net test matters. The gross test does not apply to you.
- 4
Ask for a fair hearing if the numbers look wrong
You usually have 90 days from the decision date to ask for a fair hearing. An official then looks at the facts of your case.
Does your notice skip the amounts taken out? Do the household size or income figures look wrong? Call your local SNAP office and ask staff to explain the math. Legal aid offices and your local 211 line can help you gather proof. They can also help you ask for a fair hearing if your deadline is close.
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Sources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP EligibilityRetrieved 2026-07-16
Last reviewed 2026-07-16