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Categorical eligibility
Also called: Broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE)
Last reviewed 2026-07-08
Categorical eligibility lets a household skip a SNAP test. This is the income or asset test. Everyone in it already gets SSI or TANF.
The state links the SNAP case to the other benefit's own income and asset rules instead of applying separate ones. This can simplify the paperwork for a household already reviewed for SSI or TANF. States set some of their own rules for how broadly this applies.
This word shows up in SNAP handbooks, next to the list of benefits that trigger it.
“A categorical food unit is defined as all adult food unit members receiving any of the following: SSI, TANF benefits, GA (general assistance) benefits”
Programs
This word shows up in real letters. Start with your letter
Related words
Asset test
An asset test is a rule that limits your money and property. You can still get a benefit like SSI or SNAP if you stay under the limit.
Countable income
Countable income is the part of your money a program counts toward the limit. Certain amounts are excluded first, before the comparison is made.
Categorically needy
Categorically needy describes people who get Medicaid based on who they are, like pregnant women. There is no medical spend down step involved.
Allotment
An allotment is the total amount of SNAP food benefits your household gets each month.
Related notices
Sources
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, FoodShare Handbook (state agency manual implementing 7 CFR 273.2(j))Retrieved 2026-07-08
Last reviewed 2026-07-08