TEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP, FORMERLY FOOD STAMPS)

by Thomas D. Begley, Jr., Esquire, CELA

1. Benefit.  The SNAP benefit is a food voucher.  The maximum SNAP benefit is $306.00 for a one-person household and $1,023.00 for a four-person household effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
2. Household.  A household is any group of people who live together and eat together.
3. Citizenship.  To be eligible for SNAP, the household must be U.S. citizens or Qualified Aliens.
4. Work Requirements.  Work requirement means enrollees in certain programs must complete at least 80 hours per month of work, education, job training or community service or meet an alternative income threshold.  This is effective January 1, 2027.  There are exemptions available for pregnant women, primary caregivers with dependent children, Veterans, individuals with qualifying medical conditions or disabilities, and students.  Beneficiaries must verify and report their status to State agencies every six months.  SNAP recipients between the age of 16 and 59 must generally work to be eligible for SNAP.
5. Income Limit.  The income limit depends on household size.  From October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, the maximum allowable limit for a household of one $2,461.00.  For a household of eight, the maximum income limit is $8,591.00.  The allowable income limit for each additional household member is $876.00.  Households that include a member 60 years of age or older or people with a disability may be eligible even if their gross income exceeds those amounts.  For those SNAP applicants age 60 or older and those with a disability:

1. • No work requirement.
   • Remain eligible for 24 months before needing to recertify.
   • Higher resources limits.
   • Resources may be counted.
   • Medical expenses over $35.00 per month are deducted from income.
   • Automatically eligible for other utility benefits such as Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

1. Resource Limit.  There is no NJ SNAP resource limit for the vast majority of households.
2. Deeming.  Income of other household members is deemed to the SNAP applicant.
3. Transfer of Asset Penalty.  There is no transfer of asset penalty for NJ SNAP.
4. Special Needs Trust.  A Special Needs Trust is usually not required.
5. Disability Determination.  There is no disability determination required, since there is no requirement that the SNAP applicant be disabled.