In a recent debt ceiling deal, the country agreed upon new requirements that will primarily affect older New Yorkers’ eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Until now, individuals between the ages of 18 and 49 who were able-bodied adults without dependents needed to demonstrate their employment or enrollment in a job training program for a minimum of 20 hours per week to qualify for benefits.
If individuals couldn’t provide evidence of their employment or job training status, they were limited to receiving SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year timeframe. Under the updated guidelines, the work requirements have been expanded to include individuals between the ages of 18 and 54. Consequently, individuals aged 50 to 54 will also be required to present proof of employment or enrollment in a job training program to maintain their benefits.
Food Stamps in New York: You could get up to $20,292 if you have a family this large
The maximum amount of SNAP benefits you can get in New York is determined by the federal parameters of the system, and varies depending on the number of people living in the household. For example, if you are a single person, you can ask for up to $281 per month, or about $3,372 in a year. For two people, the maximum is $516 per month. For a household of 3 people, the maximum monthly amount is $718, for one of four $939, and for one of five people, the amount is already four digits: $1,116.
If your family group consists of six individuals, you will be able to claim up to $1,339 per month, or $16,068 in a year. For seven people, the maximum SNAP benefits are $1,480 per month, and for a household of eight people you can receive a monthly check of up to $1,691. Each additional person from that point on will receive an extra $211. So, if your household is a group of eight, for example, you will get to receive $20,292 in one year.
SNAP eligibility criteria in New York: Do you qualify?
To determine if your household is eligible for SNAP benefits, you need to consider your gross income in relation to the maximum income limits set by the program. The income limits vary depending on the size of your family. Keep in mind that the following information is based on general guidelines and may vary slightly depending on your state’s regulations and each particular case. It’s always best to consult your local SNAP office or visit their website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here are some of the gross income eligibility limits for SNAP benefits based on family size:
- 1-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $1,473 / Annual Gross Income: $17,676
- 2-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $1,984 / Annual Gross Income: $23,940
- 3-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $2,495 / Annual Gross Income: $29,940
- 4-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $3,007 / Annual Gross Income: $36,084
- 5-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $3,518 / Annual Gross Income: $42,216
- 6-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $4,029 / Annual Gross Income: $48,348
- 7-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $4,541 / Annual Gross Income: $54,492
- 8-person household: Monthly Gross Income: $5,052 / Annual Gross Income: $60,624
- Each additional person: Monthly Gross Income: $512+ / Annual Gross Income: $6,144+