Income Eligibility Guidelines For Federal Programs

Whether you need help paying for housing, food, or health care, you may qualify for assistance through one of several government programs. Most of these programs have income eligibility guidelines based on some percentage of the federal poverty level. In 2023, students from households earning up to 130% of the federal poverty income threshold are eligible for free meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Students who earn between 130% and 185% of the threshold can qualify for reduced-price meals.

The Department of Health and Human Services sets these household income limits annually. Different programs also use their own versions of these guidelines, which take into account things like the cost of living in different regions of the country. These differences can make it difficult to compare household income guidelines across different programs. For example, the different ways these programs determine what income is counted can create confusion for applicants.

Adults

For households with children enrolled in schools, centers, or sponsors who serve meals to kids, applying for meal benefits is a regular part of the school year. Schools, centers, and sponsors send applications home with students at registration or on their first day of class. Adults participating in organized adult day care programs, child and adult care homes, and emergency shelters for runaways or migrants can also qualify for meal benefits.

To apply, households must report all household members; each member’s monthly income identified by source; the last four digits of an adult household member’s social security number or an indication that this person does not have a social security number; and a signature of one or more adult household members certifying that the information is correct. Families that receive SNAP or TANF payments or participate in WIC should only include their SNAP or TANF case number on the application.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eligibility

SNAP, or food stamps as they are sometimes known, provides monthly electronic benefits that can be used like cash at authorized retail stores. Income eligibility standards are updated each year to reflect cost-of-living adjustments. Generally, households must have net income below or equal to the poverty line. Households must also have countable assets (cash, money in bank accounts, and some vehicles) below a set limit. Many older adults can take advantage of a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can boost their benefits significantly.

Most households must pass a work registration requirement, which limits the number of months they can receive SNAP in three years unless exempt for reasons such as working or participating in an approved work program; responsible for children or caring for someone else’s children; physically or mentally unfit to work; pregnant; or one of several other registered exemption reasons. People can apply for SNAP in their state by applying online or in person at their local Department of Human Services or SNAP office.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Eligibility

TANF is a federal block grant program that allows states considerable flexibility to determine the benefits amount and the eligibility rules. States vary widely in their TANF policies and in the number of families they serve, which can affect a family’s ability to make ends meet.

Generally, to be eligible for TANF, your income must be below a certain threshold. Your countable assets, including money in bank accounts and the equity value of a vehicle, must be below a limit set by your State (the average of $3,500 in most states). Your family’s earned income is added to your total household income, minus an Initial Employment Deduction (IED) based on your family size.

Most States require adults in TANF-eligible families to participate in work or other community service activities for at least 20 hours per week. The TANF WorkFirst Program helps participants find and keep jobs.

Head Start Program Eligibility

Head Start is a federally funded program that provides learning and development services to low-income children. Families with incomes below the poverty guidelines are eligible for Head Start programs, as well as families receiving public assistance (SNAP, TANF and SSI) and those with children in foster care or who are homeless.

As minimum wages increase around the country to meet higher living costs, some families find themselves ineligible for Head Start. This is especially true for families who are sole or primary earners, as they may find themselves above the poverty guidelines based on their earnings alone.

School meals are available at no cost to students from households earning up to 130 percent of the poverty threshold, and at a reduced rate for those whose incomes fall between 130% and 185% of the poverty threshold. Some schools and districts have elected to use the Community Eligibility option, which allows them to serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to all enrolled students, regardless of their income level.