Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace
We believe that you have a tremendous understanding about SNAP program in the US. Hence, this article only focuses on the limit and benefits of Food Stamps in Tennessee (TN). The following describes considerations for SNAP eligibilities and food stamp income limit in TN.
SNAP Tennessee Eligibilities
Residency
To receive SNAP benefits in Tennessee, applicants must reside in Tennessee.
Age and Relationship
There are no age restrictions for SNAP benefits. One household is defined as parents and children aged 21 or younger living together. Applying on their own is not allowed. Minors must live with their parents. Besides, eople who live together and buy and prepare food together are one household.
Citizenship and Social Security Numbers
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National. Some legal immigrants are not eligible for SNAP benefits. However, their dependents are often eligible. All SNAP household members must have a Social Security Number or evidence of applying for one to be eligible.
Work
Most able-bodied individuals between 16 and 59 must register to work, take part in the Employment & Training Program if it is offered, accept offers of employment, not quit their job, to receive SNAP benefits. A limited number of benefits months can be received by able-bodied adults aged 18 to 49 without dependents, except when they work 80 hours per month or are exempted from the rule.
Other Factors
Strikers must have income and resource eligibility before striking. Students must work an average of 20 hours per semaine, be enrolled in work-study, care for young dependents, and receive Families First. SNAP benefits are not available to felons convicted of drug-related offenses. Individuals disqualified from SNAP benefits are ineligible for one-year for their first offense, two-years for their second offense, and forever for the third. The eligibility of dependents of ineligible or disqualified individuals is possible.
Resource Test
For most households, the asset limit is $2,500 and for households with a disabled member or a household of 60+, it is $3.750. This does not include the home and lot the applicant is currently living in, as well as household goods, income-producing property, real property that is for sale, cash value life insurance, personal property and retirement accounts like IRAs and 401k plans and vehicles with an equity value below $1,500.
Other vehicles that are not included in the calculation include those that are used to transport family members, go to work, produce income, or to subsistence hunt and fish, the home the applicant is currently living in, the lot of the property, cash value of life insurance, personal property, retirement accounts such as IRA and 401k plans, and vehicles with equity values under $1,500. Cash on hand, cash in savings, certificates of deposit and money in checking are all countable assets.
Food Stamp Income Limit Tests in TN
The SNAP program doesn’t count scholarships, grants, loans, or loans used to pay tuition and fees, reimbursements and heating assistance. It also does not count earnings of students 17 years and younger, as well as most loans. Countable income can include, but is not limited, to employment, self-employment and alimony. The net income standards apply to households that have an elderly or disabled member. They do not need to meet the gross income requirements.
Deductions
Income deductions are allowed under the Food Stamp rules. These include a 20% deduction on earnings, dependent care expenses, a shelter/utility deduction of not more than $597 for non-special households, and medical expenses above $35 for elderly or disabled household members.
Food Stamp Income Limit for Tennessee Program?
You must be a Tennessee resident to be eligible for the benefit program.
- Your current bank balance (savings plus checking) is less than $2,001
- A current bank balance (savings and check combined) of less than $3,001 is possible for those who live in the same household as one of these:
- Persons or groups of people aged 60 or more
- Person with a disability: A child, spouse, parent or you.
You must have a household income that is less than the following amounts in order to be eligible:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
| 1 | $17,667 |
| 2 | $23,803 |
| 3 | $29,939 |
| 4 | $36,075 |
| 5 | $42,211 |
| 6 | $48,347 |
| 7 | $54,483 |
| 8 | $60,619 |
Besides SNAP, Tennessee also have many other programs to support low-income families (TANF) and single mothers.
