SNAP has three eligibility evaluations: the Gross Income Test, the Net Income Test, and the Asset Test. However, your household may be excused from the Gross Income, Net Income, and/or Asset Tests depending on your state and having an elderly (over 60) or disabled individual.
A successful SNAP application gets you benefits within 30 days from submission. You can get food stamps for unlimited time if you have children/dependents living in your household or are under age 18 or over age 50.
How Can I Contact Florida SNAP Hotline?
The first thing comes first. You can reach the Access FL authority if this article cannot clear out the air for you. You may always visit your local office or call the Florida SNAP hotline for more at 1-850-300-4323.
Is FL Eligibility Different Than Federal Criteria?
Florida has extended eligibility beyond the standard federal SNAP eligibility criteria. Gross income and asset calculations are pretty simple. But the net income process requires careful attention. Let’s run through the SNAP eligibility methods.
Note: Food Stamp eligibility is complicated with plenty of conditions, and the rules change frequently. We place a straightforward version of the Florida Food Stamps calculation.
Gross Income Test
Tally up your overall monthly household earnings before tax deductions. The total must include your salary, self-employment earnings, and other sources of revenue such as social security, disability payments, child support, worker’s compensation, unemployment benefits, and pension income. The gross income limit in Florida is 130% of the federal poverty level.
| Household Individuals (Persons) | Gross Income Limits (Monthly) |
| 1 | $1,473 / month |
| 2 | $1,984 / month |
| 3 | $2.495 / month |
| 4 | $3.007 / month |
| 5 | $3,518 / month |
| 6 | $4,029 / month |
| 7 | $4,541 / month |
| 8 | $5,052 / month |
| Each additional person | +$512 / month |
Related one: Income Limit for Florida Food Stamps 2024
Net Income Test
Net income refers to gross income minus deductions. Some of your household expenses are deductible from your total earnings. There are tons of deductions from earned income. Besides, shelter-elated deductions have their limits. Typically, your household’s net income gives you the SNAP benefit amounts.
| Household Individuals (Persons) | Gross Income Limits (Monthly) |
| 1 | $1,133 / month |
| 2 | $1,526 / month |
| 3 | $1,920 / month |
| 4 | $2,313 / month |
| 5 | $2,706 / month |
| 6 | $3,100 / month |
| 7 | $3,493 / month |
| 8 | $3,886 / month |
| Each additional person | +$394 / month |
You can easily create a My ACCESS Account.
Asset/Resource Test
This SNAP benefit calculation method counts your resources. For instance, funds in your bank account are assets. But your house does not qualify as a resource.
List of assets –
- Bank accounts
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Real estate except for your home
- Asset-driven income like savings interest and dividends
Not assets –
- Home
- Personal property
- Retirement savings
- Automobiles with some reservations
However, withdrawals from these accounts could be considered either an income depending on the frequency.
Note: One fast way is to begin your SNAP application right away. Therefore, you can learn all eligibility tidbits on the go.
Read also: Do you want to Login Access Account
How Much Can I Get in SNAP Benefits?
Your household size and income determine the benefit amount. Let’s put it in a table for a clear understanding.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefits |
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,691 |
| Per Additional Member | +$211 |
Allowable Deductions for Food Stamps
Allowable expenses that can be deducted from your gross income include
- Earned income gets a 20% deduction.
- A dependent care deduction for individuals during work, training, or education purposes.
- A standard deduction of $193 applies to 1-4 individual households. However, the amount stands at $258 for households with 6 or more individuals.
- A deduction for legally bound child support payments.
- A deduction for medical expenses exceeding $35 per month for elderly or disabled individuals.
- A shelter cost deduction of $166.81 for homeless households.
- If more than half the household’s income goes to shelter costs, you may deduct the excess. But the shelter costs cannot go beyond $624. Shelter expenses involve mortgage or rent, & utilities.
Where Can I Apply for Snap Benefits?
You may apply online or in person. The offline service is available at the DCF center or with DCF community partners.
Also, you may mail or fax them an application. We give you the address below –
P.O. Box 1770
Ocala, FL 34478-1770
You must be a US citizen living in Florida with earnings of SNAP income limits to qualify for food stamps. To determine the amount of your benefit, Florida considers the following information:
Household size: The number of individuals who reside with you and share food expenses.
Income & assets: The combined earnings of all household members and their assets. It includes both earned income, such as wages, and unearned income, like government assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support.
Elderly or disabled members: Dependent people can largely change your eligibility requirements.
Jobless Floridians can claim SNAP benefits if they do not leave a job or reduce work hours to qualify for Food Stamps. However, you must join an employment and training program if you are workless or work less than 30 hours.
A child increases your household size. More household members result in more benefits
Yes, homeless people can qualify for SNAP benefits. A mailing address or housing is not mandatory for food stamps. Shelter dwellers having free meals can apply for food stamps.
Felony-wise, your benefit eligibility may change. Florida can disqualify someone guilty of drug trafficking (not possession) or an incident on or after August 23, 1996.
Qualified alien immigration status may entitle you to food stamps. Qualified aliens are refugees, trafficking victims, Cuban & Haitian immigrants, Iraqi & Afghan immigrants with special status, and more.
Last Words:
The gross income and asset tests are simpler. However, the net income process is more difficult to calculate. You can contact your local DCF Center if you still cannot grasp the application procedure. They can help you tackle your concerns.