Eligibility
SNAP eligibility rules and benefit levels are, for the most part, set at the federal level and uniform across the nation, though states have flexibility to tailor aspects of the program. Individuals must pass all eligibility rules to receive food assistance benefits. Some of the eligibility rules are:
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Identity: Applicants must provide proof of their identity.
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Work Rules: Individuals ages 16–59 must meet general SNAP work requirements unless exempt (for example, being unable to work, caring for young children or incapacitated persons, or being a student).
Additionally, adults ages 18–59, unless exempt, must work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) Program.
For additional information about work rules or Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), visit the
SNAP Work Requirements Frequently Asked Questions
.
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Income: Most households must have gross income less than or equal to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
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Deductions: Certain household expenses may be subtracted from total monthly income in the food assistance budget. These may include shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, and the earned income deduction.
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Residency: Individuals must be residents of Florida.
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Citizenship: Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or have qualified noncitizen status.
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Social Security Number (SSN): Individuals must provide a Social Security Number or proof that they have applied for one.
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Child Support Cooperation: Certain individuals must cooperate with the state’s child support enforcement agency to establish a child’s legal relationship to their parent and obtain a court order for child support payments.
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Assets: Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still qualify for benefits. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $3,000, or $4,500 if the household includes an elderly or disabled member.
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Reporting Changes: Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size, and when work hours of able-bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. These changes must be reported within 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred.
