The questions and income charts below can help you learn if you might be eligible for food stamps. Only your local county can tell you for sure if you are eligible.

Yes/No   Someone in my household has a Social Security Number.

Yes/No   The total of my household’s assets (including, but not limited to, cash on hand and bank/retirement accounts) is less than or equal to $2000 ($3000 if a family member is over 60 or permanently disabled).

Yes/No   My household's gross income is at or below the guidelines below.

If you answered yes to all of the above, you may be eligible. If you answered no, you may still be eligible, see rules regarding special populations here.

SSI/SSP Recipients:  In the State of California, people who receive SSI/SSP are not eligible for food stamps because the benefit amount already includes money for food.  However, other people living in the household who do not receive SSI/SSP may be eligible to receive food stamps (they must still have Social Security Numbers). To find out more about this policy, click here.

Seniors and People with Documented Disabilities: Most seniors or people with disabilities don't have to pass the gross income test (below). This means that some of your out-of-pocket medical costs, rent or mortgage costs, dependant care costs and electricity costs can be deducted from your income. If you are having a hard time affording food, you should apply for food stamps today. Click here.

Immigrants:  The income guidelines below don't always work for immigrant families. I f you want to find out more about applying for food stamps as an immigrant, click here.

Do you have more questions about food stamps? If you have more questions about the Food Stamp Program, click here.

<< Click: To Learn How to apply for food stamps in your county

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Gross Monthly Income Limit for Food Stamps

October 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009

If you have this many persons in your household:	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	+1*
Your monthly income is less than:	$1,127	$1,517	$1,907	$2,297	$2,687	$3,077	$3,467	$3,857	$390

* add for each additional household member