Yes, you can get food stamps (SNAP) if you have money in a savings account in most states. Over 40 states have eliminated asset limits entirely through a policy called broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). In these states, the amount of money in your bank account does not matter for SNAP eligibility. Even in states that do test assets, the limits are higher than many people expect, and certain resources like your home and most retirement accounts are not counted.
The belief that you must drain your savings before qualifying for food stamps is one of the most persistent myths in government benefits. This guide breaks down exactly how asset rules work state by state, what counts as a resource, and how to check your eligibility.
How Do SNAP Asset Limits Work?
At the federal level, SNAP sets two resource limits that apply unless your state has adopted different rules:
| Household Type | Federal Asset Limit (FY 2026) |
|---|---|
| Most households | $3,000 |
| Households with a member age 60 or older, or disabled | $4,500 |
These limits cover "countable resources" like cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, and certain vehicle values. However, the federal asset test only applies in states that have not adopted BBCE, which is a small minority of states.
What does NOT count as an asset for SNAP:
- Your home and the land it sits on
- Resources of people receiving SSI or TANF
- Most retirement and pension plans (401k, IRA, etc.)
- Personal property and household goods
- Life insurance policies
Which States Have No Asset Limit for SNAP?
The majority of states have adopted broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which allows them to raise or remove asset limits entirely. According to USDA data updated in December 2025, the following states have no limit on assets for SNAP eligibility:
| State | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 130% FPL |
| Alaska | 200% FPL |
| Arizona | 185% FPL |
| California | 200% FPL |
| Colorado | 200% FPL |
| Connecticut | 200% FPL |
| Delaware | 200% FPL |
| District of Columbia | 200% FPL |
| Florida | 200% FPL |
| Georgia | 130% FPL |
| Hawaii | 200% FPL |
| Illinois | 165% FPL |
| Iowa | 160% FPL |
| Kentucky | 200% FPL |
| Louisiana | 200% FPL |
| Maine | 200% FPL |
| Maryland | 200% FPL |
| Massachusetts | 200% FPL |
| Michigan | 200% FPL |
| Minnesota | 200% FPL |
| Montana | 200% FPL |
| Nevada | 200% FPL |
| New Hampshire | 200% FPL |
| New Jersey | 185% FPL |
| New Mexico | 200% FPL |
| New York | 200% FPL |
| North Carolina | 200% FPL |
| North Dakota | 200% FPL |
| Ohio | 130% FPL |
| Oklahoma | 130% FPL |
| Oregon | 200% FPL |
| Pennsylvania | 200% FPL |
| Rhode Island | 185% FPL |
| South Carolina | 130% FPL |
| Vermont | 185% FPL |
| Virginia | 200% FPL |
| Washington | 200% FPL |
| West Virginia | 200% FPL |
| Wisconsin | 200% FPL |
In all of these states, you can have $10,000, $50,000, or more in your savings account and still qualify for SNAP, as long as you meet the income requirements.
Which States Still Have SNAP Asset Limits?
A handful of states maintain asset limits through their BBCE policies or have not adopted BBCE at all:
| State | Asset Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $5,500 | Allowed for 12 consecutive months, then reverts to federal limits ($3,000 or $4,500) |
| Idaho | $5,000 | 130% FPL gross income limit |
| Indiana | $5,000 | 130% FPL gross income limit |
| Nebraska | $25,000 | Liquid assets only; 165% FPL gross income limit |
| Texas | $5,000 | Excludes one vehicle up to $22,000 in value |
| Kansas | $3,000 / $4,500 | Federal limits apply (no BBCE) |
| Mississippi | $3,000 / $4,500 | Federal limits apply (no BBCE) |
| Missouri | $3,000 / $4,500 | Federal limits apply (no BBCE) |
| South Dakota | $3,000 / $4,500 | Federal limits apply (no BBCE) |
| Tennessee | $3,000 / $4,500 | Federal limits apply (no BBCE) |
| Utah | $3,000 / $4,500 | Federal limits apply (no BBCE) |
| Wyoming | $3,000 / $4,500 | Federal limits apply (no BBCE) |
If you live in one of these states, your countable resources must fall below the listed limit. But remember, your home, most retirement accounts, and personal property are excluded from the count.
What Are the SNAP Income Limits for FY 2026?
Regardless of whether your state tests assets, you still need to meet income requirements. For FY 2026 (October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026), here are the federal income limits for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 |
| Each additional member | +$596 | +$459 |
Gross income is your total household income before deductions. Net income is what remains after allowable deductions for things like housing costs, dependent care, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled members.
In BBCE states, the gross income limit may be higher (up to 200% FPL), but you must still have a net income low enough to receive a benefit amount greater than zero.
Does a 401(k) or Retirement Account Count Against SNAP?
No, most retirement and pension plans are not counted as resources for SNAP eligibility. This includes 401(k) accounts, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and pension funds. You do not need to cash out your retirement savings to qualify for food stamps.
However, if you withdraw money from a retirement account, that withdrawal may count as income for the month you receive it. Regular periodic withdrawals may be counted as ongoing income.
Do Vehicles Count as Assets for SNAP?
Vehicle rules vary by state, but at the federal level, licensed vehicles are excluded from the asset test if they meet certain conditions:
- Used for income-producing purposes
- Needed for long-distance travel for work
- Used as the household's home
- Needed to transport a physically disabled household member
- Would sell for less than $1,500
For vehicles that do not meet these exclusions, only the fair market value above $4,650 counts as a resource. Most BBCE states do not count vehicles at all since they have eliminated asset tests entirely.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits: Step by Step
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Use our free benefits screener to see if you may qualify for SNAP and other programs based on your household size, income, and state.
Step 2: Gather your documents. You will typically need proof of identity, income (pay stubs, tax returns), housing costs, and household composition.
Step 3: Submit an application. Apply through your state's SNAP office. Most states allow online applications through their health and human services website. You can also apply in person or by mail.
Step 4: Complete an eligibility interview. After submitting your application, your state agency will schedule a phone or in-person interview, usually within 30 days.
Step 5: Provide verification. Submit any additional documents your caseworker requests to verify income, identity, and household details.
Step 6: Receive your determination. Most states process applications within 30 days. If approved, you will receive an EBT card loaded with your monthly benefit amount.
If your household has less than $100 in liquid resources and $150 in monthly gross income, you may qualify for expedited processing within 7 days.
How Much Can You Receive in SNAP Benefits?
Maximum monthly SNAP allotments for FY 2026 (48 contiguous states and D.C.):
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional member | +$218 |
Your actual benefit amount depends on your net income. The formula is: Maximum allotment minus 30% of your net income equals your monthly benefit.
FAQ
Can I have $10,000 in savings and still get food stamps?
Yes, in the majority of states. Over 40 states have no asset limit for SNAP eligibility through broad-based categorical eligibility. In these states, the balance of your savings account is not considered during the eligibility determination. Only your income matters.
Will my bank account be checked when I apply for SNAP?
In states with asset limits, you may need to provide bank statements to verify your resources. In states without asset limits (BBCE states with no resource test), your bank balance is generally not a factor in the eligibility decision, though you may still be asked about income deposited into your account.
Does my home equity count against me for SNAP?
No. Your home and the land it sits on are always excluded from SNAP resource calculations, regardless of which state you live in or how much your home is worth.
Can I be denied food stamps for having too much in savings?
Only in states that still enforce asset limits. If you live in one of the roughly 7 states without BBCE (Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wyoming), having more than $3,000 in countable resources ($4,500 if elderly or disabled) could make you ineligible. In all other states, savings alone will not disqualify you.
What is broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE)?
BBCE is a federal policy that allows states to align their SNAP eligibility rules with their TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) programs. When a state adopts BBCE, it can raise or eliminate asset limits and increase gross income limits up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Over 40 states and territories currently use BBCE.
Do I have to spend down my savings before applying for SNAP?
No. Even in states with asset limits, you are not required to spend down your savings below zero. You simply need to have countable resources below the limit at the time of your application. In states without asset limits, your savings balance is not relevant to your eligibility.
Does SNAP check my savings account every month?
SNAP does not continuously monitor your bank accounts. Your resources are evaluated at the time of application and during recertification (which happens periodically, often every 6 to 12 months). States with no asset limit under BBCE do not evaluate savings during these reviews.
Check Your Eligibility Today
Not sure if you qualify for SNAP or other assistance programs? Our free benefits screener checks your eligibility for 11 or more federal and state programs in minutes. Enter your ZIP code, household size, and income to see what you may be eligible for, with no obligation and no cost.
All figures reflect FY 2026 SNAP standards (October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026) as published by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Eligibility rules vary by state. This guide provides general information and is not a guarantee of benefits. Contact your local SNAP office for the most current requirements in your area.
