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Glossary

Standard deduction (SNAP)

A set amount of money subtracted from your income when figuring out if you qualify for SNAP and how much you get.

When you apply for SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), the program subtracts certain costs from your income to see what you actually have left to spend on food and other needs. One of those subtractions is the standard deduction.

In the 48 states and DC, the standard deduction is $209 a month if your household has 1 to 3 people. It goes up to $223 for 4 people, $261 for 5, and $299 for 6 or more. Alaska and Hawaii have different amounts.

You don't have to prove these costs. SNAP automatically subtracts the standard deduction from your gross income along with other allowed deductions like a portion of what you earn from work, excess rent or mortgage costs, and some medical expenses. The result is your "net income," which SNAP uses to decide if you qualify and how much you get each month.

Programs where this matters

LIHEAPHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.