What Are the SNAP Income Limits in New Jersey for 2026?

Last Updated: November 22, 2025

New Jersey uses an expanded eligibility threshold of 185% of the Federal Poverty Level for gross income determination, which is more generous than the federal standard of 130%. This means more families can qualify for food assistance.

Your household must meet both gross and net income limits to receive benefits.

Quick Facts:

• A single person can earn up to $2,413 per month gross income
• A family of four can earn up to $4,957 per month
• New Jersey provides a $95 minimum monthly benefit funded by the state
• Maximum benefit for one person is $298 per month
• Benefits are effective from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026
• No asset limits for most households

Check if you qualify using the New Jersey SNAP eligibility calculator. Compare income limits across all states at SNAP Income Limits 2025 by State.

New Jersey SNAP Gross Income Limits (October 2025 – September 2026)

The gross income limit is your total household income before any deductions. This is the first test for eligibility.

Household Size	Monthly Gross Income	Yearly Income
1 person	$2,413	$28,956
2 people	$3,261	$39,132
3 people	$4,109	$49,308
4 people	$4,957	$59,484
5 people	$5,805	$69,660
6 people	$6,653	$79,836
7 people	$7,501	$90,012
8 people	$8,349	$100,188
Each extra person	Add $848	Add $10,176

Important: Meeting the gross income limit does not guarantee SNAP eligibility. You must also pass the net income test.

Net Income Limits for NJ SNAP

Net income is your income after deductions are applied. It must be at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Household Size	Monthly Net Income
1 person	$1,304
2 people	$1,763
3 people	$2,221
4 people	$2,679
5 people	$3,138
6 people	$3,596
7 people	$4,054
8 people	$4,512
Each extra person	Add $458

Special Rule for Seniors and Disabled: Households with a member aged 60 or older or a person with a disability only need to meet the net income test if they exceed the gross income limit.

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Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts in New Jersey

These are the maximum monthly benefits your household can receive starting October 1, 2025:

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Benefit
1 person	$298
2 people	$546
3 people	$785
4 people	$994
5 people	$1,183
6 people	$1,421
7 people	$1,571
8+ people	$1,789 + $218 per person

New Jersey’s $95 Minimum Benefit

If your calculated federal benefit falls below $95, the state provides a supplemental payment to reach this minimum. This extra money goes directly to your EBT card.

Income Deductions That Lower Your Net Income

To determine net income, households can deduct allowable expenses from gross income. More deductions mean lower net income and higher benefits.

Earned Income Deduction

The standard deduction is 20% of all earned income from employment.

Example: If you earn $1,000, you deduct $200.

Child Support Payments

Court-ordered child support paid to another household is excluded from gross income entirely.

Dependent Care Costs

Households can deduct dependent care expenses up to $250 per month per dependent child.

Medical Expenses

Households with seniors (60+) or disabled members can deduct medical expenses exceeding $35 per month. This includes:

• Medicare premiums
• Prescription costs
• Doctor copayments
• Medical equipment

Shelter Costs

Rent, mortgage payments, homeowners insurance, property taxes, and utility allowances can be deducted.

Rules:

• Only the amount over 50% of net income counts
• Maximum shelter deduction is $744 per month if no one is 60+ or disabled
• Households with a senior or disabled member have no shelter deduction cap

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Utility Allowances

Households can receive one utility allowance to assist with shelter costs. Choose the highest one you qualify for:

1. Heating and Cooling Allowance – You pay separate heating or cooling bills
2. Basic Utility Allowance – You pay two or more utility bills
3. Single Utility Allowance – You pay only one utility bill
4. Actual Utility Expense – You pay for one type of utility only

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Asset Limits in New Jersey

New Jersey has eliminated asset limits for most SNAP households. Your savings and bank accounts do not affect eligibility.

Exception: If your household consists entirely of seniors (60+) or people with disabilities AND exceeds the gross income limit, there is a $4,500 asset limit.

Assets that don’t count:

• Your home
• Your car
• Retirement accounts

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Who Qualifies for SNAP in New Jersey?

Work Requirements for Adults (Ages 18-54)

SNAP recipients aged 18-54 without dependent children who are physically and mentally fit to work are subject to ABAWD work requirements.

Rules:

• You can only receive SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period unless you work or participate in activities for at least 80 hours per month
• Work requirements expanded to age 64 effective November 1, 2025

Who Is Exempt from Work Requirements?

You are exempt if you:

• Are under 18 or age 55 and over
• Live with a child under 18
• Are pregnant
• Cannot work due to physical or mental disability
• Are ages 18-24 and were in foster care at age 18
• Are homeless or live in a shelter
• Are a military veteran
• Receive SSI or disability benefits

Special Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities

SNAP applicants aged 60 or older and those with disabilities receive special protections:

• No work requirement
• 24-month certification period instead of 12 months
• Higher resource limits
• Medical expense deductions for any amount exceeding $35 per month
• Only need to meet the net income test

College Student Eligibility (Ages 18-49)

Students aged 18-49 enrolled at least half-time must meet at least one additional condition:

• Work 20+ hours per week
• Participate in federal or state work-study
• Care for a dependent under age 6
• Are a single parent with a child under 12
• Cannot work due to disability
• Receive TANF benefits

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Categorical Eligibility

Automatic Eligibility

Any household where all members receive Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), TANF, or SSI benefits are automatically categorically eligible for SNAP. Income limits do not apply.

Employment-Based Eligibility

If at least one household member is employed at the time of application, the household may qualify for expanded categorical eligibility.

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Non-Citizen Eligibility

To qualify as a non-citizen, you generally must have lived in the United States for at least 5 years or meet specific immigration categories:

• Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
• Refugees
• Asylees
• Cuban entrants
• COFA (Compact of Free Association) citizens

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How to Apply for NJ SNAP Benefits

Apply online: Visit the New Jersey SNAP application portal.

Apply by phone: Call 1-800-687-9512.

Apply in person: Visit your local County Welfare Agency.

You will need:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of income
• Proof of address
• Social Security numbers for household members

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

New Jersey SNAP offers generous income limits and a guaranteed $95 minimum benefit. Most households have no asset limits. Seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans receive extra protections.

If you earn under the gross income limit and have high shelter or medical costs, you may qualify for benefits even with moderate income.

Official Source: All data verified through the New Jersey Department of Human Services and USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Ready to apply? Visit NJOneApp.dhs.nj.gov today or call 1-800-687-9512 to start your application. The process is free, confidential, and designed to help eligible New Jersey residents access the food assistance they need.