Last updated: October 3, 2026
Tennessee SNAP income limits rose on October 1, 2026. Under the state’s BBCE rule, gross income can reach 200% of the federal poverty level. That is $2,660 a month for one person and $5,500 for a family of four.
Your net income must still be at or below 100% of poverty. That is $1,330 for one person and $2,750 for four.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) runs SNAP, once called food stamps. TDHS makes the final decision on your case.
Quick summary
- The new limits run from Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027.
- Gross limit: 200% of poverty for households that qualify under BBCE.
- Net limit: 100% of poverty.
- Households with a member who is 60+ or disabled skip the gross test.
- Maximum benefit: $306 for one person, $1,023 for four.
- Apply through the One DHS Customer Portal.
Tennessee SNAP Income Limits by Household Size
SNAP uses two income tests. Gross income is your pay before deductions. Net income is what remains after deductions. The table shows both limits for the 2026–2027 year.
| Household size | Gross limit (200% FPL, BBCE) | Net limit (100% FPL) | Federal gross limit (130% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $1,330 | $1,729 |
| 2 | $3,608 | $1,804 | $2,345 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $2,277 | $2,960 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $2,750 | $3,575 |
| 5 | $6,448 | $3,224 | $4,191 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $3,697 | $4,806 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $4,170 | $5,421 |
| 8 | $9,288 | $4,644 | $6,037 |
| Each extra person | +$948 | +$474 | +$616 |
USDA sets the net and federal gross figures. The 200% column is double the net limit. TDHS may round some amounts by a dollar.
Which limit applies to you?
- Most households: You must pass the gross test and the net test.
- Households with a member 60+ or disabled: You only need to pass the net test.
- Households outside BBCE: The federal 130% gross limit applies.
What Changed in Tennessee SNAP in 2026?
Tennessee used to follow the federal 130% gross limit. In June, TDHS adopted Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), raising the gross cutoff from 130% to 200% of poverty and dropping asset tests.
BBCE is a state option. It lets a state import a higher gross income limit and lift the asset test for households under that limit.
Tennessee kept the net limit at 100% of poverty. TDHS says the policy applies to certain households tied to state assistance programs, and other factors still decide eligibility.
Some older TDHS pages still list the old asset limits. If you see a conflict, call the One DHS Contact Center at 1-833-772-8347.
How Net Income and Deductions Work
Many households pass the gross test but fail the net test. Deductions are what bring your net income down. TDHS and USDA allow these:
- 20% of your earned income
- A standard deduction: $217 for 1–3 people, $229 for 4, $268 for 5, $308 for 6+
- Child and dependent care costs
- Medical costs over $35 for members who are 60+ or disabled
- Rent, mortgage, and utility costs above half your remaining income, capped at $769 for most households
Example: a household of three
| Step | Household A | Household B |
|---|---|---|
| Gross wages | $3,000 | $3,800 |
| Minus 20% of earnings | −$600 | −$760 |
| Minus standard deduction | −$217 | −$217 |
| Income after those | $2,183 | $2,823 |
| Shelter deduction (rent and utilities $1,400) | about −$309 | $0 |
| Net income | about $1,874 | $2,823 |
| Result vs. $2,277 limit | Passes | Over the limit |
Both households pass the $4,554 gross limit. Only Household A passes the net test. This is a simple example. Use the Tennessee SNAP calculator for your own numbers.
Does Tennessee Have a SNAP Asset Limit?
Households that qualify under BBCE have no asset limit, according to the Tennessee Justice Center. A home and most vehicles never count anyway.
If you do not qualify under BBCE, federal limits apply. For 2026–2027, USDA sets them at $3,000 for most households. The limit is $4,750 if someone is 60+ or disabled. Cash, checking, savings, stocks, and bonds count toward these limits.
How Much SNAP Could You Get?
Your benefit equals the maximum for your household size, minus 30% of your net income. The 2026–2027 maximums are $306 for one person, $562 for two, $808 for three, and $1,023 for four. The minimum for one or two people is $25.
In the Household A example, 30% of $1,874 is about $562. Subtract that from $808. The estimate is about $246 a month.
See every household size on our SNAP COLA FY 2027 page.
Over the Limit or Denied Before?
Check which income you counted. Gross income is pay before taxes. Include every adult in your household.
If TDHS denied you for savings before June 2026, apply again. The Tennessee Justice Center says families previously denied over liquid assets should reapply. The 200% limit also means a small raise is less likely to end your benefits.
If you disagree with a decision, you can appeal online through TDHS.
Other Rules That Can Affect Eligibility
Income is only one part of the decision. TDHS also checks these:
- Residency: You must live in Tennessee.
- Status: You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified alien. Everyone needs a Social Security number or proof of applying.
- Work rules: Most able-bodied people ages 16–59 must register for work. Adults ages 18–64 without dependents face a time limit unless they work 80 hours a month or qualify for an exemption. Federal law changed these rules in 2025, so ask TDHS if they apply to you.
- Students: Most college students must work 20 hours a week, be in work-study, care for young dependents, or get Families First.
- Household: People who live together and share food count as one household. Parents and children 21 or younger are one household.
How to Apply for SNAP in Tennessee
You can apply online, by mail, or at a county office. Online is usually fastest.
- Gather documents. You need ID, Social Security numbers, proof of address, income records, and rent and utility bills.
- Apply. Use the One DHS Customer Portal. Or mail a printed application to Family Assistance Division, P.O. Box 620001, Memphis, TN 38181.
- Upload documents within 10 days. TDHS says this helps avoid delays.
- Complete your interview if TDHS asks for one.
- Use your EBT card after approval. Report changes and send renewal forms on time.
For a full walkthrough, read our Tennessee SNAP application guide.
Tennessee SNAP Income Limits FAQs
What is the Tennessee SNAP income limit for one person?
Gross income can be up to $2,660 a month under BBCE. Net income must be $1,330 or less. The federal 130% gross limit is $1,729. TDHS makes the final decision.
What is the income limit for a family of four?
The gross limit is $5,500 a month under BBCE. The net limit is $2,750. The federal 130% gross limit is $3,575.
Does Tennessee use the 200% income limit?
Yes, TDHS adopted BBCE in June 2026. It applies to certain households tied to state assistance programs. Apply to learn which test fits your household.
Is there an asset limit for Tennessee SNAP?
Not for households that qualify under BBCE. Otherwise, the limit is $3,000, or $4,750 with a member who is 60+ or disabled.
Do seniors and people with disabilities need to pass the gross test?
No. Households with a member who is 60+ or disabled only need to pass the net income test.
I was denied before June 2026. Should I reapply?
Yes, especially if savings caused the denial. The asset test no longer applies to households under BBCE. You may qualify now.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s limits are higher this year. A household of four can have gross income up to $5,500 a month under BBCE. The net limit is still $2,750, so deductions matter.
Check your household size in the table. Then try the Tennessee SNAP calculator. If your numbers look close, apply anyway. TDHS decides, and applying costs nothing.
Sources
- USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information, FY 2027
- USDA: SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments memo (Aug. 21, 2026)
- TDHS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- TDHS: SNAP Eligibility Information
- One DHS Customer Portal
- Tennessee Justice Center: A Guide to Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (Aug. 19, 2026)
- FOX13 Memphis: Tennessee changes SNAP rules
