Getting help with groceries, like through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes called “food stamps,” is a big deal for many families. It helps people afford food when money is tight. But a lot of people wonder, “Can you own a house and still get food stamps?” The short answer isn’t a simple yes or no, because it depends on a lot of things. This essay will break down the rules and help you understand how owning a home fits into the food stamp picture.
The Basics: Assets and Income
So, can you own a house and get food stamps? Yes, you can own a house and still qualify for SNAP benefits. The rules are more about your income and the value of other assets, not just whether you own a home. SNAP considers both things when deciding if you’re eligible.

What Counts as an Asset?
SNAP looks at assets, which are things you own. Your home is usually excluded as an asset, but other things might be counted. Different states have different rules, but generally, these are things they look at:
- Cash in the bank (savings and checking accounts)
- Stocks and bonds
- Land (other than the land your house is on)
- Some types of vehicles (like a luxury car)
Remember, these are general examples. Your local SNAP office will give you the exact rules for your area.
Let’s say you have some money in a savings account. The amount of money you have in your account may affect your eligibility. The amount of money you can have varies by state and the size of your household. Always check with your local SNAP office for the most accurate information.
Let’s say that you also own some land. The value of the land may also count against you when applying for SNAP benefits.
Income Limits: How Much Can You Earn?
The biggest factor is usually your income. SNAP has income limits, and these limits change based on your household size. If your income is too high, you won’t qualify. This is why it’s so important to understand the income guidelines.
Here is an example of a chart that can be used to estimate your eligibility, but remember that your local office will have the final say on these guidelines.
Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
---|---|
1 | $2,742 |
2 | $3,703 |
3 | $4,664 |
4 | $5,624 |
5 | $6,585 |
Remember, that this is an example and the real numbers can change. Make sure to look at the most recent guidelines.
Deductible Expenses: What Lowers Your Income?
When figuring out if you qualify, SNAP doesn’t just look at your gross income (what you earn before taxes and other deductions). They also consider certain expenses you can deduct from your income. These can help lower your “countable” income, which could make you eligible. Common deductions include:
- Housing costs (rent or mortgage payments)
- Child care expenses (if you need care to work or look for a job)
- Medical expenses (for elderly or disabled people)
- Certain legal or court fees
These deductions are important because they can decrease your income. But make sure to be accurate when reporting your expenses.
For example, you are spending money on housing costs. That money could be subtracted from your income. This can increase your chances of qualifying for SNAP benefits.
Mortgages and SNAP: How They Interact
Owning a home with a mortgage doesn’t automatically disqualify you from SNAP. As mentioned before, the house itself isn’t counted as an asset. The amount you pay for the mortgage is considered when figuring out your housing costs, which are a deductible expense. But there are some important things to keep in mind:
- You’ll need to provide proof of your mortgage payments.
- The amount of mortgage interest you pay can sometimes be a deductible expense, lowering the amount of your countable income.
This means your mortgage payment could actually *help* you qualify or increase the amount of food assistance you receive.
Let’s say that your mortgage is $1,500. That money could be subtracted from your income. That can increase your chances of qualifying for SNAP benefits.
Other Factors That Affect Eligibility
Besides assets, income, and deductible expenses, other things can affect your SNAP eligibility. Some of these things include:
- Household Size: The number of people in your family.
- Employment Status: Whether you work or are unemployed.
- Age: You must be within certain age limits to qualify.
- Disability: If you have a disability, you may be eligible for higher benefits or have different rules.
These additional things are important for understanding eligibility. Your local SNAP office is the best source for information on how these rules affect you.
The bigger your family, the more benefits you may get. This helps with getting enough food to go around.
How to Apply and Where to Get Help
If you want to apply for SNAP, you’ll need to contact your local SNAP office. They can help you figure out if you’re eligible and guide you through the application process. You can usually find the contact information for your local office on your state’s website or by searching online.
- The application process usually involves filling out forms, providing information about your income, assets, and expenses, and attending an interview.
- You’ll need to provide documentation to prove your income and expenses.
- It is important to fill out the form as completely as possible to avoid any delays in processing.
- You can also find community programs to help people apply for food assistance.
Make sure to ask questions to make sure you completely understand the application process.
In short, you can own a house and still receive food stamps. It really comes down to your income, assets, and the specific rules in your state. Remember to always check with your local SNAP office for accurate information and guidance. Applying can seem complicated, but if you meet the requirements, SNAP can be a real help in getting food on the table.