Even with a steady job, you may still be eligible for grocery assistance from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). A major misconception is that having a job means you cannot receive benefits. But that is not the case in the year 2025. Many low-wage American workers opt for SNAP to nourish their families.
USDA has strict criteria for the employed. If your income and assets are within the limits set by the guidelines, you may still be eligible, regardless of working full-time or part-time.
Can One Be Employed and Still Get SNAP?
Absolutely. In 2025, the USDA permits employed persons to avail of SNAP when the following conditions are met:
- Income caps correlated with the size of the household
- Resource constraints limiting cash or savings
- Regulations for the participation of labor for specific adults
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
If you are a non-disabled adult without dependents able to work, then the following might apply to you:
- A work commitment of at least 80 hours per month
- Registration into a work or training program if currently unemployed
- A 3-month limit on benefits in a 3-year span if not meeting these criteria
2025 SNAP Income Limits
To be eligible, your earnings should be below the national standard as follows:
Household Size 1:
- Gross income: $1,632
- Net income: $1,255
Household Size 2:
- Gross income: $2,215
- Net income: $1,703
Household Size 3:
- Gross income: $2,798
- Net income: $2,150
These restrictions are effective for people living in:
- The 48 contiguous U.S. states
What Counts as Gross vs. Net Income?
- Gross income refers to all the income before taxes or deductions are taken.
- Net income is the income that remains after all the deductions (housing, dependent care, medical expenses, etc.) have been subtracted.
Once deductions are applied, many people with SNAP can qualify even if their gross income is a bit more than the limit.
SNAP Resource Limits
Your countable resources must be below to get a pass:
- $3,000 for the majority of households
- $4,500 if there is a household member over 60 or a disabled person
Resources that can be counted are:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Cash
- Stocks and bonds
Resources that are non-countable are:
- The home and land around it are yours
- Retirement accounts, generally (most of the cases)
- Depending on the state, the vehicles are counted or not
Higher Resource Allowance for Seniors & Disabled
In case that you are over 60 or disabled, then:
- The resources can be limited to $4,500 maximally.
- It is designed to help with the situation such as an unanticipated medical bill or an increase in rent.
- You are allowed more savings without any restriction on the amount of savings.
Other Factors That Determine SNAP Eligibility
The eligibility apart from income and resources also includes the following factors:
- The number of people living within the same household
- Immigration status — must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Work registration — most adults aged 16–59 must register and accept work if offered
Applying for SNAP While Employed
It is a fact that SNAP benefits stands as one of the most important support systems for people working low-paid jobs but it is somehow challenging to even consider applying for SNAP while
In case you are working, below is the process of how you can still apply.
- Browser through your nearest SNAP website
- Fill out the application either online or through the phone
- Load up income and ID just as confirmation
- Be a part of a phone or face-to-face interview
The majority of states have seven (7) to thirty (30) days as a time window within which they process applications.
Common Myths About Working and SNAP
- “I have too much income.” In reality, SNAP deductions often lower your countable income.
- “Working means that I am not eligible to get SNAP.” That is a lie. Most SNAP recipients are employed.
- “SNAP is the reason why other benefits are lost.” SNAP itself is not factored into the calculation of most other programs.
Why SNAP Can Help Even If You’re Working
- Makes food bills more affordable
- Monthly EBT benefits are credited to you
- Helps your household to be food-secure
- Comforting when inflation or food prices are going up
What Changes After September 30, 2025?
- Firstly, new income/resource limits are likely to be published because of the 2026 COLA adjustment.
- Moreover, if you had been denied before, check again in October.
- Also, a few working families will be the newly ones that meet the criteria.
Conclustion
Simply put, having a job does not mean that you still cannot receive aid. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the program to help working people who do not make enough money to cover the basic necessities.
To put it in another way, if you have to deal with the bills, groceries, and other expenses then SNAP can be the relief you require. Checking for eligibility and submitting the application is very straightforward.
