Follow these steps to figure out a household's SNAP benefit using the basis-of-issuance tables:
Figure out the household's net monthly income.
Compare the household's net monthly income (A) to the maximum net monthly income standard for the household size (B).
If A is larger than B, the household is ineligible.
If B is larger than or equal to A, the household is eligible. Find the benefit by reading in the table down to the income amount and across to the household size.
Follow these steps to calculate the same figure manually (instead of using the tables):
Multiply the net monthly income by 30 percent.
Round the product up to the next whole dollar if it ends in 1 through 99 cents.
Subtract the result from the Thrifty Food Plan amount for the household size.
If the computation results in an benefit of $1, $3, or $5, round it up to $2, $4, or $6, respectively.
If the benefit is for a one-person or two-person household and is less than $10, round the amount up to the minimum monthly benefit of $10. If subsequent recoupment reduces the amount to less than $10, do not round up a second time.
Use the formula to figure the benefit amount if the household size is larger than 20 persons.
Use the same method of determining net income as for other households. However, the net income eligibility limits do not apply. One-person and two-person households that are categorically eligible are entitled to at least a $10 benefit.
Although net income eligibility limits also do not apply to categorically eligible households of three or more members, such households do not always receive SNAP benefits. Categorically eligible households with three or more members will be entitled to benefits of at least $2, if the Thrifty Food Plan reduced by 30 percent of net income is at least $1. (The basis-of-issuance tables reflect the Thrifty Food Plan computation.)
For categorically eligible households, find the benefit by reading in the basis-of-issuance tables down to the income and across to the household size.
Citations:
PFS12992568-Net Income Exceeds level for Which Benefits are Issued (Linked June 2, 2006)
Issued April 19, 2001