7420 Food Assistance Standards -Households in which there are no elderly or disabled members must have a gross monthly income equal to or less than 130% of the national poverty level. This is known as the Gross Income Limit. The gross income limit test shall only be applied to the prospective eligibility and benefit determination and does not apply to categorically eligible households.

Households that include at least one member who is elderly or disabled do not need to meet the gross income test. These households also qualify for the uncapped shelter deduction and the excess medical deduction.

All households with the exception of categorically eligible households per 2510, must have income after deductions equal to or less than the national poverty level. This is known as the Net Income Limit.

The monthly benefit for an eligible household is then determined by multiplying its net food assistance income by 30% and subtracting the result from the Thrifty Food Plan amount (maximum benefit) for the given household size dropping all cents resulting from this subtraction. This computation has been incorporated into the Basis of Benefit Issuance Tables for households of 10 or fewer members. Except in an initial month when the benefit is less than $10.00, as explained in 1512.5 (2), eligible households of 1 or 2 members shall receive a minimum benefit of $23 despite the fact that the above computation would otherwise result in a lower benefit amount. In addition, categorically eligible households with income above the net income limit may be eligible for a benefit if indicated on the Basis Benefit Issuance Tables. See 2510 for more information on categorically eligible households.

The gross and net income limits and the maximum benefits are found on the Food Assistance Standards Table in the Appendix. The Basis of Benefit Issuance Tables are also found in the Appendix.