Food Stamps DHS Income Guidelines in Polk County, Iowa

To qualify for food stamps in Polk County, Iowa, a household must qualify under the income guidelines as designated by the state of Iowa. Residents of Polk County can apply for food stamp benefits with the Polk County Department of Human Services.

Gross Income

• A household must meet the gross income test to qualify for food stamps. A household's gross income is the total of all income, earned and unearned, prior to tax deductions or expenses. As of 2010, the gross monthly income limit for a household of three is $1,984. Separate income limits are applied to households that include someone who is disabled or over the age of 59.

Net Income

• The household's income must also qualify under the net income test. Net income is the total of all income minus allowable deductions. Deductible expenses include rent, mortgage, child care, utility, phone and insurance costs. A standard deduction is applied based on household size, as well as a 20 percent deduction of earned income. The net income limit, as of 2010, for a household of three is $1,526 per month.

Resources

• The resources of a household are used to determine eligibility for food stamps. A household may not have more than $2,000 in resources, or $3,000 if a member of the household is disabled or over the age of 60 years old. Resources that are counted include cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, and bonds. Money received through the Earned Income Credit, energy or educational assistance is excluded from the resource test.