New Jersey Food Stamp Limits

When New Jersey residents need help buying for their families, they can get that help from the state and federal governments through the food stamp program. Many people in need qualify for food stamps and don't even realize it. Food stamps are not just for people on welfare. In fact, most people in New Jersey who receive food stamps aren't on welfare, according to Legal Services of New Jersey.

Qualifying

• If your income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, you might qualify for food stamps even if you are working and have a car. The New Jersey Department of Social Services will need to look at your income and expenses more closely to make an official determination. There are also work requirements an applicant needs to meet, though this is sometimes waived. Even the 185 percent income threshold can be waived if someone in the household is disabled or elderly.

Gross Income

• When evaluating whether you are eligible for foods stamps, first look at your gross income. To qualify for foods stamps, the gross monthly income allowed for a single individual is $1,174 (in 2010). This amount increases to $4,010 a month for a family of eight. For households larger than eight people, $410 is added to the monthly gross income limit for each additional person.

Deductions

• A number of deductions are then made from gross income to determine your net income. This includes a standard deduction, dependent care, medical expenses, child support payments, and excess shelter costs. This is the amount paid for housing, utilities, property taxes and one telephone line that are above half of your monthly income once the other deductions are made. You total shelter deduction cannot exceed $459 a month unless a member of the household is disabled or elderly.

Net Income

• Once deductions are subtracted from your gross income, you are left with your net income, which must be below certain limits to qualify for food stamps. A single individual must have a net monthly income no greater than $903 (in 2010) to qualify. This increases to $3,085 a month for a family of eight and $312 more for each additional person over eight.

How Much?

• The amount of food stamps a household receives depends on the size of the household and how far below the income limit you are. Your allotment is determined by multiplying your net income by three and subtracting it from the maximum allotment of a household your size. It is done this way because you are expected to spend about 30 percent of your net income on food. The maximum monthly food stamp allotment is $200 (in 2010) for a single individual up to $1,202 for a family of eight. Each additional person above that increases the monthly allotment by $150.