New Hampshire Food Stamps Income Limit

Gross and Net Income

When you apply for food stamps, your caseworker will consider your income to determine your eligibility. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services will review your gross monthly income, which must be within 130 percent of the government's poverty guidelines. A family of two can earn no more than $1,579 a month in gross income to be eligible, according to the USDA. Also considered is net income, which is income minus qualified deductions. This must be within 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. That same family of two can earn no more than $1,215 in net income.

The state allows several deductions from gross income, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. You can deduct housing costs, including the house payment and utility expenses. The state also allows deductions for child or adult care costs (up to $200 a month for a child under age 2 and $175 a month for an older child) if you receive no reimbursement for these expenses. You also can deduct medical costs surpassing $35 a month for an elderly (60 or older) or disabled person and legally-required child support payments.

You can have up to $2,000 in the bank and still qualify for food stamps. Families with an elderly or disabled member can have $3,000, according to the USDA. Other allowable assets include your home and lot, and most retirement benefits. The USDA may count your car or cars as an asset if each adult in the household has one; if a teenager under 18 uses one; or if you have more than $1,500 in equity in the vehicle. The agency will not count it if you use it to bring in money; if you're living in it; if you have less than $1,500 in equity in it; or if an elderly or disabled person needs it for transportation.

A family of two can qualify for a maximum benefit amount of $367 a month in food stamps, according to the USDA. This amount increases by $150 to $160 for each additional family member living in the household, based upon your particular circumstances. In 2008, the average American family received $227 a month in benefits, according to the USDA.