For non-elder/disabled households, applicants must meet the gross income test, first.

The basic rule is that all income in the Household is counted but with exceptions:

• Students under age 18 (non-head of household) -- exclude earned income

• Ineligible Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents -- exclude all income
• Absent wage earner, if no joint account and if separate household -- exclude all
• Sanctioned individuals -- count full presumed payments
• Work First Benefit Diversion payments -- exclude
• Earned Income Tax Credit payments -- exclude
• Vendor payment -- exclude
• In kind income and supports -- exclude

Special rules exist for fluctuating income.

There is a long list of types of income (including educational grants) that Food Stamps considers

There are also numerous deductions from income for:

                    Shelter Costs            Dependent Care Costs        Medical Care Costs            Child Support Paid