Every relief program has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. Understanding these criteria helps you identify which programs you may qualify for and prepare a stronger application. This guide explains the common eligibility factors across various relief programs.
Important: Eligibility requirements vary by program and often by state. The information here provides general guidance—always check specific program requirements before applying. When in doubt, apply anyway—you have nothing to lose.
Income Requirements
Income is the most common eligibility factor. Programs use different methods to measure income and set various thresholds.
Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Many programs base eligibility on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026, the FPL guidelines for the 48 contiguous states are:
| Household Size |
100% FPL |
138% FPL |
200% FPL |
400% FPL |
| 1 |
$15,060 |
$20,783 |
$30,120 |
$60,240 |
| 2 |
$20,440 |
$28,207 |
$40,880 |
$81,760 |
| 3 |
$25,820 |
$35,632 |
$51,640 |
$103,280 |
| 4 |
$31,200 |
$43,056 |
$62,400 |
$124,800 |
| 5 |
$36,580 |
$50,480 |
$73,160 |
$146,320 |
| 6 |
$41,960 |
$57,905 |
$83,920 |
$167,840 |
*Add $5,380 for each additional person. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
Common Income Thresholds by Program
- • Medicaid (Expansion States): 138% FPL
- • CHIP: Usually 200-300% FPL (varies by state)
- • SNAP: 130% FPL gross, 100% FPL net
- • ACA Subsidies: 100-400% FPL
- • Section 8: 50% Area Median Income
- • LIHEAP: 150% FPL or 60% state median income
Types of Income Counted
- • Earned Income: Wages, salaries, tips, self-employment
- • Unearned Income: Social Security, pensions, unemployment
- • Other Income: Child support, alimony, rental income
Important: Programs typically count gross income (before taxes) but some allow deductions. SNAP, for example, allows deductions for shelter costs, childcare, and medical expenses for elderly/disabled.
Household Composition
Who counts as part of your "household" affects both eligibility and benefit amounts.
General Household Rules
- • Usually includes everyone living at the same address
- • Includes spouse and minor children
- • May include other relatives and non-relatives
- • Rules vary significantly by program
SNAP Household Definition
For SNAP, a household is people who live together AND purchase and prepare food together:
- • Spouses must be in the same household
- • Children under 22 living with parents are included
- • Elderly/disabled adults may be separate households
- • Roommates with separate food may be separate households
Medicaid Household (MAGI)
Medicaid uses tax household rules for most applicants:
- • Based on tax filing relationships
- • Includes tax filer, spouse, and dependents
- • Children may have different household than parents
Citizenship & Residency Requirements
Most programs have requirements about citizenship status and where you live.
Citizenship Requirements
- • U.S. Citizens: Eligible for all programs
- • Legal Permanent Residents: Eligible for most programs (some have 5-year waiting period)
- • Refugees/Asylees: Usually immediately eligible
- • Other Qualified Immigrants: Varies by program and status
Program-Specific Rules
- • SNAP: Most qualified immigrants have 5-year waiting period (exceptions for children, refugees)
- • Medicaid: Legal residents may have 5-year wait, but emergency Medicaid available to all
- • ACA Marketplace: Open to lawfully present immigrants
- • SSI: Complex rules based on immigration status and date of entry
Residency Requirements
- • Must usually be a resident of the state where applying
- • Some programs have no durational requirement (can apply upon moving)
- • College students may use home state or school state
- • Homeless individuals are not excluded—can use shelter address
Resource & Asset Limits
Some programs limit the value of assets you can own while receiving benefits.
Programs WITH Asset Tests
- • SSI: $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple
- • SNAP: $2,750 (or $4,250 if elderly/disabled) - many states eliminated
- • Medicaid (Non-MAGI): Varies by state and category
Programs WITHOUT Asset Tests
- • ACA Marketplace: No asset limit
- • Medicaid (MAGI): No asset limit for most categories
- • CHIP: No asset limit
- • LIHEAP: Usually no asset test
What Counts as Resources
- • Cash and bank accounts
- • Stocks, bonds, investments
- • Second vehicles (primary vehicle usually exempt)
- • Property other than primary residence
Common Exemptions
- • Primary home
- • One vehicle (usually)
- • Burial funds (up to certain amounts)
- • Retirement accounts (varies)
Age Requirements
Many programs have age-based eligibility or provide different benefits based on age.
Age-Specific Programs
- • Medicare: 65+ (or under 65 with qualifying disability)
- • Social Security Retirement: 62+ (full benefits at 67)
- • SSI Aged: 65+
- • CHIP: Under 19
- • WIC: Women and children under 5
- • Head Start: Children ages 3-5
Age Affecting Benefits
- • SNAP: Elderly (60+) may have higher income limits, exempt from work requirements
- • Medicaid: Different categories and rules for children, adults, and seniors
- • EITC: Different credit amounts for filers with/without children
Special Circumstances
Certain circumstances may provide additional eligibility pathways or different treatment.
Disability
- • SSI/SSDI: Must meet Social Security's definition of disability
- • Medicaid: Disability-based Medicaid available in all states
- • SNAP: Higher asset limits, exempt from work requirements
- • Medicare: Available under 65 after 24 months on SSDI
Pregnancy
- • Medicaid: Higher income limits for pregnant women (often 200%+ FPL)
- • WIC: Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women eligible
- • TANF: Pregnant women may qualify even without other children
Veteran Status
- • VA Benefits: Extensive programs for qualifying veterans
- • Veterans Pension: Additional income support
- • SSVF: Housing assistance for veteran families
Student Status
- • SNAP: College students have additional work requirements (with exceptions)
- • Medicaid: Students can remain on parent's Medicaid or qualify independently
- • Financial Aid: Dependency status affects FAFSA eligibility
Work Requirements
Some programs require recipients to work, look for work, or participate in training.
SNAP Work Requirements
- • General work registration for most adults
- • ABAWDs (18-49, no dependents) limited to 3 months without work
- • Exemptions for elderly, disabled, caretakers, students
TANF Work Requirements
- • Must participate in work activities (varies by state)
- • Single parents: 20-30 hours/week
- • Two-parent families: 35 hours/week combined
- • Exemptions for very young children, disability
Medicaid Work Requirements
- • Some states have implemented work requirements
- • Typically requires 80 hours/month of qualifying activities
- • Many exemptions (students, caretakers, pregnant, disabled)
- • Requirements have faced legal challenges
Getting Help Determining Eligibility
If you're unsure whether you qualify, there are resources available to help.
- • Benefits.gov: Online screening tool for federal programs
- • 211: Dial 211 or visit 211.org for local assistance
- • Local DSS Office: Staff can help determine eligibility
- • Community Action Agencies: Provide benefits counseling
- • Legal Aid: Free legal help with benefits issues
Pro Tip: If you're close to the income limit or unsure about your eligibility, apply anyway. Eligibility workers can properly assess your situation, and you might qualify for deductions or exemptions you weren't aware of. There's no penalty for applying and being found ineligible.