Child support is a great benefit for custodial parents who need financial support from their child’s other parent to help raise them. However, being a recipient of these payments can come with drawbacks as well. Child support is considered when calculating monthly income for SNAP benefits. There are not many times that an individual wishes that they had even less money than they do, but qualifying for SNAP may be an exception. Talk with a Memphis, Tennessee child support lawyer for more information and legal advice.
What is Child Support?
Child support is a monthly financial obligation that a noncustodial parent owes a custodial parent after getting separated or divorced. Courts must ensure that the child’s best interests are kept in mind, both for their development and financial needs. These payments are generally not considered income as the money is designed to fund the child’s needs not the parent’s. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is the new name for the formerly titled Food Stamp Program. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is funded by the United States federal government and gives financial support to over 40 million people across the country each month. SNAP benefits can be used the same way cash can at eligible stores. The program is designed to provide funds for low-income families to be able to afford healthy and nutritious food and meals for their family. In many situations, the healthiest whole foods are often significantly more expensive than processed or frozen foods. It is crucial that every American can afford to fuel their body with the health and nutrients they need. SNAP allows that to happen for households with limited resources.
What Are the Income Requirements for SNAP?
When determining whether or not a family or person is eligible for SNAP benefits, one of the most important factors is income. Individuals must add up their entire household gross monthly income to determine if they meet the criteria. Families must make under a certain amount to qualify.
In Tennessee, households must make 130% of the federal poverty level or less to be considered eligible for SNAP. Consider the following.
For a household of 1 person: $1,580
2: $2,137
3: $2,694
4: $3,250
5: $3,807
6: $4,364
7: $4,921
8: $5,478
Do Child Support Payments Count as Income for SNAP?
As established above, households and families who make more than 130% of the federal poverty level do not qualify for SNAP benefits. SNAP considers all cash income, regardless of whether it was earned or unearned. Child support payments are considered unearned income and they are included when totaling monthly income for SNAP purposes.
Although this may be disappointing for parents who receive child support payments, the rules and eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that there are enough resources for households who need the help. Talk to a lawyer to discuss your situation and learn more about your rights.
