Can I Live With My Boyfriend and Still Get Food Stamps?
Learn how living with your boyfriend may impact your food stamp eligibility, including household definitions, income rules, and reporting requirements.
Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help low-income individuals and families afford groceries. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and financial resources. If you live with a boyfriend, understanding how this affects your benefits is essential.
Household Definition
For SNAP, a household is defined by shared meals and expenses rather than just living arrangements. The USDA considers individuals who purchase and prepare food together as one household. If you and your boyfriend buy and cook food separately, you may qualify as separate households, but caseworkers closely evaluate living situations.
Some states require documentation, like separate grocery receipts, to verify food expenses. If a caseworker determines you function as a single economic unit, your boyfriend’s income and resources will be included in your eligibility assessment, even if you don’t formally combine finances.
Income Considerations
SNAP eligibility is based on total household income. If you and your boyfriend are considered one household, both incomes will be assessed against USDA limits, which are based on the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2024, the gross income limit is 130% of the FPL, while the net income limit—after deductions—is 100%.
Deductions that lower countable income include a standard deduction, a 20% earned income deduction, dependent care expenses, and medical costs exceeding $35 per month for elderly or disabled members. Housing costs exceeding 50% of adjusted income may also qualify for a shelter deduction.
If your boyfriend has a steady income, it could push your combined earnings above the SNAP limits, reducing or eliminating benefits. Even if only one of you applies, shared financial responsibilities may still be considered. Irregular income, such as seasonal work or gig economy earnings, can further complicate eligibility.
Resource Thresholds
SNAP also evaluates financial resources, including cash, bank balances, stocks, and certain property. As of 2024, most households must have countable resources below $2,750, or $4,250 if at least one member is 60 or older or has a disability.
Vehicles may be counted, but states determine how they are assessed. Some exempt one vehicle per household if it’s used for work or medical transportation. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are generally excluded, but other investments may count.
Joint bank accounts can be problematic—if both names are on an account, the entire balance may be considered available to the household, even if only one person contributes.
Updates to Your Case
Changes in living arrangements, employment, or finances must be reported to maintain compliance. If you or your boyfriend start a new job, experience a wage increase, or receive unexpected income, your eligibility or benefits may change. States typically require updates within 10 days, though deadlines vary.
Housing costs and utility expenses also impact benefits. If rent increases or utilities are no longer included in rent, reporting these changes may result in higher deductions and increased benefits. Documentation, such as lease agreements or utility bills, may be required.
Noncompliance Outcomes
Failing to report changes or misrepresenting household information can lead to benefit reductions or disqualification. State agencies conduct periodic reviews and may request documentation. If discrepancies are found, benefits may be adjusted retroactively, requiring repayment.
Intentional misrepresentation, such as failing to disclose income, can lead to penalties, including temporary or permanent disqualification. In cases of suspected fraud, investigations may involve interviews, home visits, or financial record reviews. Confirmed fraud can result in criminal charges, fines, or jail time. Some states impose additional sanctions, barring individuals from reapplying for benefits for a set period.
Understanding and complying with reporting requirements helps avoid these risks while ensuring continued access to assistance.