SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Minnesota

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (Minnesota)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in Minnesota with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in Minnesota. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In Minnesota, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in Minnesota includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In Minnesota, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in Minnesota, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in Minnesota includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in Minnesota include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in Minnesota to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in Minnesota. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in Minnesota. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In Minnesota, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in Minnesota if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in Minnesota. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in Minnesota, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

Does Minnesota follow federal SNAP income limits?

Yes. Minnesota uses the federal gross and net income limits for SNAP. The calculator applies MN income rules automatically for your household size.

How much can a 1 person household get in SNAP in Minnesota?

A 1-person household in Minnesota may receive around $291 max per month in FY2025 — but the calculator estimates the exact amount based on deductions.

Can I qualify for SNAP in Minnesota if I just lost my job?

Yes. SNAP is based on income — not employment. Zero income can still qualify. The calculator supports zero income entries.

Do rent and utilities affect SNAP in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota uses Standard Utility Allowances (SUA) — your shelter deduction can increase benefit estimates when using the calculator.

Do Social Security benefits count as income for MN SNAP?

Yes — SSI, SSDI, and Social Security retirement count as unearned income. They must be entered in the calculator.

Do Minnesota college students qualify for SNAP?

Some do — but they must meet student exemption rules such as work, training programs, disability, or childcare. The calculator asks student-based eligibility questions.

Do medical costs increase SNAP benefit estimates in Minnesota?

Yes — if a household member is 60+ or disabled — medical deductions may increase benefits.

Do bank assets count for SNAP in Minnesota?

Most Minnesota households do not have an asset limit — except some specialized elderly/disabled federal rule cases.

Does SNAP in Minnesota count DoorDash, Uber, Instacart gig income?

Yes — gig income is earned income and must be reported. The calculator allows input of gig monthly averages.

Can roommates in MN be separate SNAP households?

Yes — if they buy and prepare food separately, they may count as separate households for SNAP.

Does Minnesota still require passing the net income test?

Yes — most SNAP applicants must meet both gross and net income tests after deductions are applied.

Does child support paid lower SNAP income in Minnesota?

Yes — legally owed child support payments reduce countable income. The calculator subtracts this when you enter it.

Do SNAP benefit amounts change every year in Minnesota?

Yes — SNAP standards update each October. The calculator uses current FY values.

Do I need to have children to get SNAP in MN?

No — single adults, childless adults, and seniors can also qualify if income limits are met.

Where do I apply after using the Minnesota SNAP calculator?

You apply through MN DHS or online through MNbenefits — after applying, you complete an interview and submit verification documents.