Methodology — CalFresh Calculator

This page explains the exact methodology behind our CalFresh and SNAP eligibility calculator. We publish this so that anyone — a caseworker, a legal aid attorney, a researcher, or a curious applicant — can verify our approach and identify any discrepancy.

Eligibility Determination: The Three-Step Test

Our calculator follows the three-step eligibility test defined in 7 CFR 273.9, which is the federal regulation governing SNAP income and eligibility standards. This is the same test that county caseworkers apply when they process your application.

Step 1: Gross Income Test

We first compare your total household gross income (all income before any deductions) against the gross income limit. For most households, this limit is 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size. However, if your state uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) — as California and 43 other states do — the gross income limit is raised to 200% of FPL.

The 2026 FPL for the 48 contiguous states is $1,580 per month for a single person, increasing by $540 for each additional household member. We calculate the limit as: FPL × 1.3 (130%) or FPL × 2.0 (200% for BBCE states).

Step 2: Net Income Test

If you pass the gross income test, we then calculate your net income by subtracting all allowable deductions from your gross income. The deductions we apply, in order, are:

1. Standard Deduction — A fixed amount based on household size, ranging from $227 to $343 in the 48 contiguous states for 2026.
2. Earned Income Deduction — 20% of any income from employment (wages, salaries, self-employment). This incentivizes work by excluding a portion of earned income.
3. Medical Expense Deduction — For households with members age 60+ or receiving disability benefits, out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 per month are deductible in full.
4. Dependent Care Deduction — Costs for childcare, adult daycare, or other dependent care that is necessary for a household member to work, seek work, or attend training.
5. Child Support Deduction — Legally obligated child support payments that the household member is actually paying.
6. Excess Shelter Deduction — Your total shelter costs (rent or mortgage + utilities) minus 50% of your income after all other deductions. This deduction is capped at $712 for most states in 2026 (higher for Alaska, Hawaii, and other special areas). Households with an elderly or disabled member have no cap on this deduction.

We then compare your net income (gross income minus all deductions) against 100% of FPL. If your net income is at or below this limit, you pass.

Step 3: Asset Test

For states that use BBCE (which includes California and most other states), the asset test is waived entirely — your savings, vehicles, and other resources do not affect eligibility. For non-BBCE states, countable assets must be below the applicable limit ($3,000 for most households, $4,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member).

Benefit Calculation

If you pass all three eligibility tests, we calculate your monthly benefit using the standard SNAP formula:

Monthly Benefit = Maximum Allotment − (Net Income × 0.30)

The maximum allotment is based on your household size and ranges from $292 for a single person to $1,756 for a household of eight in the 48 contiguous states for 2026. For 1-2 person households, the minimum benefit is $23 per month regardless of the calculation result.

We round the final benefit to the nearest whole dollar, consistent with how benefits are actually issued on EBT cards.

State-Specific Adjustments

While SNAP is a federal program, states have varying rules in several areas:

• BBCE status — Determines whether the gross income limit is 130% or 200% of FPL and whether the asset test is waived
• Shelter deduction cap — Varies by state and region ($712 for most, higher for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, USVI)
• Standard deduction — Ranges from $227 to $343 depending on household size and region
• Utility allowances — Some states use Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) instead of actual utility costs

Our calculator accounts for all of these variations based on the state you select.

Limitations

Our calculator provides a close estimate, but it may not match your official determination exactly. Here is why:

• Some counties use local utility allowances that differ from the state standard
• Caseworkers may apply additional deductions or exemptions specific to your situation
• Income calculation for self-employed individuals can vary by county
• Our tool does not account for categorical eligibility through TANF or SSI receipt

We recommend using our calculator as a pre-screening tool and then applying through your county office for an official determination. If our estimate differs significantly from your official benefit amount, please let us know so we can investigate.