United States Food and

Department of Nutrition

Agriculture Service

Nutrition Assistance Program Report Series

The Office of Research and Analysis

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Report No. SNAP-12-CHAR

 Characteristics of Supplemental 

Nutrition Assistance Program 

Households: Fiscal Year 2011 

November 2012
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United States Food and

Department of Nutrition

Agriculture Service

November 2012

Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program

Report No. SNAP-12-CHAR

Characteristics of Supplemental 

Nutrition Assistance Program 

Households: Fiscal Year 2011

Authors:

Mark Strayer, Esa Eslami, and Joshua Leftin

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Mathematica Policy Research Office of Research and Analysis

1100 1st Street, N.E., 12th Floor USDA, Food and Nutrition Service

Washington, D.C. 20002-4221 3101 Park Center Drive, Suite 1014

Alexandria, VA 22302-1500

Project Director: Carole Trippe Project Officer: Jenny Genser

This study was conducted under Contract Number AG-3198-K-12-0009 with the Food and 

Nutrition Service.

This report is available on the Food and Nutrition Service web site: 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/research.htm

Suggested Citation:

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Research and Analysis, 

Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2011, by 

Mark Strayer, Esa Eslami, and Joshua Leftin. Project Officer, Jenny Genser. Alexandria, VA: 2012.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and 

activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex 

(including gender identity and expression), marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, 

sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or part of an 

individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to 

all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of 

program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center 

at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, 

Washington, DC 20250-9410; or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) 

or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an 

equal opportunity provider and employer.
v

This report was prepared by Mark Strayer, Esa Eslami, and Joshua Leftin of Mathematica Policy 

Research for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Research 

and Analysis. Many individuals made important contributions to the report. The authors thank 

Carole Trippe, Karen Cunnyngham, and Laura Castner for providing guidance and reviewing the 

report; Katherine Bencio, Kai Filion, Daisy Ewell, and Joel Smith for providing programming 

support; Becca Wang for providing additional assistance; and Felita Buckner for preparing the 

manuscript. The authors also thank Jenny Genser, Kelly Kinnison, Kathryn Law, Jesse Brimhall, 

James Chang, Jackson Crockett, William DeLancey, Michael DePiro, Julia Druhan, Angela Gregg, 

Clay Jones, Linda Jupin, Angela Kline, Harriett Kornegay, Nick Manthos, Susan Moline, Nadine 

Nichols, Morris Olitsky, Vicky Robinson, Cora Russell, Lana Tapia, Tom Tinnin, Samantha Wetzel, 

and Jackie Windfeldt of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service for 

providing guidance and program information.

Authors: Mark Strayer, Esa Eslami, and Joshua Leftin

Mathematica Project Director: Carole Trippe

Mathematica Project Number: 40043.308

FNS Project Officer: Jenny Genser

FNS Contract Number: AG-3198-K-12-0009

November 2012
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vii

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................... xv

1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................1

2 AN OVERVIEW OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM .....3

Program Eligibility Requirements ...................................................................3

The Household........................................................................................3

Categorical Eligibility...............................................................................3

Income Eligibility Standards.....................................................................4

Resources................................................................................................6

Nonfinancial Eligibility Standards.............................................................6

Application Procedures ..................................................................................8

Benefit Computation......................................................................................8

SSI-CAP and MFIP Households..................................................................9

SNAP Benefit Issuance ...........................................................................10

Program Changes Since the Previous Fiscal Year ....................................10

SNAP Participation and Costs................................................................. 10

3 CHARACTERISTICS OF SNAP HOUSEHOLDS AND PARTICIPANTS ....................15

The Poverty Status of SNAP Households.......................................................15

Households with Special Needs....................................................................16

Households with Children......................................................................18

Households with Elderly Individuals.......................................................18

Households with Disabled Nonelderly Individuals ..................................22

Other Households Served by SNAP.........................................................22

Single-Person Households......................................................................23

Characteristics of SNAP Participants.............................................................23

Changes in the Economic Conditions of SNAP Households ...........................23

 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS......................................................................29
viii 

APPENDIX A: DETAILED TABLES OF SNAP HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS ........... 35 

APPENDIX B: DETAILED TABLES OF SNAP HOUSEHOLDS 

 BY STATE ....................................................................................... 67 

APPENDIX C: FISCAL YEAR 2011 SNAP PARAMETERS ............................................ 85 

APPENDIX D: SOURCE AND RELIABILITY OF ESTIMATES ........................................ 93 

APPENDIX E: SAMPLING ERROR OF ESTIMATES .................................................. 101 

APPENDIX F: DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT ................................................. 111 

APPENDIX G: PREVIOUS REPORTS IN THIS SERIES .............................................. .117 

INDEX ............................................................................................................... .121 
ix

TABLES

TEXT TABLES

2.1 Major Economic Indicators, Calendar Years 1996–2011 ......................... 13 

3.1 Distribution of Households and Their Benefits by Countable 

Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline, Fiscal Year 2011 .............. 17 

3.2 Household Composition and Selected Characteristics of 

Participating Households, Fiscal Year 2011 ............................................20

3.3 Average Values of Selected Characteristics by Household 

Composition, Fiscal Year 2011 .............................................................. 21 

3.4 SNAP Benefits of Participants by Selected Demographic 

Characteristics, Fiscal Year 2011 ........................................................... 25 

3.5 Nominal and Real Values of Selected Characteristics, Fiscal Year 

2010 and Fiscal Year 2011 .................................................................... 26 

APPENDIX A TABLES

Summary Characteristics 

A.1 Distribution of Participating Households, Individuals, and Benefits 

by Household Composition, Locality, Countable Income Source, 

and SNAP Benefit Amount...................................................................... 37 

A.2 Average Gross Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

Guideline, Gross and Net Countable Income, Total Deduction, SNAP 

Benefit, Household Size, and Certification Period of Participating 

Households by Household Composition, Locality, Countable 

Income Source, and SNAP Benefit Amount ............................................. 38 

Income, Poverty Status, and Resources

A.3 Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly 

Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by Amount of 

Gross and Net Countable Income, Countable Resources, and Gross 

and Net Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline............ 39 

A.4 Distribution of Participating Households by Household Size and 

Amount of Countable Gross and Net Income, Resources, and Gross 

and Net Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline ............................40
x 

APPENDIX A TABLES (continued) 

A.5 Average Gross and Net Countable Income, Average Gross and Net 

Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline, Average 

Countable Resources, and Average Benefit of Participating 

Households by Household Composition and Size .................................. 41 

A.6 Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly 

Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by Type of 

Countable Income ................................................................................ 42 

A.7 Average Income, Total Deduction, SNAP Benefit, and Household 

Size of Participating Households by Type of Countable Income .............43 

A.8 Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly 

Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by Countable 

Earned and Unearned Income Amounts ................................................. 44 

SNAP Deductions 

A.9 Distribution of Participating Households by Type of Deduction and 

Household Composition, Countable Income Source, and SNAP 

Benefit Amount ..................................................................................... 46 

A.10 Average Values of Deductions of Participating Households by 

Household Composition, Countable Income Source, and SNAP 

Benefit Amount ..................................................................................... 47 

A.11 Distribution of Participating Households by Selected Household 

Characteristics and Amount of Deduction ............................................. 48 

SNAP Benefit 

A.12 Distribution of Participating Households by Selected Household 

Characteristics and SNAP Benefit Amount, SNAP Benefit as a 

Percentage of the Maximum Benefit, and Certification Period ................50 

Household Composition 

A.13 Distribution of Participating Households by Type of Most Recent 

Action and Expedited Service ................................................................ 51 

A.14 Distribution of Participating Households, Individuals, and Benefits 

by Household Composition ................................................................... 52 

A.15 Average Gross Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty 

Guideline, Gross and Net Countable Income, Total Deduction, SNAP 

Benefit, Household Size, and Certification Period of Participating 

Households by Household Composition ................................................ 53 
xi 

APPENDIX A TABLES (continued) 

A.16 Distribution of Participating Households by Countable Income Type 

and Household Composition ................................................................. 54 

A.17 Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly 

Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by Selected 

Characteristics ...................................................................................... 55 

A.18 Average Values of Selected Characteristics for Participating 

Households with Children, Elderly Individuals, and Disabled 

Nonelderly Individuals .......................................................................... 56 

A.19 Distribution of Participating Households with Countable Earned 

and Unearned Income by Selected Characteristics ................................. 57 

A.20 Average Values of Selected Characteristics for Participating 

Households with Countable Earned and Unearned Income .................... 58 

A.21 Distribution of Participating Households with Selected Household 

Characteristics by the Race/Hispanic Status of the Household Head ......59 

A.22 Distribution of Participating Households by Presence of a 

Household Member with Selected Characteristics .................................. 60 

Participants 

A.23 Gender and SNAP Benefits of Participants by Selected Demographic 

Characteristic ....................................................................................... 61 

A.24 Distribution of Participants by Thrifty Food Plan Sex-Age Groups 

and Household Size .............................................................................. 62 

A.25 Distribution of Household Heads, All Participants, and Nonelderly 

Adult Participants by Work Registration Status and Employment 

Status ................................................................................................... 63 

Survey Comparisons: Fiscal Years 1989 to 2011 

A.26 Comparison of Participating Households with Key SNAP Household 

Characteristics for Fiscal Years 1989 to 2011 ....................................... 64 

A.27 Comparison of Average Nominal and Real Values of Key SNAP 

Household Characteristics for Fiscal Years 1989 to 2011 ...................... 65 

A.28 Comparison of Number of SNAP Participants by Gender and Age 

for Fiscal Years 1989 to 2011 ................................................................ 66 
xii 

APPENDIX B TABLES 

B.1 Distribution of Participating Households, Individuals, and Benefits 

by State ................................................................................................ 69 

B.2 Average Values of Selected Characteristics by State ............................... 70 

B.3 Distribution of Participating Households by Poverty Status and by 

State ..................................................................................................... 71 

B.4 Distribution of Participating Households by Shelter-Related 

Characteristics and by State .................................................................. 72 

B.5 Distribution of Participating Households by Household 

Composition and by State ..................................................................... 73 

B.6 Distribution of Participating Households by Selected Countable 

Income Sources and by State ................................................................ 74 

B.7 Average Values of Selected Countable Income Sources by State ............75 

B.8 Distribution of Participating Households by Earnings-Related 

Characteristics and by State .................................................................. 76 

B.9 Distribution of Entrant Households with and without Expedited 

Service by State .................................................................................... 77 

B.10 Distribution of Participating Households by Race/Hispanic Status 

of Household Head and by State ........................................................... 78 

B.11 Distribution of Participants by Age and by State .................................... 79 

B.12 Distribution of Participants by Citizenship Status and by State ............... 80 

B.13 Distribution of Noncitizen Participants by Age and by State ................... 81 

B.14 Distribution of Participating Households by Use of Standard Utility 

Allowance and by State .......................................................................... 82 

B.15 Distribution of Participating Categorically Eligible Households by 

Public Assistance Status and by State ..................................................... 83 

B.16 Distribution of Participating Households by Poverty Status and by 

State, and Effect of SNAP Benefits on the Poverty Status of SNAP 

Households ........................................................................................... 84 

 
xiii 

APPENDIX C TABLES 

C.1 Fiscal Year 2010 HHS Poverty Income Guidelines ..................................87 

C.2 SNAP Maximum Allowable Gross Monthly Income Eligibility 

Standards in Fiscal Year 2011 ............................................................... 88 

C.3 SNAP Maximum Allowable Net Monthly Income Eligibility Standards 

in Fiscal Year 2011 ............................................................................... 89 

C.4 Value of Standard, and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense 

Deductions in the Contiguous United States and Outlying Areas in 

Fiscal Year 2011 ................................................................................... 90 

C.5 Value of Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit in the Contiguous United 

States and Outlying Areas in Fiscal Year 2011 ....................................... 91 

C.6 Value of Minimum Monthly SNAP Benefit in the Contiguous United 

States and Outlying Areas in Fiscal Year 2011 ....................................... 92 

APPENDIX D TABLES 

D.1 Number of Cases Sampled, Dropped from the Edited File, and 

Included in the Edited File, Fiscal Year 2011 .......................................... 96 

D.2 Unweighted Distribution of Participating Households by State ............... 97 

D.3 Comparison of Program Data to Edited SNAP QC Datafile, Fiscal 

Year 2011.............................................................................................. 98 

D.4 Comparison of Calculated and Reported Values for Selected 

Variables of Participating Households, Fiscal Year 2011 ......................... 99 

APPENDIX E TABLES 

E.1 Standard Errors of Estimated Numbers of SNAP Households, Fiscal 

Year 2011............................................................................................ 107 

E.2 Square Root of Design Effects (d) for Standard Errors of Estimated 

Numbers or Percentages of SNAP Households, Fiscal Year 2011 .......... 108 

E.3 Standard Errors of Estimated Means, Fiscal Year 2011 ......................... 109 

E.4 Range of Standard Errors of Mean Amounts Expressed as a 

Percentage of the Mean Amount, Fiscal Year 2011 ............................... 110 
xiv

FIGURES 

2.1 SNAP Participants, Unemployed Individuals, and Individuals in 

Poverty, 1985–2011 .............................................................................. 12 

3.1 Effect of SNAP Benefits on the Poverty Status of SNAP Households, 

Fiscal Year 2011.................................................................................... 17 
xv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves as the foundation of America’s 

national nutritional safety net. It is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger and offers a 

powerful tool to improve nutrition among low-income people. SNAP is the largest of the 15 

domestic food and nutrition assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). This report describes the characteristics of SNAP 

households and participants nationwide in fiscal year 2011 (October 2010 through September 2011). 

It also presents an overview of SNAP eligibility requirements and benefit levels in fiscal year 2011. 

The appendices provide detailed tabulations of household and participant characteristics for the 

nation and by State, as well as a brief description of the sample design and the sampling error 

associated with the estimates presented in the report.

SNAP Participation and Costs

In an average month in fiscal year 2011, SNAP provided benefits to 44.7 million people living 

in more than 21.1 million households across the United States. The total federal cost of the Program 

in fiscal year 2011 was $75.7 billion, $71.8 billion of which went to SNAP benefits and the 

remainder to program administration. The average monthly SNAP benefit for all participating 

households in fiscal year 2011 was $284.

The participant counts and benefit costs discussed in this section are based on FNS 

administrative records and thus differ slightly from estimates based on the SNAP Quality Control 

(SNAP QC) sample file (see Appendix D for an explanation of the differences). The remainder of 

this summary draws on data from the SNAP QC file.

Characteristics of SNAP Households and Participants

In fiscal year 2011, approximately 83 percent of SNAP households lived in poverty, as 

measured by the federal poverty guideline issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS) (Appendix C); 43 percent of SNAP households had gross income less than or equal 

to half of the poverty guideline and received 55 percent of all benefits. With the value of SNAP 

benefits included as income, 13 percent of SNAP households would move above the poverty 

guideline, and 15 percent would move from below to above half of the poverty guideline.

Twenty percent of households had zero gross income in fiscal year 2011, remaining unchanged 

from fiscal year 2010. The percentage of households with zero net income increased slightly from 38 

to 39 percent. Thirty-one percent of SNAP households had earned income, 20 percent received 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 22 percent received Social Security income, 10 percent received 

Child Support Enforcement payments, 8 percent received support from Temporary Assistance to 

Needy Families (TANF), and 6 percent received Unemployment Income.

Seventy-six percent of SNAP households included a child, an elderly person, or a disabled 

person, and these households received 83 percent of all benefits. Households with children received 

a relatively large average monthly SNAP benefit ($413), reflecting their larger average household 

size. The average household with children had 3.2 people, compared with an average of 1.1 people 

for households without children. A majority (56 percent) of SNAP households with children were 

single-adult households. Only seventeen percent of these single-adult households with children 

received cash benefits from TANF. Nearly half (49 percent) of all SNAP households with children 
xvi

had earned income; 40 percent of single-adult households with children and 64 percent of marriedhead households with children had earned income. Four percent of all households with children had 

both TANF and earned income.

Households with elderly individuals received a relatively small average monthly SNAP benefit 

($144), reflecting their smaller-than-average size (1.3 people) and higher-than-average income

compared to other SNAP participants. Eighty percent of SNAP households with elderly individuals

consisted of an elderly person living alone. These individuals received an average monthly benefit of 

$122, compared with an average monthly benefit of $233 for households with elderly individuals not 

living alone and $307 for households without any elderly individuals.

In fiscal year 2011, 46 percent of all SNAP participants were nonelderly adults, and nearly 9

percent were elderly. About 62 percent of nonelderly adults were women, as were 66 percent of 

elderly adults. Forty-five percent of all participants were children, a slight decrease from the 

percentage who were children in fiscal year 2010. About 66 percent of the children were of school

age.
1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a central component of the nation’s 

nutrition assistance safety net. SNAP’s stated purpose is “to permit low-income households to 

obtain a more nutritious diet by increasing their purchasing power” (Food and Nutrition Act of 

2008, as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, PL 110-246). SNAP is the 

largest of the 15 domestic food and nutrition assistance programs administered by the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). According to FNS administrative 

records, during fiscal year 2011, SNAP served approximately 44.7 million people in an average 

month at a total annual cost of $75.7 billion, $71.8 billion of which went to SNAP benefits.1

SNAP is available to all individuals who meet the federal eligibility guidelines set by Congress, 

and serves a broad demographic spectrum of the needy population. It provides benefits 

electronically, and the benefits may be redeemed for eligible food items. As of September 30, 2011, 

there were 231,435 stores across the nation authorized to accept SNAP benefits.

Federal, State, and local governments share the costs and administration of SNAP. Congress 

authorizes the Program and appropriates necessary funds. The Department of Agriculture 

establishes SNAP regulations under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. FNS 

administers SNAP nationally while State and local welfare agencies operate the Program locally. The 

federal government fully funds SNAP benefits and the cooperating agencies share administrative 

costs, with FNS paying about 50 percent of such costs.

Using SNAP household data collected for quality control purposes, FNS publishes this annual 

report describing the characteristics of the SNAP population (Appendix G lists report titles) and 

uses the data for additional analyses. This report presents a picture of households and individuals 

participating in SNAP in fiscal year 2011. The remainder of this report draws on data for 

participating households eligible for SNAP under normal program rules and thus does not include 

information about those who received disaster assistance in fiscal year 2011 or ineligible households 

that were mistakenly issued benefits.

2

In Chapter 2, we provide an overview of SNAP, including the regulations used to determine 

eligibility and benefits, and the factors that affect program participation and costs, such as national 

economic trends. In Chapter 3, we describe the characteristics of individuals and households 

participating in SNAP in fiscal year 2011. We present detailed national tables of SNAP household 

characteristics in Appendix A and detailed State-by-State tables of SNAP household characteristics 

in Appendix B. We provide the fiscal year 2011 SNAP eligibility standards and maximum benefit 

amounts in Appendix C. In Appendix D, we provide a detailed explanation and evaluation of the 

source and reliability of the estimates in this report and, in Appendix E, the sampling error of the 

estimates. The data collection instrument used to collect the SNAP Quality Control (SNAP QC) 

 1 The total cost of SNAP in fiscal year 2011 included $3.9 billion in other costs, including the federal share of State 

administrative costs and employment and training programs, printing and processing, anti-fraud funding, and program 

evaluation. 

2 FNS coordinates with State, local, and volunteer organizations to provide food to those affected by storms, 

earthquakes, floods, or other disaster emergencies. About 902,000 people received disaster assistance at some time in 

fiscal year 2011. This number is calculated internally by Mathematica based on information provided by FNS, individual 

State reports, and direct contact with States.
2

data, which forms the basis of this report, appears in Appendix F, and a list of the reports in this 

series for earlier years is in Appendix G.
3

CHAPTER 2: AN OVERVIEW OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAM

The characteristics of SNAP households and the level of SNAP participation change over time 

in response to economic and demographic trends and legislative changes to SNAP. In this chapter,

we explain SNAP eligibility requirements, application procedures, benefit computation, and benefit 

issuance. We conclude with a summary of program participation and costs, as well as a discussion on

how the costs were related to the economy in fiscal year 2011.

Program Eligibility Requirements

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, establishes uniform national eligibility 

standards for SNAP. It defines a SNAP “household” and categories of households eligible for 

benefits. It also sets gross and net income limits, a resource limit, and various nonfinancial criteria

for eligibility. The legislation provides for exceptions to the eligibility criteria in certain high-cost 

areas, such as Alaska and Hawaii, and to certain individuals, such as those who are categorically 

eligible, elderly, or with disabilities.1

The Household

Furthermore, States have options to simplify certain eligibility 

rules, such as the definition of resources.

Under SNAP rules, a household is defined as individuals who share a residential unit and 

customarily purchase and prepare food together. The income and countable resources of each 

household member are aggregated to determine eligibility and benefits. Generally, individuals who 

live together in a residential unit but do not purchase and prepare food together may apply as 

separate household units; their income and countable resources are considered separately in 

eligibility and benefit determinations. However, spouses must apply together and parents must apply 

together with their children under age 22, even if the children have a spouse or child of their own. 

People who are elderly and disabled and cannot purchase and prepare food because of a substantial 

disability may apply as a separate household as long as the gross monthly income of the remainder 

of their residential unit is less than 165 percent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS) poverty guidelines.

2

Categorical Eligibility

Certain households are categorically eligible for SNAP. This eliminates certain verification 

requirements, such as the need to document household assets. Like other SNAP participants, the 

level of benefits that they receive is based on their income. A household is categorically eligible 

through pure public assistance (PA) status if each of its members receives Supplemental Security 

Income (SSI), cash Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or General Assistance (GA). 

 1 Generally, a person is considered to be disabled for SNAP benefit purposes if he or she receives federal or State 

disability or blindness payments or other disability retirement benefits from a government agency under the Social 

Security Act, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security disability or blindness payments; receives 

an annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act and is (1) eligible for Medicare or (2) considered to be disabled based on 

SSI rules; is a veteran who is totally disabled, permanently housebound, or in need of regular aid and attendance; or is 

permanently disabled and receiving veterans benefits as a surviving spouse or child of a veteran.

2 The Secretary of HHS establishes the federal poverty guidelines annually for many assistance programs. See 

Appendix C for a list of the fiscal year 2010 poverty guidelines and a description of how they are determined.
4

Benefits for these categorically eligible households are determined under the same rules that apply to 

other eligible SNAP households.

A broader interpretation of existing categorical eligibility rules was implemented on November 

21, 2000, which requires States to confer categorical eligibility on families receiving or certified as 

eligible to receive benefits or services, such as employment assistance, child care, or transportation 

assistance, that are at least 50 percent funded by TANF or Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funds. In 

addition, States have the option of conferring categorical eligibility on families receiving or certified 

to receive benefits or services that are less than 50 percent funded by TANF/MOE. They may also 

confer categorical eligibility on households in which at least one member receives the benefit or 

service, and the State determines if the entire household benefits. If the purpose of the program 

conferring categorical eligibility is to prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies or foster or strengthen 

marriage, the household’s gross income must be under 200 percent of poverty. However, if the 

purpose of the program is to assist needy families and reduce their dependency, no additional SNAP 

means test beyond that already used for TANF/MOE is required.

Many States have broad programs that provide a TANF/MOE-funded noncash benefit to 

confer categorical eligibility for SNAP on a large number of households. These policies are known 

as broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) policies. States have flexibility in setting the criteria for 

receiving the TANF/MOE-funded noncash benefit, but most apply only a gross income eligibility 

limit, between 130 and 200 percent of SNAP poverty guidelines, and have eliminated the asset test.

The number of States (including the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) 

implementing BBCE policies has expanded rapidly in recent years, rising from 29 States in fiscal year

2009 to 39 in fiscal year 2010, and to 42 States by the end of fiscal year 2011. Forty States had BBCE 

policies in effect throughout all of fiscal year 2011, while Colorado and Iowa established BBCE 

policies after the start of the fiscal year. Two of the 42 BBCE States (California and New 

Hampshire) had policies that applied only to households with children, although after the start of 

the fiscal year, California expanded its policy to include households without children. In States 

without BBCE policies, households participating in more narrowly targeted noncash TANF-funded 

programs may also be categorically eligible for SNAP.

Income Eligibility Standards

Monthly income is the most important determinant of a household’s SNAP eligibility. 

Households that are not categorically eligible must meet two income eligibility standards: a gross 

income standard and a net income standard.3

 3 Individuals participating in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or an SSI Combined Application 

Project (SSI-CAP) are subject to different eligibility and benefit determination rules, as described later in this chapter.

As defined in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as 

amended, gross income includes most cash income (with the exception of specific types of income,

such as loans), and excludes most noncash income or in-kind benefits. A household that is not 

categorically eligible and does not include an elderly or disabled member must have a monthly gross 

income that is at or below 130 percent of the poverty guideline ($2,389 per month for a family of 

four in the contiguous United States in fiscal year 2011) to be eligible for SNAP. Households with 

elderly or disabled members are not subject to the gross income standard. 
5

Net income is determined by subtracting deductions permitted under SNAP from monthly 

gross income. SNAP deducts the following from a household’s gross monthly income to arrive at 

net monthly income:4

• Standard Deduction. Households receive a standard deduction based on location and 

household size. In fiscal year 2011, a household with one to three members in the 

contiguous United States received a $142 deduction; larger households received a larger 

standard deduction. The standard deductions for outlying States and territories vary with 

price differences between such areas and the contiguous United States (Appendix C). 

The standard deductions are indexed annually to inflation.

• Earned Income Deduction. Households with earnings receive a deduction equal to 20 

percent of the combined earnings of household members.

• Dependent Care Deduction. Households with dependents receive a deduction for outof-pocket costs for the care of children and other dependents while other household 

members work, seek employment, or attend school.5

• Medical Deduction. A medical deduction is available only to households with elderly 

or disabled members. In most States, such households may deduct combined out-ofpocket medical costs exceeding $35 that are incurred on behalf of elderly or disabled 

household members. Nine States have implemented medical deduction demonstration 

programs that use standard deduction amounts for households with medical expenses 

exceeding $35 but below a specified limit.6

• Child Support Payment Deduction. Households may deduct legally obligated child 

support payments made to or for a non-household member. States may choose to 

exclude child support payments from gross income rather than treat them as a

deduction. 

Medical expenses reimbursed by insurance or 

government programs are not deductible in any State.

• Excess Shelter Expense Deduction. A household is entitled to a deduction equal to 

shelter costs (such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes, and insurance) 

that exceed 50 percent of its countable income after all other potential deductions are 

subtracted from gross income. The limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the 

contiguous United States for households without elderly or disabled members was $458

in fiscal year 2011. The amount is indexed to inflation. The limits on the excess shelter 

expense deduction for outlying States and territories vary with price differences between 

such areas and the contiguous United States (Appendix C). Households with elderly or 

disabled members are entitled to subtract the full value of shelter costs that exceed 50 

percent of their adjusted income. Some States also allow homeless households a 

deduction of up to $143 for shelter costs. 

 4 The amount of deductions to which a household is entitled―the household’s deduction entitlement―is not 

always equal to the amount used to compute SNAP benefits. Because net income may not be less than zero, households 

with total deductions greater than their gross income may claim only a portion of their deduction entitlement.

5 The 2008 Farm Bill eliminated the cap on the dependent care deduction beginning October 1, 2009.

6 For detailed information on these demonstrations, see Technical Documentation for the Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC 

Database and QC Minimodel.
6

To be eligible for SNAP, a household must have net monthly income at or below 100 percent 

of the poverty guidelines ($1,838 for a family of four in the contiguous United States in fiscal year 

2011). Most categorically eligible households are not subject to the net income limit. The gross and 

net income eligibility standards vary by household size and for residents of Alaska and Hawaii 

(Appendix C).

Resources

Another important determinant of SNAP eligibility is a household’s resources. Through fiscal 

year 2011, households that were not categorically eligible were permitted up to $2,000 in countable 

resources or, if at least one household member was elderly or disabled, up to $3,000. As stipulated in 

the 2008 Farm Bill, the resource limits in future years will be indexed to inflation, rounded to the 

nearest $250 increment each fiscal year.7

Vehicles with equity below $1,500 are excluded from the resource test. Vehicles used as homes, 

to produce income, transport physically disabled household members, or transport fuel or water are 

also excluded. Otherwise, for one vehicle per adult and any vehicle used by a teenager in the 

household to drive to work or school, any fair market value in excess of $4,650 is counted toward 

the resource limit. Of the household’s remaining vehicles, the higher of (1) any fair market value in 

excess of $4,650 or (2) any equity is counted.

Countable resources included cash, resources easily 

converted to cash (such as money in checking or savings accounts, savings certificates, stocks and 

bonds, and lump-sum payments), and some nonliquid resources. However, some types of property 

were not counted, such as retirement and educational savings accounts, family homes, tools of a 

trade, or business property used to earn income. Most categorically eligible households were not 

subject to SNAP resource limits.

8

States are allowed to use TANF vehicle rules in place of SNAP rules if the TANF rules were 

less restrictive. By September 2011, 46 States had adopted policies excluding the value of all vehicles 

from the resource test.9

Nonfinancial Eligibility Standards

The remaining States adopted policies excluding or increasing the allowable 

value of one or more vehicles. These changes were intended to make it easier for low-income 

workers to keep a vehicle and still receive SNAP benefits.

The Program’s nonfinancial eligibility standards restrict the participation of certain students, 

strikers, people who are institutionalized, fleeing felons, drug felons, unauthorized immigrants, 

nonimmigrant visitors to the United States, and some lawful permanent resident noncitizens. In 

 7 In fiscal year 2012, the resource limit for households that were not categorically eligible and included at least one 

elderly or disabled member increased to $3,250.

8 The equity of a vehicle is defined as its fair market value minus remaining liens.

9 In 38 of these States, almost all participating households were certified eligible for a TANF/MOE-funded benefit 

that conferred categorical eligibility or were categorically eligible because every member received SSI, cash TANF, or 

GA income (Table B.15).
7

addition, nondisabled nonelderly adults living in households without dependents are subject to work 

registration requirements and time limits on benefit receipt.10

The following groups of legally resident noncitizens are eligible for SNAP benefits provided 

they meet SNAP’s other eligibility requirements:

• Those who have lived legally in the United States for five years or more

• Those under age 18

• Those receiving disability benefits

• Those admitted as refugees and granted asylum or a stay of deportation

• Members of the US Armed Forces, veterans, and dependents of service members and 

veterans

• Those with at least 40 quarters of work history.

In fiscal year 2011, nondisabled nonelderly adults living in households without children could

receive benefits only if they worked or participated in work-related activities. With certain 

exceptions, those who did not meet these work requirements were restricted to 3 months of SNAP 

benefits in any 36-month period.11

• People who were disabled

Participants aged 18 to 49 were subject to these provisions unless 

they were in one of the following categories:

• People who were mentally or physically unfit for employment

• Pregnant women

• People needed in the home to care for an ill or incapacitated person

• Relatives or other caretakers of dependent children.

Participants not in any of the above categories were subject to benefit time limits unless they 

met work registration requirements by:

• Working at least 20 hours per week

• Complying with work requirements under another public assistance or work program

• Participating in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program

• Participating in a work experience program.

 10 States may waive the time limit in geographic areas or State-wide if the area has an unemployment rate which 

exceeds 10 percent or does not have a sufficient number of jobs to provide employment.

11 These nondisabled nonelderly adults living in households without children could be exempt from the work 

requirements if they lived in a waiver area (e.g., because of a high unemployment rate) or had been granted a 

discretionary exemption by the State. Only 15 percent of the State’s caseload may receive a discretionary exemption.
8

Application Procedures

When a household applies for SNAP benefits, State agencies are required to conduct a face-toface interview at initial certification and at least once every 12 months thereafter. Elderly or disabled 

individuals and those with transportation problems may be interviewed by telephone or at home. All 

SNAP applicants have the option to appear in person at their local SNAP office, but as online 

applications for SNAP and state waivers for the face-to-face interview requirement proliferate, 

applicants increasingly also have the choice to complete their application without visiting the SNAP 

office. As of November 2010, 47 States had been granted waivers, either statewide or for select 

regions, of the requirement that households receive a face-to-face interview. These States provide 

the option of a telephone interview, either at initial certification, recertification, or both. Also as of 

November 2010, 25 States offered statewide online applications and 4 more offered online 

applications in parts of the State. All States must allow individuals to apply for SNAP benefits when 

they apply for TANF or SSI benefits.

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, requires local offices to process applications 

for SNAP benefits within 30 days of receipt. However, applications from households with an 

extremely low income or a low level of resources must be processed more quickly under the 

expedited SNAP eligibility verification procedures, allowing people to receive SNAP benefits within 

7 days of application. Those eligible for expedited service include (1) migrant or seasonal farm 

workers with countable resources equal to or less than $100, (2) households with gross income equal 

to or less than $150 and countable resources equal to or less than $100, and (3) households whose 

combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than the household’s monthly rent or 

mortgage, and utilities.

SNAP participants are required to appear periodically at their local SNAP office or to 

participate in a telephone interview for recertification. The certification period varies with the 

likelihood of a change in a SNAP household’s financial circumstances. The certification period may 

be as long as 24 months for households with elderly members and up to 48 months for households 

participating in SSI Combined Application Project demonstrations. In fiscal year 2011, SNAP 

households were certified for benefits for an average of 12 months.

Benefit Computation

After a household is certified for SNAP, its monthly SNAP benefit is computed on the basis of 

its net monthly income, the benefit reduction rate, and the maximum SNAP benefit for its 

household size and location. The maximum benefit to which a household is entitled has been 

historically based on 100 percent of the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) for a family of four in 

June of the previous year, adjusted for household size and geographic areas outside of the 

contiguous United States. The TFP is a healthful and minimal cost diet, with the cost adjusted for 

household size and composition.12

 12 See Thrifty Food Plan, 2006, at 

Maximum benefits are usually revised annually to reflect changes 

in the cost of foods in the TFP.

http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/FoodPlans/MiscPubs/

TFP2006Report.pdf, for more information. 
9

However, as specified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the 

maximum benefit was set to 113.6 percent of the June 2008 TFP beginning in April 2009. As 

specified in subsequent legislation, this provision, which was still in effect in fiscal year 2011, will 

expire on October 31, 2013, when the maximum benefit is scheduled to again be based on 100 

percent of the cost of the TFP in the preceding June. In fiscal year 2011, the maximum monthly 

benefit for a family of four in the contiguous United States was $668 (Appendix C).

Participant households are expected to spend about 30 percent of their net cash income on 

food, with SNAP benefits providing the difference between that amount and the maximum benefit. 

Given that assumption, SNAP benefits are calculated by subtracting 30 percent of a household’s net 

income from the maximum benefit amount to which it is entitled. This 30 percent rate at which 

benefits are reduced for every additional dollar of net income is called the benefit reduction rate.

If a household has zero net income (that is, its deductable expenses equal or exceed its gross 

income), it receives the maximum SNAP benefit. For new participants, benefits are prorated for the 

first month.13 All eligible one- and two-person households are guaranteed a minimum benefit except 

during the initial month of participation. The 2008 Farm Bill increased the minimum benefit for 

one- and two-person households in October 2008, from $10 to 8 percent of the maximum benefit 

for a one-person household. In fiscal year 2011, the minimum benefit for one- and two-person 

households in the contiguous United States was $16.14

SSI-CAP and MFIP Households

Through their participation in the Supplemental Security Income Combined Application 

Project (SSI-CAP), some households with SSI benefits receive SNAP benefits that are subject to a 

method of computation different from other SNAP households. SSI-CAP is a joint FNS-Social 

Security Administration (SSA) and State project that streamlines the SNAP application process for 

certain households eligible for SSI (also making them categorically eligible for SNAP). Throughout

fiscal year 2011, 18 States were operating SSI-CAP demonstrations: Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, 

Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, 

North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. In 

most cases, SSI-CAP is limited to households with one elderly or disabled person who receives SSI 

and has no earned income.15

 13 SNAP households will not receive benefits in the first month if the amount of pro-rated benefits would be less 

than $10.

In 15 of the States (Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, 

Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, 

South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia), SSI-CAP households receive a standard SNAP benefit based on 

whether the State categorizes them as having “high” or “low” shelter expenses, as determined by the 

State. In 3 of the States (Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington), SSI-CAP households receive a

SNAP benefit based on gross income, the standard deduction, a standard utility allowance (SUA), 

14 Table C.6 presents minimum benefit values for the other States and territories for fiscal year 2011.

15 In Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington, a household must have no earned income to enter the program but, 

once enrolled, may have earned income for up to three months and remain eligible. In Kentucky, New York, North 

Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas, a household may have earned income and still be eligible for SSI-CAP benefits. In 

Kentucky and South Dakota, married couples may also be eligible for SSI-CAP benefits, but each individual must meet 

the eligibility criteria to be treated as a member of the same household; in Texas, married couples may participate but are 

treated as separate households.
10

and a standardized “high” or “low” shelter expense deduction. SSI-CAP households are not subject 

to any other income deductions.

Under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Minnesota households that receive 

TANF are subject to a different benefit computation method than other SNAP households. MFIP 

participants’ SNAP benefit is calculated at the same time as the cash assistance benefit by 

subtracting total income from an income threshold that is based on family size and is higher for 

families with earnings. If the difference between total income and the threshold is greater than the 

maximum benefit set by Minnesota, the family receives the full food portion of its benefit, and 

possibly an additional cash benefit. As a family’s income rises, the cash portion of the benefit is

reduced before the food portion is reduced. Families with income closer to the income threshold 

may not receive a cash benefit and may receive a smaller food benefit as well. MFIP participants are 

credited with a 37 percent earnings deduction but are not subject to other income deductions.

SNAP Benefit Issuance

In fiscal year 2011, as in previous years, all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the 

U.S. Virgin Islands operated Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems. All EBT systems were 

online and permitted participants to receive a debit card, similar to a bank card, for use in purchasing 

food at authorized retail stores. A household’s monthly benefit is electronically transferred to an 

account created specifically for SNAP benefits. The amount of a purchase is debited from the 

account at the time of the transaction.

Program Changes Since the Previous Fiscal Year

In fiscal year 2011, Colorado, Hawaii, and Iowa adopted BBCE policies for the first time. 

California, Maryland, and Minnesota expanded existing BBCE policies, increasing SNAP eligibility in 

those States, while Idaho and North Dakota restricted existing BBCE policies, decreasing SNAP 

eligibility in those States. In particular, California and Maryland expanded their policies to include 

households without children, and Minnesota expanded their policy by dropping their asset test and 

raising their gross income limit to 165 percent of the poverty guideline for all households. 

Conversely, Idaho and North Dakota restricted their policies by adding an asset test and gross 

income test, respectively.

Also during fiscal year 2011, Illinois and Kansas implemented medical deduction demonstration 

programs, which use a standard deduction amount for households with medical expenses below a 

specified limit. The demonstration programs simplify the application process for qualifying 

households and may slightly increase eligibility and benefit amounts.

SNAP Participation and Costs

After declining slowly from 1985 through 1989, the number of SNAP participants grew 

substantially during the early 1990s. As illustrated in Figure 2.1, the number increased by 37 percent 

from fiscal year 1990 to fiscal year 1994. After peaking at 28.0 million in March 1994, the number of 

eligible SNAP participants declined steadily through 2000 but began to rise in 2001 and increased 

each year through 2011, except for a slight dip in 2007. The increase was substantial from fiscal year 

2010 to fiscal year 2011. Average monthly participation increased from 17.2 million individuals in 

fiscal year 2000 to 40.3 million in fiscal year 2010, and to 44.7 million in fiscal year 2011.

Fluctuations in the number of SNAP participants in the last 16 years have broadly tracked major 

economic indicators (Table 2.1).
11

Total SNAP costs increased from $68.3 billion in fiscal year 2010 to $75.7 billion in fiscal year 

2011, largely as a result of the increase in SNAP participants.
12

Figure 2.1. SNAP Participants, Unemployed Individuals, and Individuals in Poverty, 1985- 2011

a Annual values. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United 

States: 2011.

bAverage monthly values. Source: Food and Nutrition Service Fiscal Year 2011 Program Operations data.

cAverage monthly values. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

0

10

20

30

40

50

'85 '86 '87 88 '89 '90 '91 '92 '93 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 '00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11

Year

Individuals in Povertya

SNAP Participantsb

Unemployed Individualsc

Millions
13

Table 2.1. Major Economic Indicators, Calendar Years 1996–2011

Calendar Year

Economic Indicator 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Real GDP Increasea,b 3.7 4.5 4.4 4.8 4.1 1.1 1.8 2.5 3.5 3.1 2.7 1.9 -0.3 -3.5 3.0 1.7

Productivity 

Increasec 2.9 1.8 3.0 3.5 3.5 3.0 4.5 3.9 2.8 1.7 0.9 1.5 0.7 2.5 4.0 0.2

Unemployment 

Rated 5.4 4.9 4.5 4.2 4.0 4.7 5.8 6.0 5.5 5.1 4.6 4.6 5.8 9.3 9.6 9.0

Inflation Ratee 1.9 1.8 1.1 1.5 2.2 2.3 1.6 2.1 2.8 3.3 3.2 2.9 2.2 1.1 1.2 2.1

Interest Ratef 7.4 7.3 6.5 7.1 7.6 7.1 6.5 5.7 5.6 5.2 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.3 4.9 4.6

Individuals Below 

Poverty Line

Number in 

Thousands 36,529 35,574 34,476 32,791 31,581 32,907 34,570 35,861 37,040 36,950 36,460 37,276 39,829 43,569 46,343 46,247

Percentage of 

Total Population 13.7 13.3 12.7 11.9 11.3 11.7 12.1 12.5 12.7 12.6 12.3 12.5 13.2 14.3 15.1 15.0

Sources:

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Increase: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Income and Product Accounts.

Productivity Increase: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Major Sector Productivity and Costs Index.”

Unemployment Rate: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Inflation Rate: Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Income and Product Accounts.

Interest Rate: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Individuals Below Poverty Line: U.S. Census Bureau.

a Percentage change from preceding year. 

b The Bureau of Economic Analysis periodically revises GDP estimates. Therefore, historical numbers in this table may differ from previous reports.

c Percentage change from preceding year in output per hour, nonfarm business sector.

dUnemployment rate for all civilian workers. 

e Percentage change from preceding year in the implicit price deflator for GDP. 

f

Corporate AAA bond yield.
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15

CHAPTER 3: CHARACTERISTICS OF SNAP

HOUSEHOLDS AND PARTICIPANTS

SNAP serves the nutritional needs of a broad spectrum of low-income Americans.1 In an 

average month in fiscal year 2011, SNAP provided benefits to 44.1 million people living in 20.8

million households.2 The vast majority of SNAP households (83 percent) lived in poverty, according 

to the federal poverty guidelines for program eligibility in fiscal year 2011. Most SNAP households 

(76 percent) included a child (under age 18), an elderly individual (age 60 and over), or a disabled 

nonelderly individual. The average SNAP household received a monthly benefit of $281, had gross 

monthly income of $744, net monthly income of $338, and was entitled to a total deduction of $508

per month.3,4

In this chapter, we discuss the composition and economic status of SNAP households, the 

characteristics of SNAP participants, and the changes in the characteristics of SNAP households 

from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2011. Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 show the poverty status of 

participants and the effect of SNAP benefits on poverty among participating households; Tables 3.2 

and 3.3 present sources of income and average monthly income, benefit, and unit size by household 

composition; Table 3.4 depicts the demographic characteristics of participants; and Table 3.5 

compares the change in constant 2011 dollars since 2010 in average income, deductions, and 

benefits for participating households. 

The average household size was 2.1 people. 

The Poverty Status of SNAP Households5

SNAP provides benefits to households in need. In fiscal year 2011, the gross monthly income 

of 83 percent of SNAP households was less than or equal to 100 percent of the federal poverty 

guideline (Table 3.1).6

 1 The information in this chapter and the estimates in Appendices A and B are based on a sample of 51,115 

households that participated in SNAP in fiscal year 2011. The sample was drawn from SNAP households in the 50 

States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Households in Puerto Rico and the Northern 

Mariana Islands were not included in the sample because Puerto Rico operates its own Nutritional Assistance Program, 

which replaced SNAP in July 1982, and the Northern Mariana Islands participates in another block grant program 

instead of SNAP.

The gross monthly income of 61 percent of all SNAP households was less 

2 The estimates of 44.1 million participants and 20.8 million households differ slightly from the number of SNAP 

participants and households in FNS administrative records (44.7 million people and 21.1 million households) because 

the sample estimate is adjusted to exclude receipt of benefits by ineligible households and those receiving disaster 

assistance. These adjustments also affect household average monthly benefits, which are $281 in the SNAP QC data, 

compared with $284 in FNS administrative records (Appendix D provides details).

3 Because net income is not used in benefit determination for households participating in MFIP and households 

participating in an SSI-CAP with a standardized benefit, the average monthly net income estimate excludes these 

households.

4 The average total deduction estimate reflects the entire deduction to which households are entitled. Because 

households may not deduct more than their gross income, the estimate is greater than households’ average deduction. 

With deductions not used in their benefit determination, SSI-CAP households with standardized benefits are excluded 

from the estimate.

5 For more detailed information on the economic status of SNAP households, see Appendix Tables A.3 through 

A.8.

6 See Appendix Table C.1 for the poverty guidelines.
16

than or equal to 75 percent of the poverty guideline, and the income of 43 percent of all SNAP

households was less than or equal to 50 percent of the guideline (Table 3.1). The average household 

had income that was slightly less than 59 percent of the poverty guideline (Table A.2).

SNAP effectively targets benefits to the neediest households; poorer households receive greater 

SNAP benefits than households with more income. The 43 percent of all SNAP households with 

gross monthly income less than or equal to 50 percent of the poverty guideline in fiscal year 2011 

received 55 percent of all benefits. In contrast, the 17 percent of households with a gross monthly 

income over the poverty guideline received only 9 percent of all benefits (Table 3.1). 

The impact of SNAP benefits on a household’s purchasing power is estimated by adding the 

dollar value of the benefits to a household’s income and then examining the distribution of 

households by poverty status.

7

Households with Special Needs

As shown in Figure 3.1, the combination of cash and SNAP benefits 

yields a substantially different distribution of SNAP households by poverty status. Specifically, when 

SNAP benefits are included in gross income, the resulting increase in the income of SNAP 

households was sufficient to move 13 percent of participating households above the poverty 

guideline. SNAP benefits had an even greater impact on the poorest SNAP households, moving 15 

percent above 50 percent of the poverty guideline. 

8

SNAP effectively serves many households that include people with special needs—children, 

elderly, and disabled people. In fiscal year 2011, 76 percent of all SNAP households, containing 87 

percent of all participants, included a child, an elderly person, or a disabled nonelderly person. These 

households received 83 percent of all SNAP benefits (Table A.14).

 7 This comparison assumes that program participants value their SNAP benefits at face value.

8 See Appendix Tables A.3, A.6, A.8, A.11, A.12, A.14, A.15, A.16, A.17, A.18, A.19, A.21, A.22, and 

A.23 for more details on these households. 
17

Table 3.1. Distribution of Households and Their Benefits by Countable Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty Guideline, Fiscal Year 2011 

Gross Income as a Percentage of 

Poverty Guidelinea

All Households All Benefits

Percentageb Cumulative 

Percentage Percentageb Cumulative Percentage

25% or less....................................... 29.0 29.0 33.9 33.9 

26–50%............................................. 13.6 42.6 21.2 55.1 

51–75%............................................. 18.2 60.8 19.9 75.0 

76–100% .......................................... 22.5 83.4 16.4 91.4 

101–130% ........................................ 11.9 95.3 7.2 98.6 

131% or more .................................. 4.7 100.0 1.4 100.0

Source: Fiscal year 2011 SNAP QC sample.

a Defined as the fiscal year 2011 SNAP net income screen (Appendix C).

b Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.

Figure 3.1. Effect of SNAP Benefits on the Poverty Status of SNAP Households, Fiscal Year 2011

Source: Fiscal year 2011 SNAP QC sample.

Note: Estimates may not add to 100 percent due to rounding.

a Defined as the fiscal year 2011 SNAP net income screen (Appendix C).

42.6% 40.7%

16.6%

27.2%

43.2%

29.6%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

50% or less 51-100% 101% or more

Distribution of 

Households in 

Relation to Poverty 

Guidelinea

Gross Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guidelinea 

Based on Cash Only

Based on Cash and SNAP 

Benefits
18

Households with Children

In each month of fiscal year 2011, SNAP served approximately 9.8 million households with 

children, representing 47 percent of all SNAP households. Seventy-six percent of all SNAP 

households with earnings contained children and 49 percent of all households with children had 

earned income (Table 3.2). Sixteen percent of all households with children received TANF cash 

benefits, and 4 percent received a combination of TANF and earnings (Table A.6). Compared with 

other SNAP households, those with children received a relatively high average SNAP benefit of 

$413 per month (Table 3.3), likely because the household size among SNAP households with 

children (3.2 people) was larger than the average household size among all SNAP households (2.1 

people). 

In fiscal year 2011, single adults (usually a female) headed more than half (56 percent) of all 

SNAP households with children, accounting for 26 percent of all SNAP households (Table 3.2). 

Approximately 9 percent of all SNAP households included a married head of household and 

children, accounting for 19 percent of all SNAP households with children. 

Of the 5.5 million single-adult SNAP households with children, about 956,000 (17 percent) 

received TANF, 2.2 million (40 percent) had earnings, 635,000 (12 percent) received SSI, and 

535,000 (10 percent) received Social Security. Of the 1.9 million married-head households with 

children, 1.2 million (64 percent) had earned income, 236,000 (13 percent) received SSI, 190,000 (10 

percent) received Social Security, and 161,000 (9 percent) received TANF (Table 3.2).

The characteristics of married-head households with children varied considerably from those of 

single-adult households with children. The average monthly SNAP benefit for single-adult 

households with children was lower than that of married-head households with children ($395 

versus $484) because of the smaller size of single-adult households (Table 3.3). However, the benefit 

per person was higher for people in single-adult households with children than for people in 

married-head households with children ($136 versus $113) because single-adult households were 

poorer. Single-adult households with children had a substantially lower gross monthly income than 

married-head households with children ($832 versus $1,368).

Among all households with children, 1.9 million (19 percent) received child support and 1.2 

million (12 percent) had no countable income (Table A.6).

Households with Elderly Individuals

In each month of fiscal year 2011, SNAP served an average of more than 3.4 million 

households with elderly individuals (age 60 and over). These households represent more than 16 

percent of all SNAP households (Table 3.2), close to a 1 percentage point increase from fiscal year 

2010. Households with elderly individuals had an average household size of 1.3 people (Table 3.3).

In fiscal year 2011, the average SNAP benefit for SNAP households with elderly individuals was 

$144, compared to $307 for households without elderly individuals (Table A.2). Elderly SNAP 

recipients tended to receive relatively small benefit amounts for two reasons. First, they typically had 

higher average gross and net incomes than other households. Households with elderly individuals 

had average gross and net incomes of $833 and $385, compared to $727 and $330 for households 
19

without elderly individuals. Second, elderly SNAP recipients usually lived alone and thus were 

eligible for smaller maximum benefit amounts than other households.9 In fiscal year 2011, 80 

percent of all SNAP households with elderly individuals were single-person households (Table 3.2). 

Elderly SNAP recipients who lived alone received an average SNAP benefit of $122 per month, 

compared to $188 for multi-person households with elderly individuals only, and $271 for multiperson households with both elderly and nonelderly individuals (Table A.15). The average size of 

households with elderly individuals not living alone was 2.3 people (Table 3.3).

 9 In this report, we use the term “living alone” to refer to individuals who reside in one-person SNAP households, 

although others may live in the same residential unit.
Table 3.2. Household Composition and Selected Characteristics of Participating Households, Fiscal Year 2011

Households With:

All Households Households With Countable:

Number

(000)

Percent

Earned Income Social Security SSI Zero Gross Income TA

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Totala ..................................... 20,803 100.0 6,351 100.0 4,660 100.0 4,195 100.0 4,151 100.0 1,591 

Children ............................... 9,794 47.1 4,816 75.8 910 19.5 1,118 26.6 1,216 29.3 1,540  Single-Adult Household ..... 5,477 26.3 2,201 34.7 535 11.5 635 15.1 782 18.8 956  Multiple-Adult Household .. 3,026 14.5 1,811 28.5 351 7.5 453 10.8 277 6.7 335  Married Head Household 1,873 9.0 1,197 18.8 190 4.1 236 5.6 180 4.3 161  Other Multiple-Adult

Household ....................... 1,154 5.5 615 9.7 162 3.5 216 5.2 97 2.3 174 

 Children Only ..................... 1,290 6.2 804 12.7 24 0.5 30 0.7 157 3.8 249 Elderly Individuals ............. 3,426 16.5 199 3.1 2,322 49.8 1,386 33.0 224 5.4 47 

 Living Alone ....................... 2,730 13.1 88 1.4 1,849 39.7 1,125 26.8 210 5.1 2  Not Living Alone ................ 696 3.3 111 1.7 473 10.2 261 6.2 14 0.3 44 Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsb .................... 4,199 20.2 457 7.2 2,127 45.6 2,894 69.0 0 0.0 284 

 Living Alone ....................... 2,382 11.5 96 1.5 1,317 28.3 1,538 36.7 0 0.0 2  Not Living Alone ................ 1,816 8.7 360 5.7 810 17.4 1,356 32.3 – – 283 Other Householdsc .............. 5,033 24.2 1,209 19.0 38 0.8 0 0.0 2,718 65.5 41  Single-Person Household .... 4,545 21.8 950 15.0 23 0.5 0 0.0 2,600 62.6 27  Multi-Person Household ..... 488 2.3 260 4.1 15 0.3 – – 118 2.8 14 Single-Person Households .. 10,125 48.7 1,407 22.2 3,197 68.6 2,664 63.5 2,878 69.3 121 

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a The sums of the household types do not match the numbers in the "Total" row because a household can have more than one of the characteristics.

b Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that contain 

reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

c Households not containing children, elderly individuals, or disabled nonelderly individuals.

– No sample households are found in this category.

20
Table 3.3. Average Values of Selected Characteristics by Household Composition, Fiscal Year 2011

Households With:

Average Values

Gross Monthly

Countable

Income

(Dollars)

Net Monthly

Countable

Income

(Dollars)a

Monthly

SNAP Benefit

(Dollars)

Monthly

SNAP Benefit

Per Person

(Dollars)b

Household

Size

(Persons)

Total ............................................................ 744 338 281 134 2.1

Children ...................................................... 948 462 413 129 3.2

 Single-Adult Household ............................. 832 389 395 136 2.9

 Male Adult .............................................. 757 359 359 138 2.6

 Female Adult ........................................... 837 391 398 133 3.0

 Multiple-Adult Household ......................... 1,309 716 485 115 4.2

 Married Head Household ........................ 1,368 754 484 113 4.3

 Other Multiple-Adult Household ............ 1,213 655 487 119 4.1

 Children Only ............................................. 594 178 316 158 2.0

Elderly Individuals ..................................... 833 385 144 111 1.3

 Living Alone .............................................. 743 305 122 122 1.0

 Not Living Alone ....................................... 1,188 666 233 101 2.3

Disabled Nonelderly Individualsc ............. 969 482 220 110 2.0

 Living Alone .............................................. 769 289 124 124 1.0

 Not Living Alone ....................................... 1,232 713 346 105 3.3

Other Householdsd ..................................... 270 88 195 177 1.1

 Single-Person Household ........................... 222 64 183 183 1.0

 Multi-Person Household ............................ 711 310 307 140 2.2

Single-Person Households ......................... 499 176 153 153 1.0

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because net income is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households in

States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column.

b This column is calculated by dividing the average monthly SNAP benefit by the average SNAP household size. In previous

reports, this column was calculated by first calculating per-capita benefits at the household level by dividing the household benefit by

the household size and then taking the average of all per-capita benefits.

c Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are ony

able to identify households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify

which household member was disabled.

d Households not containing children, elderly individuals, or disabled individuals.

21
22

A majority of SNAP households with elderly individuals received SSI or Social Security income. 

In fiscal year 2011, 40 percent of all SNAP households with elderly individuals received SSI, 68

percent received Social Security income, and 86 percent received income from at least one of those 

sources (Tables 3.2 and A.6). Twenty-two percent of households with elderly individuals received 

both SSI and Social Security income, about 3 percentage points lower than in 2010 (Table A.6). 

SNAP households with elderly individuals represented 33 percent of all SNAP households with SSI 

and 50 percent of all SNAP households with Social Security income (Table 3.2). Nearly 7 percent of 

households with elderly individuals had no income (Table A.6). 

Households with Disabled Nonelderly Individuals

In fiscal year 2011, SNAP served a monthly average of 4.2 million households with disabled 

nonelderly individuals (Table 3.2).10

About 57 percent of SNAP households with disabled nonelderly individuals were single-person 

households (Table 3.2). Households with a disabled nonelderly individual living alone received a 

lower average monthly SNAP benefit than did those with disabled nonelderly individuals not living 

alone ($124 compared with $346) (Table 3.3). Again, the difference in benefits between the two 

groups reflects differences in average household size. Disabled nonelderly individuals who did not 

live alone resided in households with an average of 3.3 individuals and a per person benefit of $105, 

versus a per person benefit of $124 for those living alone. Sixty-nine percent of households with 

disabled nonelderly individuals received SSI and almost 51 percent received Social Security income 

(Table 3.2). SNAP households with disabled nonelderly individuals represented 69 percent of all 

SNAP households with SSI and 46 percent of all SNAP households with Social Security income 

(Table 3.2).

These households represented 20 percent of all SNAP 

households and received an average monthly SNAP benefit of $220 (Table 3.3).

Other Households Served by SNAP

SNAP serves other needy households in addition to those with children, elderly individuals, or 

disabled individuals. In fiscal year 2011, 24 percent of all SNAP households (5 million households)

consisted solely of one or more nonelderly, nondisabled adults with no children (Table 3.2). These 

households tended to be single-person households (90 percent). In addition, 8 percent received GA, 

representing the largest category (50 percent) of all households receiving GA. These households had 

a very low average gross monthly income ($270), and 2.7 million (54 percent) had zero gross income 

(Tables 3.2 and 3.3). Households consisting solely of one or more nonelderly, nondisabled adults 

received an average SNAP benefit of $195 per month (Table 3.3). 

 10 The SNAP QC data do not include information that can be used to identify elderly persons who are disabled. In 

addition, while we are able to identify households with a disabled person in the SNAP QC datafile if the household does 

not contain an elderly member, we cannot identify which household member is disabled. In this report, we identify 

households with a disabled nonelderly member as households with (1) nonelderly SSI recipients; (2) a medical expense 

deduction and no elderly individuals; or (3) nonelderly adults who work fewer than 30 hours a week and receive Social 

Security, veterans benefits, or workers’ compensation. 
23

Single-Person Households

Of all SNAP households in fiscal year 2011, 10.1 million (49 percent) were single-person 

households (Table 3.2).11

Characteristics of SNAP Participants

These households received an average monthly SNAP benefit of $153

(Table 3.3). A majority of these individuals (52 percent) were female (Table A.24), 27 percent were 

elderly, and nearly 24 percent were nonelderly disabled individuals (Table 3.2). Compared with all 

SNAP households, a relatively small proportion of SNAP participants living alone had earned 

income (14 versus 31 percent), and a relatively high proportion had zero gross income (28 versus 20

percent) (Table 3.2). By comparison, 46 percent of all multi-person households had earned income, 

and 12 percent had zero gross income (Tables A.4 and A.19, calculated by subtracting the number of 

one-person households from the number of total households). Not surprisingly, given the high 

proportion of elderly and disabled individuals making up single-person households, 26 and 32 

percent of single-person households received SSI and Social Security income, respectively (Table 

3.2).

In fiscal year 2011, 45 percent of SNAP participants were children, and they received 44 percent 

of prorated SNAP benefits (Table 3.4). Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of children served by SNAP 

were school age (age 5 to 17). Forty-six percent of participants were nonelderly adults (age 18 to 59), 

and nearly 9 percent were elderly adults (age 60 or older). 

Sixty-two percent of nonelderly adults and 66 percent of elderly adults were female (Table 

A.23). Seven percent of SNAP participants were foreign-born—3 percent were naturalized citizens, 

3 percent were legal permanent residents, and less than 1 percent were refugees. More than 8 

percent of all SNAP participants were citizen children living with noncitizens.12

Changes in the Economic Conditions of SNAP Households

The overall economic conditions of the average SNAP household declined from fiscal year 

2010 to fiscal year 2011, likely a result of the still struggling job market and national economy (Table 

2.1). The average household gross income decreased in real dollars from $755 in fiscal year 2010 to 

$744 in fiscal year 2011, while average household net income decreased by $9 to $338 during the 

same period (Table 3.5). 

The percentage of households with zero gross income stayed unchanged, at 20 percent, while 

the percentage of households with zero net income rose slightly to 39 percent in fiscal year 2011 

(Table A.1). The percentage of households with earnings and the percentage with TANF income 

each remained relatively constant in fiscal year 2011, at 31 percent and 8 percent, respectively. 

The average household benefit decreased in real dollars, from $301 in fiscal year 2010 to $281 

in fiscal year 2011, even as net income per household decreased from $347 to $338 (Table 3.5). The 

decrease in average household benefit is likely due to the slight decrease in SNAP household size, 

 11 These individuals apply for SNAP benefits for themselves only. Other people may live in the household. 

12 Some of the noncitizen household members participated in SNAP with citizen children; others were ineligible 

and did not participate.
24

from 2.2 individuals in fiscal year 2010 to 2.1 individuals in fiscal year 2011, and the fact that, under 

ARRA, the maximum benefit remains at the same nominal level―113.6 percent of the June 2008 

Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). Subsequent legislation has specified that this provision will expire on 

October 31, 2013, when the maximum benefit will again be based on 100 percent of the cost of the 

TFP in the preceding June. 
Table 3.4. SNAP Benefits of Participants by Selected Demographic Characteristics, Fiscal Year 2011

Participant Characteristic

Total Participants Pro-rated Benefitsa

Number

(000)

Percent Dollars

(000)

Percent

Total .............................................. 44,148 100.0 5,838,193 100.0

Age

Children ......................................... 19,927 45.1 2,580,620 44.2

 Preschool Age Children ............... 6,780 15.4 928,628 15.9

 0-1 ............................................. 2,511 5.7 347,415 6.0

 2-4 ............................................. 4,269 9.7 581,214 10.0

 School Age Children ................... 13,147 29.8 1,651,992 28.3

 5-7 ............................................. 3,692 8.4 484,458 8.3

 8-11 ........................................... 4,417 10.0 555,739 9.5

 12-15 ......................................... 3,467 7.9 422,686 7.2

 16-17 ......................................... 1,571 3.6 189,110 3.2

 Nonelderly Adults (18-59) .......... 20,452 46.3 2,824,272 48.4

 Elderly Adults (60 or more) ........ 3,770 8.5 433,301 7.4

Citizenship

 U.S. Born Citizen ........................ 41,007 92.9 5,418,614 92.8

 Naturalized Citizen ...................... 1,379 3.1 184,586 3.2

 Refugee ........................................ 349 0.8 46,430 0.8

 Other Noncitizen ......................... 1,412 3.2 188,460 3.2

 Unknown ..................................... 1 0.0 104 0.0

Citizen Children Living with

Noncitizensb ............................ 3,741 8.5 529,016 9.1

Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in

Childless Householdsc ........... 4,486 10.2 778,211 13.3

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Pro-rated benefits equal the benefits paid to households multiplied by the ratio of participants with

selected characteristic to total household size.

b Noncitizens may be inside or outside the SNAP unit.

c These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. The American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allowed States to suspend time limits on benefit receipts from April

2009 through September 2010 for those not meeting work requirements. This optional suspension was

renewed through fiscal year 2011. 

25
26

Table 3.5. Nominal and Real Values of Selected Characteristics, Fiscal Year 2010 and Fiscal Year 2011 

Fiscal Year 2010 Fiscal Year 

2011

Percentage 

Change in 

Nominal 

Values 

Percentage 

Change in

Real

Characteristic Values

Nominal 

Value

Real Value 

(in 2011 

dollars)

Nominal 

Value

Average Gross Incomea

Per Household $731 $755 $744 +1.8 -1.4

Per Person 396 409 409 +3.2 0.0 

Average Net Incomea

Per Household 336 347 338 +0.7 -2.4 

Per Person 162 167 165 +2.1 -1.1 

Average Total Deductiona 491 507 508 +3.4 +0.2 

Average Household Benefitb 287 301 281 -2.3 -6.7 

Maximum Household Benefit 

for a family of fourb,c 668 700 668 0.0 -4.6 

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

All Items 218.1 224.9 +3.2

Food at Home 215.8 226.2 +4.8

Source of CPI-U average values: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source of nominal values: Fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011 SNAP QC samples.

a Real values are in constant 2011 dollars. Fiscal year 2010 values were inflated by the change in the CPI-U for 

all items between 2010 and 2011 (+3.2 percent).

b Real values are in constant 2011 dollars. Fiscal year 2010 value was inflated by the change in the CPI-U for 

food at home between 2010 and 2011 (+4.8 percent).

c Maximum benefit for a family of four living in the 48 contiguous States.
ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS
This page has been intentionally left blank for double-sided copying. 
29

ARRA American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act of 2009

BBCE Broad-Based Categorical

 Eligibility

EBT Electronic Benefit Transfer

FNS U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Food and Nutrition Service

GA General Assistance

HHS U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services

MFIP Minnesota Family Investment 

Program

MOE Maintenance of Effort

PA Public Assistance

PRWORA Personal Responsibility and 

Work Opportunity 

Reconciliation Act of 1996

SNAP Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program

SNAP QC Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program Quality 

Control

SSA U.S. Social Security 

Administration

SSI Supplemental Security Income

SSI-CAP SSI Combined Application 

Project

SUA Standard Utility Allowance

TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy 

Families

TFP Thrifty Food Plan

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

DEFINITIONS

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 

2009 (ARRA). This legislation took effect on 

April 1, 2009. It temporarily increased the 

maximum benefit to 113.6 percent of the June 

2008 TFP. As specified in subsequent legislation, 

the increase will expire on October 31, 2013, 

when the maximum benefit will again be based 

on 100 percent of the cost of the TFP in the 

preceding June. Additionally, the minimum 

benefit was increased from $16 to $18. 

Asylees. Noncitizens granted political asylum. 

In the tables in this report, the term “refugee” 

includes refugees, asylees, and deportees.

Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility 

(BBCE). Policy under which most households 

receive a TANF/MOE-funded non-cash service 

that makes the households categorically eligible 

for SNAP. The non-cash service is usually in the 

form of a brochure or handout that provides 

information on State-provided assistance and 

services. Households meeting State-determined 

eligibility criteria receive this information upon 

application or recertification for SNAP.

Categorically Eligible Households. 

Households in which all members receive or are 

authorized to receive TANF, SSI, or GA 

benefits. Includes households receiving benefits 

or services that are at least 50 percent funded by 

TANF or MOE funds. Some States also confer 

categorical eligibility based on benefits or 

services that are less than 50 percent funded by 

TANF/MOE and on households in which at 

least one member receives a benefit or service, 

and the State determines that the entire 

household benefits. If the purpose of the 

program conferring categorical eligibility is to 

prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies or foster or 

strengthen marriage, the household’s gross 

income must be under 200 percent of poverty. 

However, if the purpose of the program is to 

further workforce participation, this income limit 

does not apply.

Certification Period. Length of time a 

household is certified to receive SNAP benefits. 

When the certification period expires,

households must be recertified to continue 

receiving benefits.

ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

ACRONYMS
30

Child Support Payment Deduction. 

Deduction for households with legally obligated 

child support payments made to or for a nonhousehold member. States may choose to 

exclude child support payments from gross 

income rather than use the deduction. See also 

Deductions.

Children. Individuals under age 18.

Countable Income. All earned or unearned 

income that is counted toward gross income. 

This includes most cash income (with the 

exception of specific types of income, such as 

loans), and excludes most noncash income or inkind benefits. See also Gross Income Limit.

Countable Resources. Cash on hand and 

resources that may be converted easily to cash, 

such as money in checking or savings accounts, 

savings certificates, stocks or bonds, and lumpsum payments. Such resources also include some 

nonliquid resources, although the family home, 

certain family vehicles, and business tools or 

property are not counted. See also Resource Limit.

Deductions. Allowable deductions from a 

household’s gross monthly income to arrive at 

SNAP net monthly income. The deductions 

shown in the tables are those to which 

households were entitled. (MFIP and SSI-CAP 

participants are subject to different rules.) Some 

of the deductions may not have been used 

before a household reached zero net income 

status, however. Therefore, total deductions to 

which a household is entitled do not equal the 

difference between gross and net income 

amounts. See also Child Support Payment Deduction,

Dependent Care Deduction, Earned Income Deduction,

Excess Shelter Expense Deduction, Medical Deduction,

Minnesota Family Investment Program, SSI-Combined 

Application Project, Standard Deduction, and Total 

Deduction.

Deemed Income. Individual sponsors of 

certain noncitizens may be subject to sponsorto-noncitizen deeming, which counts the 

sponsor’s income and resources as part of the 

noncitizen’s own income and resources when 

determining eligibility for SNAP.

Dependent Care Deduction. Deduction 

received by SNAP households for expenses 

involved in caring for dependents while other

household members work, seek employment, or 

attend school. See also Appendix C and 

Deductions.

Deportees. Noncitizens granted a stay of 

deportation. In the tables in this report, the term 

“refugee” includes refugees, asylees, and 

deportees.

Earned Income. Includes wages, salaries, selfemployment, and other reported earned income.

Earned Income Deduction. Deduction 

received by households with earnings, equal to 

20 percent of the combined earnings of 

household members. (MFIP participants are 

entitled to a 37 percent earned income 

deduction.) See also Deductions and Minnesota 

Family Investment Program. 

Elderly People. Adults age 60 or older.

Electronic Benefit Transfer. Means of benefit 

delivery via electronic debit card, similar to a 

bank card, used to purchase food at authorized 

retail stores.

Entrant Households. Households newly 

certified during fiscal year 2011 and in their first 

month of participation.

Excess Shelter Expense Deduction. 

Deduction received by households with shelter 

costs, equal to those shelter costs that exceed 50 

percent of the household’s countable income 

after all other potential deductions are subtracted 

from gross income. There is a limit on the 

shelter deduction for households without elderly 

or disabled members. See also Appendix C and 

Deductions and Homeless Household Shelter Estimate.

Expedited Service Households. Households 

with gross income equal to or less than $150 and 

countable resources equal to or less than $100, 

or those with migrant or seasonal farm workers 

with countable resources equal to or less than 

$100 are eligible for expedited SNAP eligibility 

verification procedures. A State agency must 

review each SNAP application and conduct an 
31

eligibility interview within seven days of 

application submission. Eligible households 

receive SNAP benefits within this time frame.

Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 

(2008 Farm Bill). Most recent legislation 

authorizing SNAP. Most SNAP provisions in 

this legislation, which reauthorized the SNAP 

program, became effective on October 1, 2008. 

SNAP provisions included increases in the 

minimum benefit for one- and two-person 

households and to the standard deduction, 

elimination of the cap on the dependent care 

deduction, and exclusion of most education and 

retirement accounts from countable resources 

when determining SNAP eligibility. It also 

indexed the resource limits to inflation, adjusting 

them to the nearest $250 increment each fiscal 

year.

Gross Income. Total monthly countable 

income of a household in dollars, before 

applying deductions.

Gross Income Limit. SNAP monthly gross 

income eligibility standards, determined by 

household size; equal to 130 percent of HHS 

poverty guidelines. See also Appendix C and 

Countable Income.

Homeless Household Shelter Estimate. 

Some States allow homeless households to 

deduct $143 for shelter expenses.

Household. Individuals who live in a residential 

unit and purchase and prepare food together.

Households with Children. Households with 

at least one member under age 18.

Households with Disabled Nonelderly 

People. Households with (1) nonelderly SSI 

recipients; (2) a medical expense deduction and 

no elderly individuals; or (3) nonelderly adults 

who work fewer than 30 hours a week and who 

receive Social Security, veteran’s benefits, or 

workers’ compensation.

Households with Elderly People. Households 

with at least one member age 60 or older.

Individuals Living Alone. Individuals who 

reside in one-person SNAP households 

(although other nonparticipating individuals may 

live in the same residence).

Initial Certification Households. Includes 

both households certified for the first time 

within the current certification period and 

previously certified households that have not 

received benefits for at least 30 days.

Lawful Permanent Residents. Noncitizens 

lawfully admitted for permanent resident status. 

Married-Head Households. Households with 

a spouse of the household head.

Maximum Benefit. From October 2010

through September 2011, the maximum benefit 

was based on 113.6 percent of the cost of the 

Thrifty Food Plan in June 2008 for a reference 

family of four, rounded to the lowest dollar 

increment. The maximum benefit is uniform 

throughout the contiguous United States but is 

different for Hawaii, Alaska, the Virgin Islands, 

and Guam. See also Appendix C.

Medical Deduction. Deduction available to 

households with elderly or disabled members, 

equal to all unreimbursed medical expenses 

incurred by the elderly or disabled person that 

exceed $35. See also Deductions.

Medical Deduction Demonstrations. State 

programs that use a standard deduction amount 

for households with medical expenses below a 

specified limit. 

Metropolitan Households. Households whose 

SNAP application was processed at an agency in 

a Census Bureau–defined Metropolitan 

Statistical Area (MSA). An MSA has at least one 

urbanized area with population of 50,000 or 

more and includes adjacent territory with a high 

degree of social and economic integration with 

the core, as measured by commuting ties.

Micropolitan Households. Households whose 

SNAP application was processed at an agency in 

a Census Bureau–defined Micropolitan Statistical 

Area. A Micropolitan Statistical Area has at least 
32

one urban cluster of at least 10,000 but less than 

50,000 population and includes adjacent territory 

with a high degree of social and economic 

integration with the core, as measured by 

commuting ties.

Minimum Benefit. From October 2010 

through September 2011, the minimum benefit 

for all one- and two-person units was equal to 8 

percent of the maximum benefit for a oneperson household. Because it is derived from the 

maximum benefit, the minimum benefit also 

varies by geographic region. See also 

Appendix C.

Minnesota Family Investment Program 

(MFIP). Minnesota’s cash assistance program, 

which calculates SNAP benefits for participating 

households as a component separate from the 

cash assistance calculation within the same grant.

Net Income. Total monthly countable income 

of a household in dollars after applying 

deductions. Net income is not calculated for 

MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in 

Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, 

Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, 

New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South 

Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia.

Net Income Limit. SNAP monthly net income 

eligibility standard, determined by household 

size, equal to 100 percent of the HHS poverty 

guidelines. See also Appendix C.

Noncitizen. In this report, “noncitizen” refers 

to individuals residing in the United States who 

are not natural-born or naturalized citizens. 

These include legal permanent residents, 

refugees, asylees, deportees, and unauthorized 

aliens. Legal noncitizens are subject to additional 

nonfinancial eligibility criteria (see Chapter 2). 

Unauthorized aliens are not eligible to receive 

SNAP benefits but they may be nonparticipating 

members of SNAP units.

Nonelderly Adults. Adults ages 18 to 59.

Nonimmigrant Visitors to the United States. 

Noncitizens who have been admitted for a 

specified period, including tourists, students, and 

foreign nationals with work permits.

Nonparticipating Household Head 

Households. Households headed by someone 

ineligible for SNAP, such as an ineligible 

noncitizen.

Personal Responsibility and Work 

Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 

(PRWORA). A law enacted in 1996 that made 

sweeping changes to the nation’s public 

assistance programs. It disqualified many lawful 

permanent resident noncitizens and nonelderly 

nondisabled adults from SNAP. In addition, it 

changed cash welfare from an entitlement to 

temporary assistance designed to move parents

to work. Given that many cash welfare recipients 

also participate in SNAP, changes to the cash 

welfare program significantly affect SNAP 

participants.

Poverty Guidelines. The poverty guidelines 

used by FNS are issued by the U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services. They are 

developed on the basis of the poverty thresholds 

issued by the Census Bureau. Dividing the 

guidelines by 12 yields the monthly net income 

limits for SNAP. See also Appendix C.

Preschool-Age Children. Children under age 5.

Pure Public Assistance (PA). A household is 

considered to be pure PA if each member of the 

household receives SSI, a cash TANF benefit, or 

GA income.

Refugees. Noncitizens accorded refugee status. 

In the tables in this report, the term “refugee” 

includes refugees, asylees, and deportees. 

Resource Limit. For all non-categorically 

eligible households without an elderly or 

disabled person, the resource limit was $2,000 in 

fiscal year 2011. Households with an elderly or 

disabled person were allowed up to $3,000 in 

countable resources. In fiscal year 2012, the 

resource limit for households with an elderly or 

disabled person increased to $3,250. See also 

Countable Resources.

Rural. A household is considered rural if the 

county in which its local SNAP agency is located

is not in a Metropolitan Statistical Area or a 

Micropolitan Statistical Area.
33

School-Age Children. Children ages 5 to 17.

Shelter Deduction. See Excess Shelter Expense 

Deduction.

Single-Adult with Children Households. 

Households with exactly one person age 18 or 

older, no spouse, and at least one person under 

age 18.

Single-Person Households. Households with 

exactly one person.

SSI-Combined Application Project (SSICAP). Joint FNS-SSA-State partnerships with a 

goal of streamlining the procedures for 

providing SNAP benefits to certain households 

eligible for SSI.

Standard Deduction. Deduction received by all 

households, which varies by area and household 

size to reflect price differences among areas. See 

also Appendix C and Deductions.

Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). Specified 

dollar amounts set by State agencies that States 

may use in place of actual utility costs to 

calculate a household’s total shelter expenses.

Student. Participant age 18 or older enrolled at 

least half-time in a recognized school, training 

program, or institution of higher education.

Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). Market basket of 

goods based on an economical and nutritious 

diet, adjusted for household size and 

composition. Used to determine maximum 

SNAP benefit amounts.

Total Deduction. Includes child support 

payment, dependent care, earned income, excess 

shelter expense, medical, and standard 

deductions to which SNAP households are 

entitled. In some cases, the total deduction 

exceeds the amount deducted from gross 

income because net income may not be less than 

zero. See also Deductions. 

Unearned Income. Includes TANF, GA, SSI, 

Social Security, unemployment benefits, veterans 

benefits, workers’ compensation, other 

government benefits, contributions, deemed 

income, education loans, child support, wage 

supplementations, energy assistance, State 

diversion payments, and other unearned income.

Work Registration. Many nonelderly 

nondisabled SNAP participants are required to 

register for work with their welfare office or 

State unemployment agency and must agree to 

accept any suitable job offered to them. 

Individuals exempt from SNAP work 

registration rules include the following:

• All individuals under age 16 or over age 

60, and some individuals age 16 and 17

• Individuals responsible for the care of a 

dependent child under age 6 or the care 

of an incapacitated person

• Individuals who are physically or mentally 

unfit for work

• Individuals complying with work 

requirements of other assistance 

programs

• Students enrolled at least half-time in a 

school, training program, or institution of 

higher education

• Regular participants in a drug addiction or 

alcohol treatment program 

• Individuals working 30 hours a week or 

earning more than an amount equal to 30 

hours times the minimum wage

Work Requirements and a Time Limit. 

SNAP participants age 18 to 49 who are not 

disabled (often referred to as “able-bodied”) and 

do not have any dependents in their household 

are subject to work requirements in order to 

receive SNAP benefits for more than 3 months 

in a 36-month period. They may be exempt from 

the work requirement if they work at least 20 

hours per week, participate in a qualifying work 

program, receive a work exemption, or live in a 

location that qualifies for a waiver due to 

insufficient jobs. In this report, all adults meeting 

this definition, regardless of exemption status,

are identified as Nondisabled Adults age 18–49 

in Childless Households.
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APPENDIX A

DETAILED TABLES OF SNAP HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
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Table A.1. Distribution of Participating Households, Individuals, and Benefits by Household Composition, Locality, Countable

Income Source, and SNAP Benefit Amount

Household Characteristic

SNAP Households

Participants in Households

with Household

Characteristic

Monthly SNAP Benefits

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Dollars

(000)

Percent

Total ................................................................................................ 20,803 100.0 44,148 100.0 5,838,193 100.0

Household Composition

 Children .......................................................................................... 9,794 47.1 31,603 71.6 4,040,573 69.2

 School Age ................................................................................... 7,304 35.1 25,407 57.5 3,163,503 54.2

 Preschool Age .............................................................................. 5,153 24.8 17,373 39.4 2,279,563 39.0

 No Children .................................................................................... 11,009 52.9 12,546 28.4 1,797,620 30.8

 Elderly Individuals ......................................................................... 3,426 16.5 4,362 9.9 494,729 8.5

 No Elderly Individuals ................................................................... 17,378 83.5 39,787 90.1 5,343,464 91.5

 Disabled Nonelderly Individualsa .................................................. 4,199 20.2 8,326 18.9 924,331 15.8

 No Disabled Nonelderly Individuals ............................................. 16,605 79.8 35,822 81.1 4,913,862 84.2

 Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in Childless Householdsb ............ 4,083 19.6 4,903 11.1 830,338 14.2

 No Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in Childless Households ........ 16,720 80.4 39,245 88.9 5,007,855 85.8

 Noncitizens .................................................................................... 1,214 5.8 3,223 7.3 407,427 7.0

 No Noncitizens ............................................................................... 19,590 94.2 40,926 92.7 5,430,767 93.0

Locality

 Metropolitan ................................................................................... 16,523 79.4 34,824 78.9 4,670,265 80.0

 Micropolitanc ................................................................................. 2,406 11.6 5,340 12.1 669,240 11.5

 Rural ............................................................................................... 1,557 7.5 3,443 7.8 431,762 7.4

Countable Income Source

 Gross Income ................................................................................. 16,652 80.0 37,611 85.2 4,625,052 79.2

 No Gross Income ........................................................................... 4,151 20.0 6,537 14.8 1,213,141 20.8

 Net Income ..................................................................................... 12,091 58.1 29,227 66.2 3,121,980 53.5

 No Net Income ............................................................................... 8,199 39.4 14,350 32.5 2,624,569 45.0

 Not Applicabled ............................................................................. 513 2.5 572 1.3 91,644 1.6

 Earned Income ............................................................................... 6,351 30.5 18,210 41.2 2,094,236 35.9

 No Earned Income ......................................................................... 14,453 69.5 25,938 58.8 3,743,957 64.1

 Unearned Income ........................................................................... 12,487 60.0 26,427 59.9 3,246,833 55.6

 No Unearned Income ..................................................................... 8,316 40.0 17,722 40.1 2,591,360 44.4

 TANF Income ................................................................................ 1,591 7.6 4,822 10.9 679,824 11.6

 No TANF Income .......................................................................... 19,212 92.4 39,327 89.1 5,158,369 88.4

 GA Income ..................................................................................... 844 4.1 1,304 3.0 199,236 3.4

 No GA Income ............................................................................... 19,959 95.9 42,844 97.0 5,638,957 96.6

 SSI .................................................................................................. 4,195 20.2 7,684 17.4 905,380 15.5

 No SSI ............................................................................................ 16,609 79.8 36,465 82.6 4,932,813 84.5

 Social Security Income .................................................................. 4,660 22.4 7,400 16.8 756,317 13.0

 No Social Security Income ............................................................ 16,143 77.6 36,748 83.2 5,081,876 87.0

Gross Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline

 No Income ...................................................................................... 4,151 20.0 6,537 14.8 1,213,141 20.8

 >0-50% ........................................................................................... 4,719 22.7 12,229 27.7 2,005,435 34.4

 51-100 ............................................................................................ 8,472 40.7 17,468 39.6 2,118,733 36.3

 101+ ............................................................................................... 3,461 16.6 7,914 17.9 500,884 8.6

SNAP Benefit

 Minimum Benefit ........................................................................... 881 4.2 1,066 2.4 14,109 0.2

 Maximum Benefit .......................................................................... 8,495 40.8 14,654 33.2 2,685,125 46.0

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify

households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was

disabled.

b These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

c A micropolitan area has at least one urban cluster of between 10,000 and 50,000 people and includes adjacent territory with a high degree of social

and economic integration with the core, as measured by commuting ties.

d Net income is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

37
Table A.2. Average Gross Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline, Gross and Net Countable Income, Total

Deduction, SNAP Benefit, Household Size, and Certification Period of Participating Households by Household Composition, Locality,

Countable Income Source, and SNAP Benefit Amount

Household Characteristic

Total Households Average Values

Number

(000)

Percent

Gross

Countable

Income as a

Percentage

of Poverty

Guideline

(Percent)

Gross

Countable

Income

(Dollars)

Net

Countable

Income

(Dollars)a

Total

Deduction

(Dollars)b

SNAP

Benefit

(Dollars)

Household

Size

(Individuals)

Certification

Period

(Months)

Total ............................................................ 20,803 100.0 58.5 744 338 508 281 2.1 12.2

Household Composition

 Children ...................................................... 9,794 47.1 58.4 948 462 571 413 3.2 9.4

 School Age ............................................... 7,304 35.1 60.8 1,025 517 585 433 3.5 9.4

 Preschool Age .......................................... 5,153 24.8 54.5 915 431 575 442 3.4 9.2

 No Children ................................................ 11,009 52.9 58.6 563 223 449 163 1.1 14.8

 Elderly Individuals ..................................... 3,426 16.5 84.0 833 385 519 144 1.3 19.9

 No Elderly Individuals ............................... 17,378 83.5 53.5 727 330 506 307 2.3 10.7

 Disabled Nonelderly Individualsc .............. 4,199 20.2 82.3 969 482 528 220 2.0 15.8

 No Disabled Nonelderly Individuals ......... 16,605 79.8 52.5 687 303 503 296 2.2 11.3

 Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in

Childless Householdsd ........................... 4,083 19.6 29.8 308 109 381 203 1.2 9.1

 No Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in

Childless Households ............................. 16,720 80.4 65.5 851 396 540 300 2.3 13.0

 Noncitizens ................................................ 1,214 5.8 63.6 932 421 617 336 2.7 12.6

 No Noncitizens ........................................... 19,590 94.2 58.2 733 333 501 277 2.1 12.2

Locality

 Metropolitan ............................................... 16,523 79.4 58.2 738 322 520 283 2.1 12.3

 Micropolitane ............................................. 2,406 11.6 60.5 785 406 468 278 2.2 11.4

 Rural ........................................................... 1,557 7.5 58.4 754 400 443 277 2.2 11.9

Countable Income Source

 Gross Income ............................................. 16,652 80.0 73.1 930 425 564 278 2.3 12.9

 No Gross Income ....................................... 4,151 20.0 0.0 0 0 291 292 1.6 9.6

 Net Income ................................................. 12,091 58.1 84.0 1,102 568 535 258 2.4 12.4

 No Net Income ........................................... 8,199 39.4 19.7 218 0 470 320 1.8 10.5

 Not Applicable ........................................... 513 2.5 77.3 706 – 59 179 1.1 36.3

 Earned Income ........................................... 6,351 30.5 79.9 1,197 555 691 330 2.9 9.3

 No Earned Income ..................................... 14,453 69.5 49.1 545 240 425 259 1.8 13.5

 Unearned Income ....................................... 12,487 60.0 72.3 875 415 516 260 2.1 14.2

 No Unearned Income ................................. 8,316 40.0 37.8 548 228 497 312 2.1 9.3

 TANF Income ............................................ 1,591 7.6 46.8 725 316 466 427 3.0 10.7

 No TANF Income ...................................... 19,212 92.4 59.5 746 340 512 268 2.0 12.4

 GA Income ................................................. 844 4.1 46.1 526 180 492 236 1.5 13.2

 No GA Income ........................................... 19,959 95.9 59.0 753 345 509 283 2.1 12.2

 SSI .............................................................. 4,195 20.2 76.7 879 421 502 216 1.8 19.2

 No SSI ........................................................ 16,609 79.8 53.9 710 320 509 297 2.2 10.5

 Social Security Income .............................. 4,660 22.4 91.5 974 486 527 162 1.6 16.9

 No Social Security Income ........................ 16,143 77.6 49.0 678 297 503 315 2.3 10.9

SNAP Benefit

 Minimum Benefit ....................................... 881 4.2 133.5 1,309 972 337 16 1.2 14.3

 Maximum Benefit ...................................... 8,495 40.8 21.9 237 0 471 316 1.7 11.4

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because net income is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized

SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households

column.

b Because deductions are not used in their benefit determinations, 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are

excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

c Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households

that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

d These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

e A micropolitan area has at least one urban cluster of between 10,000 and 50,000 people and includes adjacent territory with a high degree of social and

economic integration with the core as measured by commuting ties.

– Not Applicable.

38
Table A.3. Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by

Amount of Gross and Net Countable Income, Countable Resources, and Gross and Net Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty

Guideline

Household Characteristic

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly Individuals Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsa

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total .................................................. 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0

Gross Countable Income

 $0 ..................................................... 4,151 20.0 1,216 12.4 224 6.5 0 0.0

 1-199 ............................................... 938 4.5 397 4.1 43 1.2 7 0.2

 200-399 ........................................... 1,518 7.3 894 9.1 73 2.1 20 0.5

 400-599 ........................................... 1,588 7.6 1,041 10.6 164 4.8 147 3.5

 600-799 ........................................... 4,604 22.1 1,112 11.4 1,451 42.4 2,052 48.9

 800-999 ........................................... 2,196 10.6 963 9.8 570 16.6 630 15.0

 1,000+ ............................................. 5,808 27.9 4,171 42.6 901 26.3 1,342 32.0

Net Countable Income

 $0 ..................................................... 8,199 39.4 3,202 32.7 724 21.1 599 14.3

 1-199 ............................................... 2,717 13.1 1,216 12.4 493 14.4 682 16.2

 200-399 ........................................... 2,647 12.7 1,114 11.4 627 18.3 811 19.3

 400-599 ........................................... 2,293 11.0 1,032 10.5 589 17.2 724 17.3

 600-799 ........................................... 1,461 7.0 854 8.7 319 9.3 380 9.1

 800-999 ........................................... 1,052 5.1 743 7.6 189 5.5 260 6.2

 1,000+ ............................................. 1,921 9.2 1,598 16.3 215 6.3 533 12.7

 Not Applicableb .............................. 513 2.5 35 0.4 270 7.9 210 5.0

Countable Resources

 Categorically Eligiblec .................... 18,679 89.8 8,833 90.2 3,175 92.7 3,890 92.6

 $0 ..................................................... 1,246 6.0 516 5.3 86 2.5 132 3.1

 1-500 ............................................... 657 3.2 328 3.4 106 3.1 130 3.1

 501-1,000 ........................................ 120 0.6 66 0.7 28 0.8 27 0.6

 1,001-2,000 ..................................... 91 0.4 48 0.5 24 0.7 17 0.4

 2,001-3,000 ..................................... 10 0.0 2 0.0 7 0.2 3 0.1

Gross Countable Income as a

Percentage of Poverty Guideline

 No Gross Income ............................ 4,151 20.0 1,216 12.4 224 6.5 0 0.0

 >0-25% ............................................ 1,891 9.1 1,112 11.4 57 1.7 30 0.7

 26-50 ............................................... 2,828 13.6 2,184 22.3 155 4.5 367 8.7

 51-75 ............................................... 3,781 18.2 2,001 20.4 600 17.5 1,369 32.6

 76-100 ............................................. 4,691 22.5 1,561 15.9 1,541 45.0 1,601 38.1

 101-125 ........................................... 2,225 10.7 1,186 12.1 487 14.2 562 13.4

 126-130 ........................................... 249 1.2 144 1.5 40 1.2 53 1.3

 131-150 ........................................... 558 2.7 248 2.5 172 5.0 135 3.2

 151+ ................................................ 429 2.1 142 1.5 149 4.4 81 1.9

Net Countable Income as a

Percentage of Poverty Guideline

 No Net Income ................................ 8,199 39.4 3,202 32.7 724 21.1 599 14.3

 >0-25% ............................................ 4,171 20.0 2,356 24.1 614 17.9 988 23.5

 26-50 ............................................... 3,737 18.0 1,976 20.2 798 23.3 1,143 27.2

 51-75 ............................................... 2,578 12.4 1,368 14.0 596 17.4 768 18.3

 76-100 ............................................. 1,194 5.7 695 7.1 286 8.4 362 8.6

 101-125 ........................................... 282 1.4 139 1.4 74 2.2 91 2.2

 126-130 ........................................... 17 0.1 2 0.0 12 0.4 3 0.1

 131-150 ........................................... 61 0.3 11 0.1 30 0.9 18 0.4

 151+ ................................................ 52 0.2 10 0.1 22 0.6 16 0.4

 Not Applicableb .............................. 513 2.5 35 0.4 270 7.9 210 5.0

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that

contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

b Net income is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

c Categorically eligible households have no countable resources because the program does not consider resources in their eligibility determinations.

39
Table A.4. Distribution of Participating Households by Household Size and Amount of Countable Gross and Net Income, Resources, and

Gross and Net Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline

Household

Characteristic

Total Households Household Size

Number

(000)

Percent

1 2 3 4 5 6+

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total .............................. 20,803 100.0 10,125 100.0 4,119 100.0 2,971 100.0 2,006 100.0 988 100.0 594 100.0

Gross Countable

Income

 $0 ................................. 4,151 20.0 2,878 28.4 611 14.8 381 12.8 167 8.3 80 8.1 35 5.9

 1-199 ............................ 938 4.5 559 5.5 182 4.4 116 3.9 57 2.8 17 1.7 8 1.3

 200-399 ........................ 1,518 7.3 718 7.1 404 9.8 208 7.0 121 6.0 51 5.2 16 2.7

 400-599 ........................ 1,588 7.6 579 5.7 493 12.0 286 9.6 144 7.2 56 5.6 30 5.1

 600-799 ........................ 4,604 22.1 3,342 33.0 556 13.5 347 11.7 222 11.0 94 9.5 43 7.3

 800-999 ........................ 2,196 10.6 1,105 10.9 455 11.1 318 10.7 185 9.2 96 9.7 37 6.2

 1,000+ .......................... 5,808 27.9 945 9.3 1,417 34.4 1,315 44.3 1,111 55.4 595 60.2 425 71.5

Net Countable Income

 $0 ................................. 8,199 39.4 4,944 48.8 1,591 38.6 898 30.2 456 22.7 208 21.0 102 17.1

 1-199 ............................ 2,717 13.1 1,461 14.4 540 13.1 364 12.3 229 11.4 89 9.0 33 5.6

 200-399 ........................ 2,647 12.7 1,401 13.8 533 12.9 358 12.0 205 10.2 103 10.4 47 7.9

 400-599 ........................ 2,293 11.0 1,100 10.9 470 11.4 354 11.9 220 11.0 98 9.9 50 8.4

 600-799 ........................ 1,461 7.0 455 4.5 371 9.0 306 10.3 216 10.8 73 7.4 41 6.8

 800-999 ........................ 1,052 5.1 173 1.7 287 7.0 261 8.8 175 8.7 96 9.7 60 10.2

 1,000+ .......................... 1,921 9.2 107 1.1 314 7.6 421 14.2 500 24.9 319 32.3 260 43.7

 Not Applicablea ........... 513 2.5 484 4.8 13 0.3 9 0.3 5 0.2 1 0.1 2 0.3

Countable Resources

 Categorically Eligibleb 18,679 89.8 9,095 89.8 3,732 90.6 2,655 89.3 1,793 89.4 877 88.8 527 88.6

 $0 ................................. 1,246 6.0 671 6.6 216 5.2 168 5.6 109 5.4 52 5.3 30 5.1

 1-500 ............................ 657 3.2 273 2.7 129 3.1 111 3.7 79 3.9 42 4.2 23 3.9

 501-1,000 ..................... 120 0.6 44 0.4 22 0.5 21 0.7 16 0.8 9 0.9 9 1.4

 1,001-2,000 .................. 91 0.4 36 0.4 18 0.4 16 0.5 9 0.5 7 0.7 6 1.0

 2,001-3,000 .................. 10 0.0 6 0.1 1 0.0 1 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.1 – –

Gross Countable

Income as a Percentage

of Poverty Guideline

 No Gross Income ......... 4,151 20.0 2,878 28.4 611 14.8 381 12.8 167 8.3 80 8.1 35 5.9

 >0-25% ........................ 1,891 9.1 779 7.7 397 9.6 318 10.7 219 10.9 105 10.6 72 12.1

 26-50 ............................ 2,828 13.6 696 6.9 716 17.4 596 20.1 446 22.2 237 24.0 138 23.2

 51-75 ............................ 3,781 18.2 1,579 15.6 802 19.5 583 19.6 453 22.6 218 22.0 146 24.6

 76-100 .......................... 4,691 22.5 2,810 27.8 749 18.2 543 18.3 338 16.9 157 15.9 94 15.9

 101-125 ........................ 2,225 10.7 854 8.4 485 11.8 396 13.3 269 13.4 142 14.3 80 13.4

 126-130 ........................ 249 1.2 82 0.8 71 1.7 42 1.4 28 1.4 18 1.8 7 1.2

 131-150 ........................ 558 2.7 243 2.4 144 3.5 78 2.6 54 2.7 22 2.2 18 3.1

 151+ ............................. 429 2.1 205 2.0 145 3.5 34 1.2 31 1.6 10 1.1 4 0.6

Net Countable Income

as a Percentage of

Poverty Guideline

 No Net Income ............ 8,199 39.4 4,944 48.8 1,591 38.6 898 30.2 456 22.7 208 21.0 102 17.1

 >0-25% ........................ 4,171 20.0 1,689 16.7 857 20.8 702 23.6 512 25.5 266 26.9 144 24.2

 26-50 ............................ 3,737 18.0 1,517 15.0 713 17.3 645 21.7 476 23.7 225 22.8 160 26.9

 51-75 ............................ 2,578 12.4 976 9.6 544 13.2 461 15.5 321 16.0 166 16.8 110 18.6

 76-100 .......................... 1,194 5.7 364 3.6 248 6.0 227 7.6 189 9.4 103 10.4 64 10.8

 101-125 ........................ 282 1.4 95 0.9 80 1.9 29 1.0 47 2.4 19 1.9 13 2.1

 126-130 ........................ 17 0.1 9 0.1 8 0.2 – – 0 0.0 – – 0 0.0

 131-150 ........................ 61 0.3 30 0.3 31 0.8 ––––––––

 151+ ............................. 52 0.2 17 0.2 34 0.8 ––––––––

 Not Applicablea ........... 513 2.5 484 4.8 13 0.3 9 0.3 5 0.2 1 0.1 2 0.3

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Net income is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

b Categorically eligible households have no countable resources because the program does not consider resources in their eligibility determinations.

– No sample households in this category.

40
Table A.5. Average Gross and Net Countable Income, Average Gross and Net Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline,

Average Countable Resources, and Average Benefit of Participating Households by Household Composition and Size

Household Characteristic

Total Households Average Values

Number

(000)

Percent

Gross

Countable

Income

(Dollars)

Net Countable

Income

(Dollars)a

Gross

Countable

Income as a

Percentage of

Poverty

Guideline

(Percent)

Net Countable

Income as a

Percentage of

Poverty

Guideline

(Percent)a

Countable

Resources

Over

Households

with

Countable

Resources

(Dollars)

SNAP Benefit

(Dollars)

Total ......................................................... 20,803 100.0 744 338 58.5 25.0 331 281

Household Composition

 Children .................................................. 9,794 47.1 948 462 58.4 27.4 320 413

 School Age ........................................... 7,304 35.1 1,025 517 60.8 29.7 330 433

 Preschool Age ...................................... 5,153 24.8 915 431 54.5 24.4 314 442

 No Children ............................................ 11,009 52.9 563 223 58.6 22.7 344 163

 Elderly Individuals ................................. 3,426 16.5 833 385 84.0 37.5 463 144

 No Elderly Individuals ........................... 17,378 83.5 727 330 53.5 22.6 299 307

 Disabled Nonelderly Individualsb .......... 4,199 20.2 969 482 82.3 37.7 303 220

 No Disabled Nonelderly Individuals ...... 16,605 79.8 687 303 52.5 21.8 338 296

Household Size

 1 .............................................................. 10,125 48.7 499 176 55.2 19.5 326 153

 2 .............................................................. 4,119 19.8 761 336 62.6 27.6 335 272

 3 .............................................................. 2,971 14.3 915 435 59.9 28.5 298 397

 4 .............................................................. 2,006 9.6 1,149 604 62.5 32.8 321 489

 5 .............................................................. 988 4.7 1,324 724 61.5 33.6 400 579

 6 .............................................................. 373 1.8 1,598 937 64.9 38.0 333 675

 7 .............................................................. 147 0.7 1,557 930 56.0 33.4 401 782

 8+ ............................................................ 74 0.4 1,900 1,198 58.0 36.4 675 947

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because net income is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized

SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

b Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that

contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

41
Table A.6. Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by Type of

Countable Income

Type of Income

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)a Percent

Children Elderly Individuals Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsb

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total .................................................................... 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0

Countable Earned Income ................................ 6,351 30.5 4,816 49.2 199 5.8 457 10.9

 Wages and Salaries ........................................... 5,581 26.8 4,309 44.0 162 4.7 411 9.8

 Self-Employment .............................................. 860 4.1 591 6.0 42 1.2 53 1.3

 Other Earned Income ........................................ 36 0.2 15 0.2 1 0.0 3 0.1

Countable Unearned Income ........................... 12,487 60.0 5,551 56.7 3,128 91.3 4,196 99.9

 TANF ................................................................ 1,591 7.6 1,540 15.7 47 1.4 284 6.8

 General Assistance ............................................ 844 4.1 182 1.9 144 4.2 173 4.1

 Supplemental Security Income ......................... 4,195 20.2 1,118 11.4 1,386 40.5 2,894 68.9

 Social Security .................................................. 4,660 22.4 910 9.3 2,322 67.8 2,127 50.7

 Unemployment Income ..................................... 1,232 5.9 756 7.7 51 1.5 55 1.3

 Veterans’ Benefits ............................................. 165 0.8 35 0.4 83 2.4 40 0.9

 Workers’ Compensation ................................... 58 0.3 34 0.3 4 0.1 23 0.6

 Other Government Benefitsc ............................. 129 0.6 51 0.5 50 1.5 40 1.0

 Household Contributions .................................. 623 3.0 399 4.1 41 1.2 58 1.4

 Household Deemed Income .............................. 19 0.1 18 0.2 1 0.0 1 0.0

 Educational Loans ............................................. 4 0.0 2 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

 Child Support Enforcement Payments .............. 1,980 9.5 1,904 19.4 21 0.6 325 7.7

 State Diversion Payments ................................. 8 0.0 3 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.0

 Energy Assistance Income ................................ 1 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

 Wage Supplementation ..................................... 1 0.0 1 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.0

 Other Unearned Incomed .................................. 682 3.3 291 3.0 266 7.8 80 1.9

 TANF or GA Income ........................................ 2,427 11.7 1,715 17.5 190 5.6 451 10.7

 TANF and Earnings .......................................... 356 1.7 348 3.6 6 0.2 29 0.7

 TANF and SSI ................................................... 267 1.3 262 2.7 18 0.5 261 6.2

 TANF or SSI or GA .......................................... 6,141 29.5 2,516 25.7 1,481 43.2 2,940 70.0

 (TANF or SSI or GA) and Earnings ................. 749 3.6 605 6.2 38 1.1 358 8.5

 TANF and Child Support .................................. 114 0.5 113 1.2 4 0.1 33 0.8

 SSI and Social Security ..................................... 1,546 7.4 276 2.8 745 21.7 860 20.5

 SSI or Social Security ....................................... 7,309 35.1 1,751 17.9 2,963 86.5 4,161 99.1

 SSI and Earnings ............................................... 375 1.8 250 2.6 33 1.0 354 8.4

 GA and Earnings ............................................... 61 0.3 44 0.5 2 0.1 17 0.4

 Earnings and Child Support .............................. 862 4.1 838 8.6 3 0.1 61 1.5

No Countable Income ....................................... 4,151 20.0 1,216 12.4 224 6.5 0 0.0

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a The sum of individual income sources does not add to the total because households can receive income from more than one source.

b Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that

contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

c Examples of other government benefits include Black Lung Benefits, Railroad Retirement payments, and USDA payments to farmers.

d Examples of other unearned income include alimony, foster care payments, and dividends and interest payments.

42
Table A.7. Average Income, Total Deduction, SNAP Benefit, and Household Size of Participating Households by Type of Countable

Income

Type of Income

Total Households Average Values

Number

(000)a Percent

Gross

Countable

Income

(Dollars)

Net

Countable

Income

(Dollars)b

Income

Source

(Dollars)c

Total

Deduction

(Dollars)d

SNAP

Benefit

(Dollars)

Household

Size

(Individuals)

Total .................................................................... 20,803 100.0 744 338 - 508 281 2.1

Countable Earned Income ................................ 6,351 30.5 1,197 555 1,022 691 330 2.9

 Wages and Salaries ........................................... 5,581 26.8 1,267 599 1,083 705 324 2.9

 Self-Employment .............................................. 860 4.1 810 301 512 621 378 2.7

 Other Earned Income ........................................ 36 0.2 653 314 234 476 327 2.5

Countable Unearned Income ........................... 12,487 60.0 875 415 720 516 260 2.1

 TANF ................................................................ 1,591 7.6 725 316 396 466 427 3.0

 General Assistance ............................................ 844 4.1 526 180 235 492 236 1.5

 Supplemental Security Income ......................... 4,195 20.2 879 421 554 502 216 1.8

 Social Security .................................................. 4,660 22.4 974 486 760 527 162 1.6

 Unemployment Income ..................................... 1,232 5.9 1,086 615 849 498 277 2.6

 Veterans’ Benefits ............................................. 165 0.8 941 499 485 479 165 1.6

 Workers’ Compensation ................................... 58 0.3 1,278 750 899 566 222 2.4

 Other Government Benefitse ............................. 129 0.6 1,082 578 352 571 234 2.2

 Household Contributions .................................. 623 3.0 652 256 260 486 350 2.4

 Household Deemed Income .............................. 19 0.1 764 364 625 459 291 2.2

 Educational Loans ............................................. 4 0.0 829 312 355 612 420 3.1

 Child Support Enforcement Payments .............. 1,980 9.5 1,078 582 337 544 402 3.4

 State Diversion Payments ................................. 8 0.0 707 270 433 581 266 1.9

 Energy Assistance Income ................................ 1 0.0 213 0 213 564 200 1.0

 Wage Supplementation ..................................... 1 0.0 1,319 464 330 855 529 4.0

 Other Unearned Incomef ................................... 682 3.3 1,012 499 341 573 242 2.1

 TANF or GA Income ........................................ 2,427 11.7 655 268 341 475 361 2.5

 TANF and Earnings .......................................... 356 1.7 1,063 516 974 572 397 3.2

 TANF and SSI ................................................... 267 1.3 1,188 723 968 469 375 3.5

 TANF or SSI or GA .......................................... 6,141 29.5 775 341 513 491 267 2.0

 (TANF or SSI or GA) and Earnings ................. 749 3.6 1,316 708 1,219 632 340 3.2

 TANF and Child Support .................................. 114 0.5 984 527 556 486 457 3.6

 SSI and Social Security ..................................... 1,546 7.4 860 426 795 471 174 1.6

 SSI or Social Security ....................................... 7,309 35.1 943 462 802 524 190 1.7

 SSI and Earnings ............................................... 375 1.8 1,600 932 1,425 691 287 3.3

 GA and Earnings ............................................... 61 0.3 1,293 704 1,033 626 323 3.1

 Earnings and Child Support .............................. 862 4.1 1,506 825 1,401 694 352 3.6

No Countable Income ....................................... 4,151 20.0 0 0 0 291 292 1.6

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a The sum of individual income sources does not add to the total because households can receive income from more than one source.

b Because net income is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized

SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

c Average value of specified source over households with income from source.

d Because deductions are not used in their benefit determinations, 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded

from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

e Examples of other government benefits include Black Lung Benefits, Railroad Retirement payments, and USDA payments to farmers.

f Examples of other unearned income include alimony, foster care payments, and dividends and interest payments.

43
Table A.8. Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by

Countable Earned and Unearned Income Amounts

Household Characteristic

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly Individuals Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsa

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total ................................... 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0

Countable Earned Income

 $0 ...................................... 14,453 69.5 4,978 50.8 3,227 94.2 3,742 89.1

 1-199 ................................. 603 2.9 264 2.7 37 1.1 84 2.0

 200-399 ............................. 624 3.0 392 4.0 35 1.0 62 1.5

 400-599 ............................. 686 3.3 492 5.0 33 1.0 68 1.6

 600-799 ............................. 777 3.7 555 5.7 18 0.5 54 1.3

 800-999 ............................. 736 3.5 539 5.5 18 0.5 51 1.2

 1,000-1,249 ....................... 813 3.9 632 6.5 23 0.7 36 0.9

 1,250-1,499 ....................... 704 3.4 614 6.3 15 0.4 39 0.9

 1,500-1,999 ....................... 857 4.1 792 8.1 15 0.4 41 1.0

 2,000+ ............................... 550 2.6 535 5.5 4 0.1 22 0.5

Countable Unearned

Income

 $0 ...................................... 8,316 40.0 4,243 43.3 298 8.7 2 0.1

 1-199 ................................. 1,081 5.2 688 7.0 44 1.3 13 0.3

 200-399 ............................. 1,648 7.9 1,153 11.8 77 2.3 33 0.8

 400-599 ............................. 1,425 6.8 984 10.0 168 4.9 191 4.6

 600-799 ............................. 4,294 20.6 922 9.4 1,461 42.7 2,245 53.5

 800-999 ............................. 1,598 7.7 558 5.7 561 16.4 643 15.3

 1,000-1,249 ....................... 1,220 5.9 484 4.9 461 13.4 471 11.2

 1,250-1,499 ....................... 665 3.2 389 4.0 195 5.7 334 7.9

 1,500+ ............................... 556 2.7 372 3.8 160 4.7 266 6.3

Countable TANF Income

 $0 ...................................... 19,212 92.4 8,254 84.3 3,379 98.6 3,914 93.2

 1-199 ................................. 290 1.4 276 2.8 19 0.5 95 2.3

 200-399 ............................. 589 2.8 555 5.7 13 0.4 110 2.6

 400-599 ............................. 488 2.3 486 5.0 8 0.2 47 1.1

 600-799 ............................. 162 0.8 161 1.6 2 0.1 21 0.5

 800-999 ............................. 45 0.2 45 0.5 2 0.1 7 0.2

 1,000+ ............................... 17 0.1 16 0.2 2 0.1 4 0.1

Countable GA Income

 $0 ...................................... 19,959 95.9 9,612 98.1 3,281 95.8 4,026 95.9

 1-199 ................................. 404 1.9 57 0.6 95 2.8 119 2.8

 200-399 ............................. 311 1.5 35 0.4 32 0.9 25 0.6

 400-599 ............................. 82 0.4 53 0.5 14 0.4 16 0.4

 600-799 ............................. 29 0.1 23 0.2 2 0.1 7 0.2

 800-999 ............................. 12 0.1 12 0.1 0 0.0 4 0.1

 1,000+ ............................... 6 0.0 2 0.0 2 0.0 1 0.0

Countable TANF or GA

Income

 $0 ...................................... 18,376 88.3 8,079 82.5 3,235 94.4 3,748 89.3

 1-199 ................................. 687 3.3 326 3.3 113 3.3 209 5.0

 200-399 ............................. 899 4.3 590 6.0 45 1.3 135 3.2

 400-599 ............................. 569 2.7 538 5.5 22 0.6 63 1.5

 600-799 ............................. 191 0.9 184 1.9 5 0.1 28 0.7

 800-999 ............................. 58 0.3 58 0.6 2 0.1 11 0.3

 1,000+ ............................... 23 0.1 19 0.2 4 0.1 5 0.1

See footnotes at end of table.

44
Table A.8. Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by

Countable Earned and Unearned Income Amounts — Continued

Household Characteristic

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly Individuals Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsa

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Countable SSI

 $0 ...................................... 16,609 79.8 8,676 88.6 2,040 59.5 1,305 31.1

 1-199 ................................. 723 3.5 78 0.8 362 10.6 370 8.8

 200-399 ............................. 504 2.4 89 0.9 234 6.8 287 6.8

 400-599 ............................. 440 2.1 111 1.1 160 4.7 294 7.0

 600-799 ............................. 2,185 10.5 635 6.5 535 15.6 1,677 39.9

 800-999 ............................. 93 0.4 48 0.5 33 1.0 66 1.6

 1,000+ ............................... 250 1.2 156 1.6 62 1.8 201 4.8

 Maximum for 1 Personb ... 1,079 5.2 197 2.0 276 8.1 807 19.2

Countable Social Security

 $0 ...................................... 16,143 77.6 8,884 90.7 1,103 32.2 2,071 49.3

 1-199 ................................. 178 0.9 103 1.1 46 1.3 87 2.1

 200-399 ............................. 480 2.3 121 1.2 223 6.5 218 5.2

 400-599 ............................. 822 4.0 179 1.8 398 11.6 365 8.7

 600-799 ............................. 1,257 6.0 164 1.7 624 18.2 600 14.3

 800-999 ............................. 965 4.6 131 1.3 502 14.7 437 10.4

 1,000+ ............................... 959 4.6 212 2.2 529 15.4 420 10.0

Other Countable

Unearned Income

 $0 ...................................... 16,244 78.1 6,610 67.5 2,928 85.5 3,614 86.1

 1-199 ................................. 1,230 5.9 767 7.8 223 6.5 199 4.7

 200-399 ............................. 1,119 5.4 843 8.6 112 3.3 142 3.4

 400-599 ............................. 715 3.4 534 5.5 44 1.3 97 2.3

 600-799 ............................. 468 2.2 305 3.1 36 1.0 56 1.3

 800-999 ............................. 397 1.9 247 2.5 42 1.2 43 1.0

 1,000+ ............................... 624 3.0 483 4.9 40 1.2 47 1.1

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify

households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was

disabled.

b The fiscal year 2011 maximum monthly SSI benefit for one person is $674. The number shown is the number of households in which one person

receives an SSI benefit of this amount. (The household may contain more than one person.)

45
Table A.9. Distribution of Participating Households by Type of Deduction and Household Composition, Countable Income Source, and

SNAP Benefit Amount

Household Characteristic

Total Households Type of Deduction

Number

(000)

Percent

Earned Income Dependent Care Excess Shelter Medical Child Support

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Percent

with

Maximuma

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total ....................................... 20,803 100.0 6,335 30.5 806 3.9 14,936 71.8 29.1 918 4.4 417 2.0

Household Composition

 Children ................................ 9,794 100.0 4,813 49.1 804 8.2 7,674 78.4 38.6 137 1.4 218 2.2

 School Age ......................... 7,304 100.0 3,596 49.2 553 7.6 5,821 79.7 38.3 125 1.7 171 2.3

 Preschool Age .................... 5,153 100.0 2,676 51.9 576 11.2 3,949 76.6 39.0 39 0.8 111 2.2

 No Children .......................... 11,009 100.0 1,521 13.8 2 0.0 7,262 66.0 19.1 781 7.1 199 1.8

 Elderly Individuals ............... 3,426 100.0 197 5.7 1 0.0 2,558 74.7 0.2 546 15.9 21 0.6

 No Elderly Individuals ......... 17,378 100.0 6,138 35.3 805 4.6 12,378 71.2 35.1 372 2.1 396 2.3

 Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsb ...................... 4,199 100.0 449 10.7 51 1.2 3,358 80.0 0.1 397 9.5 114 2.7

 No Disabled Nonelderly

Individuals ........................ 16,605 100.0 5,886 35.4 755 4.5 11,578 69.7 37.6 521 3.1 303 1.8

Countable Income Source

 Gross Income ........................ 16,652 100.0 6,335 38.0 798 4.8 13,419 80.6 26.1 917 5.5 394 2.4

 No Gross Income .................. 4,151 100.0 – – 8 0.2 1,517 36.5 55.7 1 0.0 23 0.6

 Net Income ........................... 12,091 100.0 4,918 40.7 675 5.6 9,671 80.0 20.1 786 6.5 287 2.4

 No Net Income ..................... 8,199 100.0 1,410 17.2 131 1.6 5,265 64.2 45.8 132 1.6 130 1.6

 Not Applicablec .................... 513 100.0 6 1.2 – – – – – – – – –

 Earned Income ...................... 6,351 100.0 6,335 99.7 733 11.5 5,291 83.3 40.5 76 1.2 205 3.2

 No Earned Income ................ 14,453 100.0 – – 73 0.5 9,645 66.7 22.9 842 5.8 212 1.5

 Unearned Income ................. 12,487 100.0 2,173 17.4 363 2.9 9,905 79.3 19.5 910 7.3 257 2.1

 No Unearned Income ........... 8,316 100.0 4,161 50.0 443 5.3 5,031 60.5 48.1 8 0.1 160 1.9

 TANF Income ...................... 1,591 100.0 356 22.4 34 2.2 1,311 82.4 33.1 15 0.9 8 0.5

 No TANF Income ................. 19,212 100.0 5,979 31.1 772 4.0 13,625 70.9 28.7 903 4.7 409 2.1

 GA Income ........................... 844 100.0 58 6.9 2 0.2 678 80.4 36.7 9 1.1 6 0.7

 No GA Income ..................... 19,959 100.0 6,276 31.4 804 4.0 14,258 71.4 28.8 909 4.6 411 2.1

 SSI ........................................ 4,195 100.0 366 8.7 46 1.1 3,169 75.6 0.2 104 2.5 59 1.4

 No SSI .................................. 16,609 100.0 5,969 35.9 760 4.6 11,766 70.8 36.9 814 4.9 358 2.2

 Social Security Income ......... 4,660 100.0 353 7.6 26 0.6 3,785 81.2 2.6 865 18.6 122 2.6

 No Social Security Income ... 16,143 100.0 5,981 37.1 780 4.8 11,151 69.1 38.1 53 0.3 295 1.8

SNAP Benefit

 Minimum Benefit ................. 881 100.0 184 20.8 3 0.4 494 56.0 3.4 201 22.8 9 1.1

 Maximum Benefit ................ 8,495 100.0 1,413 16.6 132 1.6 5,276 62.1 45.7 133 1.6 130 1.5

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Percentage of households with deduction that receive the maximum.

b Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households

that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

c Net income is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

– No sample households in this category.

46
Table A.10. Average Values of Deductions of Participating Households by Household Composition, Countable Income Source, and SNAP

Benefit Amount

Household Characteristic

Total

Households

(000)

Average Amount of Deduction

(Dollars)

Earned Incomea Dependent Careb Excess Shelterc Medicalb Child Supportc

All

Households

With

Deduction

All

Households

With

Deduction

All

Households

With

Deduction

All

Households

With

Deduction

All

Households

With

Deduction

Total ................................ 20,803 64 205 9 223 277 376 6 141 5 245

Household Composition

 Children ......................... 9,794 112 228 18 223 282 358 2 113 6 269

 School Age .................. 7,304 117 238 18 231 288 360 2 112 6 272

 Preschool Age ............. 5,153 120 231 26 228 269 350 1 97 6 292

 No Children ................... 11,009 19 130 0 175 272 394 11 146 4 220

 Elderly Individuals ........ 3,426 9 143 0 694 340 419 27 151 1 154

 No Elderly Individuals .. 17,378 74 207 11 222 265 367 3 127 6 250

 Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsd ............... 4,199 18 160 3 240 341 405 13 132 5 177

 No Disabled Nonelderly

Individuals ................. 16,605 75 208 10 222 261 367 5 148 5 271

Countable Income

Source

 Gross Income ................ 16,652 81 205 11 224 311 374 8 141 6 235

 No Gross Income .......... 4,151 0 0 0 149 143 391 0 60 2 418

 Net Income .................... 12,091 99 241 12 219 262 327 8 121 6 235

 No Net Income .............. 8,199 13 78 4 245 299 465 4 260 4 268

 Not Applicablee ............. 513 59 325 00000000

 Earned Income .............. 6,351 204 205 26 229 299 358 2 172 9 266

 No Earned Income ........ 14,453 0 0 1 163 267 386 8 138 3 226

 Unearned Income .......... 12,487 33 177 7 222 314 380 11 139 5 223

 No Unearned Income .... 8,316 110 219 12 224 222 367 0 292 5 281

 TANF Income ............... 1,591 28 123 3 133 283 341 2 234 1 249

 No TANF Income ......... 19,212 67 210 9 227 276 379 7 139 5 245

 GA Income .................... 844 11 156 1 228 329 405 1 109 1 145

 No GA Income .............. 19,959 67 205 9 223 274 374 7 141 5 247

 SSI ................................. 4,195 18 172 3 245 330 386 3 113 2 146

 No SSI ........................... 16,609 74 207 10 222 265 373 7 144 6 262

 Social Security 

Income ....................... 4,660 11 137 2 314 338 398 27 139 5 179

 No Social Security

Income ....................... 16,143 79 209 11 220 260 368 1 167 5 273

SNAP Benefit

 Minimum Benefit .......... 881 50 241 1 156 117 209 25 108 2 147

 Maximum Benefit ......... 8,495 13 78 4 245 299 465 4 260 4 267

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determinations, 644,511 SSI-CAP households are excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are

based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

b Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 644,511 SSI-CAP households are excluded from this column.

Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

c Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized

SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

d Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that

contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

e Net income is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

47
Table A.11. Distribution of Participating Households by Selected Household Characteristics and Amount of

Deduction

Household Characteristic

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly

Individuals

Disabled

Nonelderly

Individualsa

Countable Earned

Income

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total .................................................. 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0 6,351 100.0

Total Deduction

 $0-141b ............................................ 31 0.1 29 0.3 1 0.0 0 0.0 2 0.0

 142 ............................................... 3,677 17.7 888 9.1 471 13.7 376 9.0 2 0.0

 143-200 ........................................... 983 4.7 525 5.4 142 4.1 207 4.9 195 3.1

 201-300 ........................................... 1,395 6.7 589 6.0 333 9.7 445 10.6 268 4.2

 301-400 ........................................... 1,596 7.7 728 7.4 393 11.5 469 11.2 429 6.8

 401-500 ........................................... 2,029 9.8 1,017 10.4 345 10.1 556 13.2 598 9.4

 501-600 ........................................... 3,740 18.0 1,824 18.6 366 10.7 492 11.7 659 10.4

 601-700 ........................................... 2,337 11.2 1,407 14.4 341 10.0 457 10.9 1,174 18.5

 701-800 ........................................... 1,680 8.1 964 9.8 238 7.0 336 8.0 1,156 18.2

 801-900 ........................................... 1,136 5.5 705 7.2 173 5.1 224 5.3 782 12.3

 901-1000 ......................................... 695 3.3 461 4.7 121 3.5 154 3.7 457 7.2

 1000+ .............................................. 1,025 4.9 655 6.7 232 6.8 272 6.5 623 9.8

 Not Applicablec ............................... 479 2.3 2 0.0 269 7.9 210 5.0 5 0.1

Earned Income Deduction

 $0 ..................................................... 13,824 66.5 4,979 50.8 2,875 83.9 3,459 82.4 11 0.2

 1-50 ................................................. 772 3.7 372 3.8 45 1.3 97 2.3 772 12.2

 51-100 ............................................. 777 3.7 521 5.3 39 1.1 79 1.9 777 12.2

 101-150 ........................................... 945 4.5 674 6.9 31 0.9 75 1.8 945 14.9

 151-200 ........................................... 940 4.5 686 7.0 25 0.7 61 1.4 940 14.8

 201-250 ........................................... 800 3.8 628 6.4 23 0.7 36 0.9 800 12.6

 251-300 ........................................... 713 3.4 622 6.4 17 0.5 41 1.0 713 11.2

 301-350 ........................................... 502 2.4 459 4.7 8 0.2 26 0.6 502 7.9

 351+ ................................................ 887 4.3 851 8.7 10 0.3 34 0.8 887 14.0

 Not Applicabled .............................. 645 3.1 2 0.0 354 10.3 291 6.9 5 0.1

Dependent Care Deduction

 $0 ..................................................... 19,319 92.9 8,954 91.4 3,071 89.6 3,857 91.9 5,606 88.3

 1-50 ................................................. 107 0.5 106 1.1 0 0.0 9 0.2 80 1.3

 51-100 ............................................. 135 0.7 135 1.4 0 0.0 5 0.1 124 1.9

 101-150 ........................................... 106 0.5 106 1.1 0 0.0 8 0.2 101 1.6

 151-200 ........................................... 106 0.5 106 1.1 – – 4 0.1 96 1.5

 201-250 ........................................... 74 0.4 74 0.8 – – 4 0.1 71 1.1

 251-300 ........................................... 69 0.3 69 0.7 0 0.0 6 0.2 65 1.0

 301+ ................................................ 209 1.0 209 2.1 0 0.0 16 0.4 196 3.1

 Not Applicablee ............................... 678 3.3 35 0.4 354 10.3 291 6.9 12 0.2

Medical Deduction

 $0 ..................................................... 19,207 92.3 9,622 98.2 2,526 73.7 3,511 83.6 6,263 98.6

 1-50 ................................................. 120 0.6 11 0.1 66 1.9 60 1.4 8 0.1

 51-100 ............................................. 381 1.8 66 0.7 219 6.4 172 4.1 32 0.5

 101-150 ........................................... 187 0.9 40 0.4 103 3.0 88 2.1 18 0.3

 151-200 ........................................... 72 0.3 8 0.1 54 1.6 20 0.5 3 0.0

 201-250 ........................................... 39 0.2 4 0.0 26 0.7 14 0.3 4 0.1

 251-300 ........................................... 25 0.1 1 0.0 19 0.6 6 0.1 4 0.1

 301+ ................................................ 94 0.5 7 0.1 60 1.7 38 0.9 8 0.1

 Not Applicablee ............................... 678 3.3 35 0.4 354 10.3 291 6.9 12 0.2

Child Support Deduction

 $0 ..................................................... 19,708 94.7 9,540 97.4 3,051 89.1 3,794 90.4 6,134 96.6

 1-50 ................................................. 50 0.2 16 0.2 4 0.1 22 0.5 20 0.3

 51-100 ............................................. 60 0.3 24 0.2 7 0.2 22 0.5 18 0.3

 101-150 ........................................... 51 0.2 27 0.3 1 0.0 19 0.5 24 0.4

 151-200 ........................................... 45 0.2 29 0.3 2 0.1 11 0.3 26 0.4

 201-250 ........................................... 38 0.2 21 0.2 5 0.1 12 0.3 20 0.3

 251-300 ........................................... 41 0.2 24 0.2 0 0.0 7 0.2 22 0.4

 301+ ................................................ 131 0.6 77 0.8 2 0.1 21 0.5 75 1.2

See footnotes at end of table.

48
Table A.11. Distribution of Participating Households by Selected Household Characteristics and Amount of

Deduction — Continued

Household Characteristic

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly

Individuals

Disabled

Nonelderly

Individualsa

Countable Earned

Income

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Child Support Deduction

 Not Applicablef ............................... 678 3.3 35 0.4 354 10.3 291 6.9 12 0.2

Excess Shelter Deduction

 $0 ..................................................... 5,354 25.7 2,085 21.3 598 17.4 631 15.0 1,048 16.5

 1-50 ................................................. 695 3.3 354 3.6 123 3.6 141 3.4 204 3.2

 51-100 ............................................. 647 3.1 350 3.6 134 3.9 201 4.8 245 3.9

 101-150 ........................................... 778 3.7 388 4.0 172 5.0 218 5.2 288 4.5

 151-200 ........................................... 879 4.2 422 4.3 205 6.0 223 5.3 299 4.7

 201-250 ........................................... 916 4.4 459 4.7 207 6.0 241 5.7 304 4.8

 251-300 ........................................... 1,047 5.0 523 5.3 169 4.9 285 6.8 337 5.3

 301-350 ........................................... 1,141 5.5 634 6.5 168 4.9 276 6.6 404 6.4

 351-400 ........................................... 1,066 5.1 534 5.4 163 4.7 220 5.3 402 6.3

 401-457 ........................................... 1,198 5.8 585 6.0 224 6.5 288 6.9 441 6.9

 458 ................................................... 4,343 20.9 2,955 30.2 6 0.2 3 0.1 2,137 33.6

 459+ ................................................ 2,225 10.7 469 4.8 988 28.8 1,260 30.0 231 3.6

 Not Applicablef ............................... 513 2.5 35 0.4 270 7.9 210 5.0 12 0.2

 No Deduction .................................. 5,354 25.7 2,085 21.3 598 17.4 631 15.0 1,048 16.5

 Deduction Less than Capg ............... 8,376 40.3 4,253 43.4 1,566 45.7 2,095 49.9 2,925 46.1

 Deduction Equal to Cap .................. 4,351 20.9 2,962 30.2 6 0.2 3 0.1 2,142 33.7

 Benefit Less than Maximum

Benefit ......................................... 1,940 9.3 1,568 16.0 5 0.1 3 0.1 1,400 22.0

 Benefit Equal to Maximum

Benefit ......................................... 2,411 11.6 1,394 14.2 1 0.0 0 0.0 742 11.7

 Deduction Greater than Cap ............ 2,209 10.6 458 4.7 986 28.8 1,259 30.0 224 3.5

 Not Applicablef ............................... 513 2.5 35 0.4 270 7.9 210 5.0 12 0.2

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able

to identify households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which

household member was disabled.

b This row contains MFIP households, which do not receive a standard deduction, and households in the Virgin Islands, which

receive a standard deduction of $125 for 1- and 2-person households, and $127 for 3-person households.

c Deductions are not used in the benefit determinations of SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

d This deduction is not used in the benefit determinations of SSI-CAP households.

e This deduction is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households.

f This deduction is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized

SSI-CAP benefits.

g Households without elderly or disabled members are subject to a cap on their excess shelter deduction.

– No sample households in this category.

49
Table A.12. Distribution of Participating Households by Selected Household Characteristics and SNAP Benefit Amount, SNAP Benefit as a Per

Benefit, and Certification Period

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly Individuals Disabled Nonelderly Individualsa Countabl

Inco

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Total ......................................................................................... 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0 6,351 SNAP Benefit Minimum Benefit or lessb ...................................................... 889 4.3 82 0.8 419 12.2 295 7.0 189  Greater than the Minimum - 50 .............................................. 670 3.2 82 0.8 265 7.7 273 6.5 105  51 - 100 ................................................................................... 1,432 6.9 191 1.9 622 18.2 510 12.1 253  101 - 199 ................................................................................. 3,457 16.6 859 8.8 984 28.7 1,231 29.3 1,008  200 .......................................................................................... 5,224 25.1 341 3.5 751 21.9 544 12.9 686  201 - 300 ................................................................................. 1,566 7.5 1,271 13.0 143 4.2 361 8.6 925  301 - 400 ................................................................................. 3,162 15.2 2,644 27.0 173 5.0 385 9.2 1,290  401 - 500 ................................................................................. 1,130 5.4 1,106 11.3 29 0.8 221 5.3 652  501 - 600 ................................................................................. 1,607 7.7 1,558 15.9 22 0.6 160 3.8 596  601 or More ............................................................................ 1,667 8.0 1,660 16.9 17 0.5 218 5.2 646 Benefit as a Percentage of the Maximum Minimum ................................................................................ 881 4.2 75 0.8 419 12.2 290 6.9 184  < 25%c .................................................................................... 1,011 4.9 384 3.9 304 8.9 379 9.0 320 

 25 - 50 ..................................................................................... 2,845 13.7 1,399 14.3 742 21.6 849 20.2 1,221  51 - 75 ..................................................................................... 3,551 17.1 2,139 21.8 601 17.5 1,059 25.2 1,635  76 - 99 ..................................................................................... 4,020 19.3 2,588 26.4 488 14.2 881 21.0 1,569  Maximum ................................................................................ 8,495 40.8 3,209 32.8 873 25.5 740 17.6 1,422 Months in Certification Period Averaged .................................................................................. 12 – 9 – 20 – 16 – 9 

 1-5 ........................................................................................... 354 1.7 165 1.7 14 0.4 39 0.9 96  6 .............................................................................................. 7,073 34.0 4,296 43.9 302 8.8 791 18.8 2,821  7-11 ......................................................................................... 549 2.6 308 3.1 43 1.3 56 1.3 155  12 ............................................................................................ 9,616 46.2 4,814 49.2 1,360 39.7 1,965 46.8 3,195  13-23 ....................................................................................... 164 0.8 64 0.7 39 1.1 49 1.2 21  24 ............................................................................................ 2,187 10.5 129 1.3 1,169 34.1 981 23.4 54  25-35 ....................................................................................... 30 0.1 – – 18 0.5 12 0.3 1  36 ............................................................................................ 469 2.3 6 0.1 270 7.9 166 4.0 3  37+ .......................................................................................... 346 1.7 3 0.0 209 6.1 134 3.2 2  Unknown ................................................................................. 15 0.1 8 0.1 2 0.0 5 0.1 4  Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that contain 

reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

b The minimum benefit, applicable to one- and two-person households, is equal to 8 percent of the maximum benefit for single-person households. See Table C-6 for the 

c Does not include households with the minimum benefit.

d Average number of months in certification period. Percent not applicable in this row.

– Not Applicable.

50
Table A.13. Distribution of Participating Households by Type of Most Recent Action and Expedited

Service

Most Recent Action and Expedited

Service

Total Households Entrants Other Households

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total ................................................ 20,803 100.0 869 100.0 19,934 100.0

Initial Certification .......................... 8,061 38.7 869 100.0 7,191 36.1

 Eligible for and Receiving

Expedited Service ...................... 2,468 11.9 427 49.1 2,041 10.2

 Eligible for But Did Not Receive

Expedited Service ...................... 555 2.7 53 6.1 502 2.5

 Not Eligible for Expedited Service 5,037 24.2 390 44.8 4,648 23.3

Recertification ................................. 12,743 61.3 – – 12,743 63.9

 Eligible for and Receiving

Expedited Service ...................... 175 0.8 – – 175 0.9

 Eligible for But Did Not Receive

Expedited Service ...................... 59 0.3 – – 59 0.3

 Not Eligible for Expedited Service 12,508 60.1 – – 12,508 62.7

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

– By definition these are mutually exclusive categories; therefore, no households will be found in these categories.

51
Table A.14. Distribution of Participating Households, Individuals, and Benefits by Household Composition

Household Composition

SNAP Households

Participants in Households

with Household

Characteristic

Monthly SNAP Benefits

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Dollars

(000)

Percent

Totala ............................................................................. 20,803 100.0 44,148 100.0 5,838,193 100.0

Children, Elderly Individuals, or Disabled

Individuals .............................................................. 15,770 75.8 38,549 87.3 4,855,250 83.2

Childrenb ...................................................................... 9,794 47.1 31,603 71.6 4,040,573 69.2

 Single-Adult Household ............................................... 5,477 26.3 16,121 36.5 2,164,038 37.1

 Male Adult ................................................................ 373 1.8 976 2.2 133,695 2.3

 Female Adult ............................................................. 5,104 24.5 15,144 34.3 2,030,343 34.8

 Multiple-Adult Household ........................................... 3,026 14.5 12,848 29.1 1,468,146 25.1

 Married Head Household .......................................... 1,873 9.0 8,085 18.3 906,046 15.5

 Other Multiple-Adult Household .............................. 1,154 5.5 4,762 10.8 562,100 9.6

 Children Only ............................................................... 1,290 6.2 2,634 6.0 408,389 7.0

Elderly Individuals ....................................................... 3,426 16.5 4,362 9.9 494,729 8.5

 Living Alone ................................................................ 2,730 13.1 2,730 6.2 332,497 5.7

 Living with Only Elderly Individuals .......................... 319 1.5 638 1.4 59,933 1.0

 Living with at Least One Nonelderly Individual ......... 377 1.8 993 2.3 102,299 1.8

Disabled Nonelderly Individualsc ............................... 4,199 20.2 8,326 18.9 924,331 15.8

 Living Alone ................................................................ 2,382 11.5 2,382 5.4 295,819 5.1

 Not Living Alone ......................................................... 1,816 8.7 5,944 13.5 628,512 10.8

Other Householdsd ....................................................... 5,033 24.2 5,599 12.7 982,944 16.8

 Single-Person Household ............................................. 4,545 21.8 4,545 10.3 833,274 14.3

 Multi-Person Household .............................................. 488 2.3 1,055 2.4 149,670 2.6

Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in Childless

Householdse ............................................................ 4,083 19.6 4,903 11.1 830,338 14.2

 Single-Person Household ............................................. 3,730 17.9 4,093 9.3 714,422 12.2

 Multi-Person Household .............................................. 353 1.7 810 1.8 115,916 2.0

Single-Person Households ........................................... 10,125 48.7 10,125 22.9 1,547,218 26.5

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a The sum of individual categories does not match the table total because a household can have more than one of the characteristics in the

table.

b Individuals with missing age were assigned child or adult status based on their relationship to the household head.

c Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to

identify households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household

member was disabled.

d Households not containing children, elderly individuals, or disabled individuals.

e These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

52
Table A.15. Average Gross Countable Income as a Percentage of Poverty Guideline, Gross and Net Countable Income, Total

Deduction, SNAP Benefit, Household Size, and Certification Period of Participating Households by Household Composition

Household Composition

Total Households Average Values

Number

(000)

Percent

Gross

Countable

Income as a

Percentage

of Poverty

Guideline

(Percent)

Gross

Countable

Income

(Dollars)

Net

Countable

Income

(Dollars)a

Total

Deduction

(Dollars)b

SNAP

Benefit

(Dollars)

Household

Size

(Individuals)

Certification

Period

(Months)

Totalc ........................................................... 20,803 100.0 58.5 744 338 508 281 2.1 12.2

Children, Elderly Individuals, or

Disabled Individuals ............................ 15,770 75.8 68.4 896 421 552 308 2.4 13.2

Childrend .................................................... 9,794 47.1 58.4 948 462 571 413 3.2 9.4

 Single-Adult Household ............................. 5,477 26.3 55.5 832 389 530 395 2.9 9.4

 Male Adult .............................................. 373 1.8 53.8 757 359 516 359 2.6 9.9

 Female Adult ........................................... 5,104 24.5 55.6 837 391 531 398 3.0 9.4

 Multiple-Adult Household ......................... 3,026 14.5 68.3 1,309 716 661 485 4.2 9.3

 Married Head Household ........................ 1,873 9.0 70.3 1,368 754 682 484 4.3 9.2

 Other Multiple-Adult Household ............ 1,154 5.5 64.9 1,213 655 628 487 4.1 9.6

 Children Only ............................................. 1,290 6.2 47.8 594 178 532 316 2.0 9.2

Elderly Individuals ..................................... 3,426 16.5 84.0 833 385 519 144 1.3 19.9

 Living Alone .............................................. 2,730 13.1 82.2 743 305 500 122 1.0 21.3

 Living with Only Elderly Individuals ........ 319 1.5 99.2 1,207 660 602 188 2.0 17.6

 Living with at Least One Nonelderly

Individual ............................................... 377 1.8 84.5 1,172 672 571 271 2.6 11.5

Disabled Nonelderly Individualse ............. 4,199 20.2 82.3 969 482 528 220 2.0 15.8

 Living Alone .............................................. 2,382 11.5 85.1 769 289 514 124 1.0 19.5

 Not Living Alone ....................................... 1,816 8.7 78.5 1,232 713 544 346 3.3 10.9

Other Householdsf ..................................... 5,033 24.2 27.7 270 88 375 195 1.1 9.2

 Single-Person Household ........................... 4,545 21.8 24.6 222 64 357 183 1.0 9.2

 Multi-Person Household ............................ 488 2.3 56.5 711 310 546 307 2.2 9.2

Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in

Childless Householdsg ......................... 4,083 19.6 29.8 308 109 381 203 1.2 9.1

 Single-Person Household ........................... 3,730 17.9 27.5 270 91 366 192 1.1 9.1

 Multi-Person Household ............................ 353 1.7 53.8 703 293 540 328 2.3 9.5

Single-Person Households ......................... 10,125 48.7 55.2 499 176 435 153 1.0 14.9

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because net income is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized

SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households

column.

b Because deductions are not used in their benefit determinations, 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are

excluded from this column. Thus, the average values are based on fewer households than the number shown in the Total Households column.

c The sum of individual categories does not match the table total because a household can have more than one of the characteristics in the table.

d Individuals with missing age were assigned child or adult status based on their relationship to the household head.

e Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households

that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

f Households not containing children, elderly individuals, or disabled individuals.

g These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

53
Table A.16. Distribution of Participating Households by Countable Income Type and Household Composition

Household Composition

Total

Households Countable Income Type

Number

(000)

Percent

Earned Income Zero Gross

Income TANF Income GA Income SSI Social SecurityIncome

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totala ......................................... 20,803 100.0 6,351 100.0 4,151 100.0 1,591 100.0 844 100.0 4,195 100.0 4,660 100.0

Children, Elderly Individuals,

or Disabled Individuals ...... 15,770 75.8 5,141 81.0 1,433 34.5 1,550 97.4 419 49.6 4,194 100.0 4,622 99.2

Childrenb .................................. 9,794 47.1 4,816 75.8 1,216 29.3 1,540 96.8 182 21.6 1,118 26.6 910 19.5

 Single-Adult Household ........... 5,477 26.3 2,201 34.7 782 18.8 956 60.1 115 13.7 635 15.1 535 11.5

 Male Adult ............................ 373 1.8 110 1.7 80 1.9 60 3.8 9 1.0 30 0.7 59 1.3

 Female Adult ......................... 5,104 24.5 2,091 32.9 702 16.9 896 56.3 106 12.6 605 14.4 477 10.2

 Multiple-Adult Household ....... 3,026 14.5 1,811 28.5 277 6.7 335 21.1 49 5.9 453 10.8 351 7.5

 Married Head Household ...... 1,873 9.0 1,197 18.8 180 4.3 161 10.1 22 2.7 236 5.6 190 4.1

 Other Multiple-Adult

Household ............................ 1,154 5.5 615 9.7 97 2.3 174 10.9 27 3.2 216 5.2 162 3.5

 Children Only ........................... 1,290 6.2 804 12.7 157 3.8 249 15.7 17 2.1 30 0.7 24 0.5

Elderly Individuals ................... 3,426 16.5 199 3.1 224 5.4 47 2.9 144 17.1 1,386 33.0 2,322 49.8

 Living Alone ............................ 2,730 13.1 88 1.4 210 5.1 2 0.1 108 12.8 1,125 26.8 1,849 39.7

 Living with Only Elderly

Individuals ............................ 319 1.5 33 0.5 5 0.1 – – 20 2.4 127 3.0 213 4.6

 Living with at Least One

Nonelderly Individual .......... 377 1.8 78 1.2 9 0.2 44 2.8 16 1.9 135 3.2 260 5.6

Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsc ......................... 4,199 20.2 457 7.2 0 0.0 284 17.9 173 20.5 2,894 69.0 2,127 45.6

 Living Alone ............................ 2,382 11.5 96 1.5 0 0.0 2 0.1 83 9.8 1,538 36.7 1,317 28.3

 Not Living Alone ..................... 1,816 8.7 360 5.7 – – 283 17.8 90 10.7 1,356 32.3 810 17.4

Other Householdsd ................... 5,033 24.2 1,209 19.0 2,718 65.5 41 2.6 425 50.4 0 0.0 38 0.8

 Single-Person ........................... 4,545 21.8 950 15.0 2,600 62.6 27 1.7 408 48.4 0 0.0 23 0.5

 Multi-Person ............................ 488 2.3 260 4.1 118 2.8 14 0.9 17 2.0 – – 15 0.3

Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49

in Childless Householdse ... 4,083 19.6 990 15.6 2,101 50.6 41 2.6 329 38.9 127 3.0 160 3.4

 Single-Person Household ......... 3,730 17.9 809 12.7 2,023 48.7 28 1.7 317 37.5 109 2.6 140 3.0

 Multi-Person Household .......... 353 1.7 182 2.9 78 1.9 14 0.9 12 1.4 18 0.4 20 0.4

Single-Person Households ....... 10,125 48.7 1,407 22.2 2,878 69.3 121 7.6 609 72.1 2,664 63.5 3,197 68.6

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a The sum of individual categories does not match the table total because a household can have more than one of the characteristics in the table.

b Individuals with missing age were assigned child or adult status based on their relationship to the household head.

c Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that

contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

d Households not containing children, elderly individuals, or disabled individuals.

e These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

– No sample households in this category.

54
Table A.17. Distribution of Participating Households with Children, Elderly Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals by Selected

Characteristics

Household Characteristic

Total Households Household with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children School-Age

Children

Preschool-Age

Children

Elderly

Individuals

Disabled

Nonelderly

Individualsa

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total ............................................................ 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 7,304 100.0 5,153 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0

Household Composition

 Children ...................................................... 9,794 47.1 9,794 100.0 7,304 100.0 5,153 100.0 162 4.7 1,406 33.5

 School Age ............................................... 7,304 35.1 7,304 74.6 7,304 100.0 2,663 51.7 148 4.3 1,235 29.4

 Preschool Age .......................................... 5,153 24.8 5,153 52.6 2,663 36.5 5,153 100.0 35 1.0 491 11.7

 Elderly Individuals ..................................... 3,426 16.5 162 1.7 148 2.0 35 0.7 3,426 100.0 121 2.9

 Disabled Nonelderly Individualsa .............. 4,199 20.2 1,406 14.4 1,235 16.9 491 9.5 121 3.5 4,199 100.0

Countable Income Source and Resources

 Gross Income ............................................. 16,652 80.0 8,578 87.6 6,546 89.6 4,443 86.2 3,202 93.5 4,198 100.0

 No Gross Income ....................................... 4,151 20.0 1,216 12.4 758 10.4 710 13.8 224 6.5 0 0.0

 Net Income ................................................. 12,091 58.1 6,557 66.9 5,159 70.6 3,333 64.7 2,432 71.0 3,390 80.7

 No Net Income ........................................... 8,199 39.4 3,202 32.7 2,121 29.0 1,799 34.9 724 21.1 599 14.3

 Not Applicableb ......................................... 513 2.5 35 0.4 23 0.3 20 0.4 270 7.9 210 5.0

 Earned Income ........................................... 6,351 30.5 4,816 49.2 3,596 49.2 2,678 52.0 199 5.8 457 10.9

 Unearned Income ....................................... 12,487 60.0 5,551 56.7 4,418 60.5 2,656 51.5 3,128 91.3 4,196 99.9

 TANF Income ............................................ 1,591 7.6 1,540 15.7 1,083 14.8 874 17.0 47 1.4 284 6.8

 GA Income ................................................. 844 4.1 182 1.9 143 2.0 85 1.6 144 4.2 173 4.1

 SSI .............................................................. 4,195 20.2 1,118 11.4 983 13.5 408 7.9 1,386 40.5 2,894 68.9

 Social Security Income .............................. 4,660 22.4 910 9.3 826 11.3 262 5.1 2,322 67.8 2,127 50.7

 Countable Resources .................................. 1,220 5.9 662 6.8 508 7.0 343 6.7 239 7.0 233 5.6

Deductions

 Total Deduction ......................................... 20,296 97.6 9,765 99.7 7,284 99.7 5,138 99.7 3,156 92.1 3,989 95.0

 Standard Deduction .................................... 20,290 97.5 9,759 99.6 7,280 99.7 5,133 99.6 3,156 92.1 3,989 95.0

 Earned Income Deduction .......................... 6,335 30.5 4,813 49.1 3,596 49.2 2,676 51.9 197 5.7 449 10.7

 Dependent Care Deduction ........................ 806 3.9 804 8.2 553 7.6 576 11.2 1 0.0 51 1.2

 Excess Shelter Deduction .......................... 14,936 71.8 7,674 78.4 5,821 79.7 3,949 76.6 2,558 74.7 3,358 80.0

 Medical Deduction ..................................... 918 4.4 137 1.4 125 1.7 39 0.8 546 15.9 397 9.5

 Child Support Deduction ........................... 417 2.0 218 2.2 171 2.3 111 2.2 21 0.6 114 2.7

SNAP Benefit

 Minimum Benefit or lessc .......................... 889 4.3 82 0.8 65 0.9 21 0.4 419 12.2 295 7.0

 Greater than the Minimum - 100 ............... 2,102 10.1 272 2.8 202 2.8 95 1.8 887 25.9 783 18.7

 101-200 ...................................................... 8,681 41.7 1,199 12.2 772 10.6 529 10.3 1,736 50.7 1,775 42.3

 201-300 ...................................................... 1,566 7.5 1,271 13.0 928 12.7 585 11.3 143 4.2 361 8.6

 301 or More ................................................ 7,566 36.4 6,968 71.2 5,337 73.1 3,923 76.1 240 7.0 985 23.5

 Minimum Benefit ....................................... 881 4.2 75 0.8 59 0.8 17 0.3 419 12.2 290 6.9

 Maximum Benefit ...................................... 8,495 40.8 3,209 32.8 2,125 29.1 1,802 35.0 873 25.5 740 17.6

Household Size

 1 .................................................................. 10,125 48.7 476 4.9 221 3.0 255 4.9 2,730 79.7 2,382 56.7

 2 .................................................................. 4,119 19.8 2,912 29.7 1,737 23.8 1,368 26.5 551 16.1 709 16.9

 3 .................................................................. 2,971 14.3 2,837 29.0 2,113 28.9 1,440 28.0 85 2.5 470 11.2

 4 .................................................................. 2,006 9.6 1,989 20.3 1,715 23.5 1,084 21.0 36 1.1 317 7.6

 5 .................................................................. 988 4.7 986 10.1 933 12.8 586 11.4 16 0.5 181 4.3

 6+ ............................................................... 594 2.9 594 6.1 585 8.0 420 8.1 8 0.2 139 3.3

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that

contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

b Net income is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

c The minimum benefit, applicable to one- and two-person households, is equal to 8 percent of the maximum benefit for single-person households. See Table C-6

for the FY 2011 minimum benefit values.

55
Table A.18. Average Values of Selected Characteristics for Participating Households with Children, Elderly

Individuals, and Disabled Nonelderly Individuals

Household Characteristic

Average Values for Households with:

Total Children School-Age

Children

Preschool-Age

Children

Elderly

Individuals

Disabled

Nonelderly

Individualsa

Countable Income

 Gross Income ........................................ 744 948 1,025 915 833 969

 Net Incomeb .......................................... 338 462 517 431 385 482

 Earned Income ...................................... 312 561 586 599 41 86

 Unearned Income .................................. 432 387 439 316 792 884

 TANF Income ....................................... 30 63 61 72 5 22

 GA Income ............................................ 10 7 8 6 8 7

 SSI ......................................................... 112 79 95 55 189 411

 Social Security Income ......................... 170 67 82 33 536 384

Countable Income as a Percentage of

Poverty Guildeline

 Gross Income ......................................... 58.5 58.4 60.8 54.5 84.0 82.3

 Net Incomeb ........................................... 24.3 27.3 29.6 24.3 34.5 35.8

Deductions

 Total Deductionc .................................... 508 571 585 575 519 528

 Earned Income Deductiond .................... 64 112 117 120 9 18

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 205 228 238 231 143 160

 Dependent Care Deductione .................. 9 18 18 26 0 3

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 223 223 231 228 694 240

 Excess Shelter Deductionf ..................... 277 282 288 269 340 341

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 376 358 360 350 419 405

 Medical Deductione ............................... 6 2 2 1 27 13

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 141 113 112 97 151 132

 Child Support Deductionf ...................... 5 6 6 6 1 5

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 245 269 272 292 154 177

SNAP Benefit .............................................. 281 413 433 442 144 220

Household Size ........................................... 2.1 3.2 3.5 3.4 1.3 2.0

Certification Period ................................... 12.2 9.4 9.4 9.2 19.9 15.8

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to

identify households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household

member was disabled.

b Because net income is not used in their benefit determination, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households are excluded

from this category.

c Because deductions are not used in their benefit determination, 479,294 SSI-CAP households are excluded from this category.

d Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determination, 644,511 SSI-CAP households are excluded from this category.

e Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determination, 33,612 MFIP households and 644,511 SSI-CAP households are

excluded from this category.

f Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determination, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households are

excluded from this category.

56
Table A.19. Distribution of Participating Households with Countable Earned and Unearned Income by Selected

Characteristics

Household Characteristic

Total Households Countable Income Type

Number

(000)

Percent

 Earned Income Unearned Income TANF Income GA Income

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total .................................................................... 20,803 100.0 6,351 100.0 12,487 100.0 1,591 100.0 844 100.0

Household Composition

 Children ............................................................. 9,794 47.1 4,816 75.8 5,551 44.5 1,540 96.8 182 21.6

 School Age ...................................................... 7,304 35.1 3,596 56.6 4,418 35.4 1,083 68.0 143 17.0

 Preschool Age ................................................. 5,153 24.8 2,678 42.2 2,656 21.3 874 54.9 85 10.0

 Elderly Individuals ............................................ 3,426 16.5 199 3.1 3,128 25.0 47 2.9 144 17.1

 Disabled Nonelderly Individualsa ..................... 4,199 20.2 457 7.2 4,196 33.6 284 17.9 173 20.5

Countable Income Source

 Gross Income .................................................... 16,652 80.0 6,351 100.0 12,487 100.0 1,591 100.0 844 100.0

 No Gross Incomeb ............................................. 4,151 20.0 – – – – – – – –

 Net Income ........................................................ 12,091 58.1 4,923 77.5 9,099 72.9 1,046 65.8 364 43.1

 No Net Income .................................................. 8,199 39.4 1,416 22.3 2,893 23.2 535 33.6 471 55.9

 Not Applicablec ................................................. 513 2.5 12 0.2 494 4.0 10 0.6 9 1.0

 Earned Income .................................................. 6,351 30.5 6,351 100.0 2,186 17.5 356 22.4 61 7.2

 Unearned Income .............................................. 12,487 60.0 2,186 34.4 12,487 100.0 1,591 100.0 844 100.0

 TANF Income ................................................... 1,591 7.6 356 5.6 1,591 12.7 1,591 100.0 8 0.9

 GA Income ........................................................ 844 4.1 61 1.0 844 6.8 8 0.5 844 100.0

 SSI Income ........................................................ 4,195 20.2 375 5.9 4,195 33.6 267 16.8 220 26.1

 Social Security Income ..................................... 4,660 22.4 356 5.6 4,660 37.3 127 8.0 120 14.2

Deductions

 Total Deduction ................................................. 20,296 97.6 6,345 99.9 11,994 96.1 1,581 99.4 835 99.0

 Standard Deduction ........................................... 20,290 97.5 6,339 99.8 11,993 96.0 1,581 99.4 835 99.0

 Earned Income Deduction ................................. 6,335 30.5 6,335 99.7 2,173 17.4 356 22.4 58 6.9

 Dependent Care Deduction ............................... 806 3.9 733 11.5 363 2.9 34 2.2 2 0.2

 Excess Shelter Deduction .................................. 14,936 71.8 5,291 83.3 9,905 79.3 1,311 82.4 678 80.4

 Medical Deduction ............................................ 918 4.4 76 1.2 910 7.3 15 0.9 9 1.1

 Child Support Deduction .................................. 417 2.0 205 3.2 257 2.1 8 0.5 6 0.7

SNAP Benefit

 Minimum Benefit or lessd ................................. 889 4.3 189 3.0 804 6.4 6 0.4 9 1.1

 Greater than the Minimum - 100 ....................... 2,102 10.1 358 5.6 1,889 15.1 22 1.4 64 7.6

 101-200 ............................................................. 8,681 41.7 1,694 26.7 4,583 36.7 182 11.4 565 67.0

 201-300 ............................................................. 1,566 7.5 925 14.6 1,009 8.1 157 9.9 38 4.5

 301 or More ....................................................... 7,566 36.4 3,183 50.1 4,202 33.7 1,224 76.9 167 19.7

 Minimum Benefit .............................................. 881 4.2 184 2.9 799 6.4 6 0.4 9 1.1

 Maximum Benefit ............................................. 8,495 40.8 1,422 22.4 3,187 25.5 537 33.7 480 56.9

Household Size

 1 ......................................................................... 10,125 48.7 1,407 22.2 6,122 49.0 121 7.6 609 72.1

 2 ......................................................................... 4,119 19.8 1,512 23.8 2,499 20.0 561 35.3 112 13.3

 3 ......................................................................... 2,971 14.3 1,424 22.4 1,725 13.8 411 25.8 63 7.5

 4 ......................................................................... 2,006 9.6 1,081 17.0 1,186 9.5 285 17.9 33 3.9

 5 ......................................................................... 988 4.7 569 9.0 572 4.6 129 8.1 16 1.8

 6+ ...................................................................... 594 2.9 357 5.6 382 3.1 84 5.3 11 1.3

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify

households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was

disabled.

b Some states allow child support expenses to be subtracted before gross income is calculated. As a result, it is possible to have countable income

but no gross income.

c Net income is not used in the benefit determinations of MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

d The minimum benefit, applicable to one- and two-person households, is equal to 8 percent of the maximum benefit for single-person households.

See Table C-6 for the FY 2011 minimum benefit values.

– No sample households in this category.

57
Table A.20. Average Values of Selected Characteristics for Participating Households with Countable

Earned and Unearned Income

Household Characteristic

Average Values for Households with:

Total

Countable

Earned

Income

Countable

Unearned

Income

Countable

TANF Income

Countable GA

Income

Countable Income

 Gross Income ......................................... 744 1,197 875 725 526

 Net Incomea ........................................... 338 555 415 316 180

 Earned Income ....................................... 312 1,022 154 138 54

 Unearned Income ................................... 432 176 720 587 472

 TANF Income ........................................ 30 20 50 396 3

 GA Income ............................................. 10 3 16 0 235

 SSI .......................................................... 112 34 186 107 141

 Social Security Income .......................... 170 37 284 44 76

Countable Income as a Percentage of

Poverty Guideline

 Gross Income ......................................... 58.5 79.9 72.3 46.8 46.1

 Net Incomea ........................................... 24.3 34.5 30.9 19.0 13.6

Deductions

 Total Deductionb .................................... 508 691 516 466 492

 Earned Income Deductionc .................... 64 204 33 28 11

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 205 205 177 123 156

 Dependent Care Deductiond .................. 9 26 7 3 1

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 223 229 222 133 228

 Excess Shelter Deductione ..................... 277 299 314 283 329

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 376 358 380 341 405

 Medical Deductiond ............................... 6 2 11 2 1

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 141 172 139 234 109

 Child Support Deductione ...................... 5 9 5 1 1

 Over Households with Deduction .......... 245 266 223 249 145

SNAP Benefit .............................................. 281 330 260 427 236

Household Size ........................................... 2.1 2.9 2.1 3.0 1.5

Certification Period ................................... 12.2 9.3 14.2 10.7 13.2

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because net income is not used in their benefit determination, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP

households are excluded from this category.

b Because deductions are not used in their benefit determination, 479,294 SSI-CAP households are excluded from this

category.

c Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determination, 644,511 SSI-CAP households are excluded from this

category.

d Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determination, 33,612 MFIP households and 644,511 SSI-CAP

households are excluded from this category.

e Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determination, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP

households are excluded from this category.

58
Table A.21. Distribution of Participating Households With Selected Household Characteristics by the Race/Hispanic Status of the

Household Head

Characteristic

Total Households Households With:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly

Individuals

Disabled

Nonelderly

Individualsa

Countable Earned

Income

Countable TANF

Income

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total ..................................................... 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0 6,351 100.0 1,591 100.0

Race and Hispanic Statusb of

Household Head

 White, not Hispanicc ........................... 7,613 36.6 3,171 32.4 1,356 39.6 1,802 42.9 2,210 34.8 408 25.6

 African American, not Hispanicd ....... 4,742 22.8 2,091 21.3 622 18.2 1,049 25.0 1,221 19.2 404 25.4

 Hispanic, Any Racee ........................... 2,001 9.6 1,113 11.4 357 10.4 316 7.5 704 11.1 211 13.3

 Asian, not Hispanicf ........................... 491 2.4 190 1.9 201 5.9 43 1.0 152 2.4 42 2.6

 Native American, not Hispanicg ......... 693 3.3 259 2.6 207 6.1 110 2.6 168 2.6 45 2.8

 Multiple Races Reported,

 not Hispanich ..................................... 26 0.1 12 0.1 4 0.1 4 0.1 9 0.1 1 0.1

 Race Unknowni ................................... 3,820 18.4 1,559 15.9 676 19.7 837 19.9 993 15.6 206 13.0

Nonparticipating Household Headj ... 1,417 6.8 1,399 14.3 3 0.1 39 0.9 893 14.1 274 17.2

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households

that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

b New codes to allow reporting of multiple races were implemented beginning in April 2007. We have grouped the new codes together to form general race

and ethnicity categories. Reporting of race and ethnicity is voluntary under the new format and was missing for 21 percent of participants in FY 2011. Because

of these changes, FY 2011 race and ethnicity distributions are not comparable to distributions for years prior to FY 2007.

c This category includes the following values: White; White, not of Hispanic origin.

d This category includes the following values: Black or African American; (Black or African American) and White; Black, not of Hispanic origin.

e This category includes the following values: Hispanic; (Hispanic or Latino) and (American Indian or Alaska Native); (Hispanic or Latino) and Asian;

(Hispanic or Latino) and (Black or African American); (Hispanic or Latino) and (Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander); (Hispanic or Latino) and White;

(Hispanic or Latino) and (American Indian or Alaska Native) and White; (Hispanic or Latino) and Asian and White; (Hispanic or Latino) and (Black or

African American); (Hispanic or Latino) and (American Indian or Alaska Native) and (Black or African American); (Hispanic or Latino) and Respondent

reported more than one race and does not fit into the listed values.

f This category includes the following values: Asian; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; Asian and White; Asian or Pacific Islander.

g This category includes the following values: American Indian or Alaska Native; (American Indian or Alaska Native) and White; (American Indian or

Alaska Native) and (Black or African American); American Indian or Alaska Native (old value).

h This category includes households with household heads that reported more than one race but that do not fit into any previous category.

i This category includes the following values: Unknown; Not recorded on the application for this individual; The application was not found during the QC

review, therefore racial/ethnic data is not available.

j This category includes some households with no household head and no adult listed on the file.

59
Table A.22. Distribution of Participating Households By Presence of a Household Member with Selected Characteristics

Characteristic

Total Households Households with:

Number

(000)

Percent

Children Elderly

Individuals

Disabled

Nonelderly

Individualsa

Countable Earned

Income

Countable TANF

Income

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total ............................................................ 20,803 100.0 9,794 100.0 3,426 100.0 4,199 100.0 6,351 100.0 1,591 100.0

Citizenship

 U. S. Born Citizen ...................................... 19,509 93.8 9,644 98.5 2,637 77.0 4,059 96.7 6,131 96.5 1,557 97.9

 Naturalized Citizen .................................... 1,103 5.3 417 4.3 525 15.3 144 3.4 309 4.9 58 3.7

 Refugee ...................................................... 144 0.7 78 0.8 28 0.8 9 0.2 52 0.8 28 1.8

 Legal Permanent Resident ......................... 1,072 5.2 567 5.8 333 9.7 115 2.7 473 7.4 59 3.7

 Unknown .................................................... 1 0.0 0 0.0 – – 0 0.0 – – – –

 Citizen Children Living with Participating

 Noncitizen Adults ................................... 502 2.4 502 5.1 19 0.6 55 1.3 325 5.1 63 3.9

 Citizen Children Living with

 Nonparticipating Noncitizen Adults ....... 1,315 6.3 1,315 13.4 3 0.1 36 0.9 917 14.4 259 16.3

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify households that

contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was disabled.

– No sample households in this category.

60
Table A.23. Gender and SNAP Benefits of Participants by Selected Demographic Characteristic

Participant Characteristic

Total Participants Female Participants Male Participants Pro-rated Benefitsb

Number

(000)

Percenta Number

(000)

Percenta Number

(000)

Percenta Dollars

(000)

Percent

Total ..................................................... 44,148 100.0 24,936 56.5 19,212 43.5 5,838,193 100.0

Age

Child ..................................................... 19,927 45.1 9,809 22.2 10,118 22.9 2,580,620 44.2

 Preschool (4 or Less) .......................... 6,780 15.4 3,313 7.5 3,466 7.9 928,628 15.9

 School Age (5-17) ............................... 13,147 29.8 6,496 14.7 6,651 15.1 1,651,992 28.3

Nonelderly Adult .................................. 20,452 46.3 12,643 28.6 7,809 17.7 2,824,272 48.4

 18-35 ................................................... 10,617 24.0 6,947 15.7 3,670 8.3 1,482,522 25.4

 36-59 ................................................... 9,835 22.3 5,695 12.9 4,139 9.4 1,341,750 23.0

Elderly Individual (60 or More) ........... 3,770 8.5 2,485 5.6 1,285 2.9 433,301 7.4

Citizenship

 U. S. Born Citizen ............................... 41,007 92.9 23,011 52.1 17,996 40.8 5,418,614 92.8

 Naturalized Citizen ............................. 1,379 3.1 893 2.0 486 1.1 184,586 3.2

 Refugee ............................................... 349 0.8 186 0.4 164 0.4 46,430 0.8

 Other Noncitizen ................................. 1,412 3.2 846 1.9 566 1.3 188,460 3.2

 Unknown ............................................. 1 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 104 0.0

Citizen Children Living with

Noncitizen Adultsc ........................ 3,741 8.5 1,785 4.0 1,956 4.4 529,016 9.1

Nondisabled Adults Age 18-49 in

Childless Householdsd .................. 4,486 10.2 1,927 4.4 2,559 5.8 778,211 13.3

Race and Hispanic Statuse

 White, not Hispanicf ........................... 15,255 34.6 8,685 19.7 6,570 14.9 1,930,409 33.1

 African American, not Hispanicg ....... 10,160 23.0 5,918 13.4 4,242 9.6 1,371,781 23.5

 Hispanic, Any Raceh .......................... 6,814 15.4 3,707 8.4 3,107 7.0 928,238 15.9

 Asian, not Hispanici ............................ 1,138 2.6 636 1.4 502 1.1 163,058 2.8

 Native American, not Hispanicj .......... 1,587 3.6 902 2.0 685 1.6 216,840 3.7

 Multiple Races Reported, not

Hispanick ........................................ 107 0.2 59 0.1 48 0.1 16,150 0.3

 Race Unknownl ................................... 9,087 20.6 5,029 11.4 4,058 9.2 1,211,716 20.8

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Percent of all participants.

b Pro-rated benefits equal the benefits paid to households multiplied by the ratio of participants with selected characteristic to total household size.

c Noncitizens may be inside or outside the SNAP unit.

d These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

e New codes to allow reporting of multiple races were implemented beginning in April 2007. We have grouped the new codes together to form general

race and ethnicity categories. Reporting of race and ethnicity is voluntary under the new format and was missing for 21 percent of participants in FY 2011.

Because of these changes, FY 2011 race and ethnicity distributions are not comparable to distributions for years prior to FY 2007.

f This category includes the following values: White; White, not of Hispanic origin.

g This category includes the following values: Black or African American; (Black or African American) and White; Black, not of Hispanic origin.

h This category includes the following values: Hispanic; (Hispanic or Latino) and (American Indian or Alaska Native); (Hispanic or Latino) and Asian;

(Hispanic or Latino) and (Black or African American); (Hispanic or Latino) and (Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander); (Hispanic or Latino) and

White; (Hispanic or Latino) and (American Indian or Alaska Native) and White; (Hispanic or Latino) and Asian and White; (Hispanic or Latino) and

(Black or African American); (Hispanic or Latino) and (American Indian or Alaska Native) and (Black or African American); (Hispanic or Latino) and

Respondent reported more than one race and does not fit into the listed values.

i This category includes the following values: Asian; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; Asian and White; Asian or Pacific Islander.

j This category includes the following values: American Indian or Alaska Native; (American Indian or Alaska Native) and White; (American Indian or

Alaska Native) and (Black or African American); American Indian or Alaska Native (old value).

k This category includes individuals who reported more than one race and who do not fit into any previously mentioned value.

l This category includes the following values: Unknown; Not recorded on the application for this individual; The application was not found during the

QC review, therefore racial/ethnic data is not available.

61
Table A.24. Distribution of Participants by Thrifty Food Plan Sex-Age Groups and Household Size

Participant Characteristic

Household Size

Total

(000) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8+

Total ....................................... 44,148 10,125 8,238 8,914 8,025 4,941 2,236 1031 640

Children Under Age 12

0 - 2 years ........................... 3,975 160 894 1,113 893 515 212 120 69

3 - 5 years ........................... 4,123 123 800 1,084 1,021 603 281 130 82

6 - 8 years ........................... 3,502 63 499 837 959 647 293 132 72

9 - 11 years ......................... 3,289 42 402 769 917 605 311 151 91

Females .................................. 24,936 5,261 5,120 5,264 4,547 2,695 1,191 522 336

 0 - 2 years ........................... 1,941 74 439 527 448 249 107 61 37

 3 - 5 years ........................... 2,006 58 382 524 498 317 132 54 40

 6 - 8 years ........................... 1,687 20 225 391 476 324 149 64 38

 9 - 11 years ......................... 1,664 25 200 375 477 306 166 67 48

 12 - 14 years ....................... 1,365 25 176 338 353 265 116 52 40

 15 - 19 years ....................... 1,836 140 355 460 385 236 146 67 47

 20 - 50 years ....................... 10,165 1,911 2,452 2,440 1,804 964 358 153 83

 51+ years ............................ 4,272 3,008 892 209 105 34 16 6 3

Males ...................................... 19,212 4,864 3,118 3,650 3,478 2,246 1,045 508 304

 0 - 2 years ........................... 2,034 85 455 586 445 266 104 59 33

 3 - 5 years ........................... 2,117 65 418 559 522 286 148 76 42

 6 - 8 years ........................... 1,814 43 274 445 483 323 144 68 33

 9 - 11 years ......................... 1,625 17 203 394 439 300 145 85 43

 12 - 14 years ....................... 1,350 17 191 327 339 237 130 65 44

 15 - 19 years ....................... 1,767 115 312 437 406 274 118 54 51

 20 - 50 years ....................... 5,774 2,746 604 747 766 520 243 95 53

 51+ years ............................ 2,730 1,775 661 154 76 40 12 6 6

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

62
Table A.25. Distribution of Household Heads, All Participants, and Nonelderly Adult Participants by Work Registration Status and

Employment Status

Employment/Work Registration Status

Household Heads All Participants Nonelderly Adult Participants

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Total ................................................................................................ 20,803 100.0 44,148 100.0 20,452 100.0

Work Registration Status

Work Registrant ............................................................................... 4,808 23.1 6,626 15.0 6,409 31.3

 Mandatory E&T Participant ........................................................... 2,274 10.9 3,013 6.8 2,995 14.6

 Voluntary E&T Participant ............................................................ 143 0.7 191 0.4 188 0.9

 Not E&T Participant ...................................................................... 2,391 11.5 3,422 7.8 3,226 15.8

Exempt ............................................................................................. 14,578 70.1 37,522 85.0 14,043 68.7

 For Disability ................................................................................. 5,442 26.2 6,587 14.9 4,373 21.4

 For Reason Other than Disability .................................................. 9,135 43.9 30,935 70.1 9,670 47.3

Nonparticipating Household Heada ................................................. 1,417 6.8 – – – –

SNAP Employment and Training Program Status

Total Participating in SNAP E&T ................................................... 1,099 5.3 2,815 6.4 1,422 7.0

 SNAP Job Search or Job Search Training ..................................... 896 4.3 1,131 2.6 1,121 5.5

 SNAP E&T Workfare or Work Experience ................................... 122 0.6 159 0.4 157 0.8

 SNAP E&T Work Supplementation .............................................. 13 0.1 27 0.1 27 0.1

 SNAP E&T Education Leading to HS Diploma or GED .............. 5 0.0 1,415 3.2 37 0.2

 SNAP E&T Postsecondary Education Leading to Degree or

Certificate ................................................................................... 56 0.3 70 0.2 69 0.3

 SNAP E&T Remedial Education Not Leading to a Degree .......... 2 0.0 4 0.0 4 0.0

 SNAP E&T Vocational Training ................................................... 6 0.0 8 0.0 8 0.0

Total Participating in Other E&T .................................................... 2,377 11.4 4,859 11.0 2,371 11.6

 Participating in Non-SNAP E&T (Such as TANF) ....................... 1,719 8.3 3,028 6.9 1,515 7.4

 Other .............................................................................................. 658 3.2 1,831 4.1 856 4.2

Not Participating in E&T ................................................................. 15,910 76.5 36,475 82.6 16,660 81.5

Nonparticipating Household Heada ................................................. 1,417 6.8 – – – –

Employment Status

Total Employed ................................................................................ 4,563 21.9 5,838 13.2 5,658 27.7

 Self-Employed, Farming ................................................................ 6 0.0 11 0.0 9 0.0

 Self-Employed, Non-Farming ........................................................ 492 2.4 663 1.5 623 3.0

 Migrant Farm Labor ....................................................................... 1 0.0 1 0.0 1 0.0

 Non-Migrant Farm Labor .............................................................. 2 0.0 2 0.0 2 0.0

 Active Duty Military Service ......................................................... 3 0.0 5 0.0 5 0.0

 Employed by Other ........................................................................ 4,059 19.5 5,157 11.7 5,018 24.5

Unemployed and Looking for Work ................................................ 4,404 21.2 5,914 13.4 5,771 28.2

Not in Labor Force and Not Looking for Work ............................... 10,419 50.1 32,396 73.4 9,022 44.1

Nonparticipating Household Heada ................................................. 1,417 6.8 – – – –

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Household heads who are not participating with the household. Some household heads in this category are ineligible for the SNAP, or are in separate SNAP

units not included in the SNAP QC sample. This category also includes some households with no adult listed on the file.

– Not Applicable.

63
64

Table A.26. Comparison of Participating Households with Key SNAP Household Characteristics for Fiscal Years 1989 to 2011a

Percentage of Households with:

Time Period

Total 

Households 

(000)

Zero Gross 

Income

Zero Net 

Incomeb

Minimum 

Benefit

Elderly 

Individuals Children

Disabled 

Individualsc

AFDC/

TANF Earnings SSI

Any 

Noncitizen

Fiscal Year 1989 7,217 7.1 18.3 7.5 19.3 60.4 9.1 41.9 19.6 20.6 9.8

Fiscal Year 1990 7,811 7.4 19.3 5.0 18.1 60.3 8.9 42.0 19.0 19.6 10.3

Fiscal Year 1991 8,863 8.3 20.5 4.1 16.5 60.4 9.0 40.5 19.8 18.6 11.8

Fiscal Year 1992 10,059 9.6 21.9 3.6 15.4 62.2 9.5 39.5 20.2 18.4 10.4

Fiscal Year 1993 10,791 9.7 23.7 4.0 15.5 62.1 10.7 39.4 20.6 19.4 11.6

Fiscal Year 1994 11,091 10.2 23.8 4.5 15.8 61.1 12.5 38.1 21.4 21.4 10.7

Fiscal Year 1995 10,883 9.7 25.0 4.3 16.0 59.7 18.9 38.3 21.4 22.6 10.7

Fiscal Year 1996 10,552 10.2 24.9 4.5 16.2 59.5 20.2 36.6 22.5 24.1 10.5

Fiscal Year 1997 9,452 9.2 22.7 6.6 17.6 58.3 22.3 34.6 24.2 26.5 8.4

Fiscal Year 1998 8,246 8.8 20.8 8.3 18.2 58.3 24.4 31.4 26.3 28.1 4.3

Fiscal Year 1999 7,670 8.5 20.6 9.7 20.1 55.7 26.4 27.3 26.8 30.2 6.0

Fiscal Year 2000 7,335 8.4 20.1 10.9 21.0 53.9 27.5 25.8 27.2 31.7 6.4

Fiscal Year 2001 7,450 9.4 22.2 11.2 20.4 53.6 27.7 23.1 27.0 31.8 5.4

Fiscal Year 2002 8,201 10.5 24.3 10.7 18.7 54.1 27.0 20.9 28.0 29.5 5.2

Fiscal Year 2003 8,971 12.7 27.7 7.0 17.1 55.1 22.1 17.2 27.5 26.3 5.4

Fiscal Year 2004 10,069 13.1 29.7 5.9 17.3 54.3 22.7 16.2 28.5 26.8 6.2

Fiscal Year 2005 10,852 13.7 30.0 5.2 17.1 53.7 23.0 14.5 29.1 26.4 6.2

Fiscal Year 2006 11,313 14.1 31.0 6.2 17.9 52.0 23.1 13.0 29.5 26.8 6.1

Fiscal Year 2007 11,561 14.7 31.4 6.6 17.8 51.0 23.8 12.1 29.6 27.7 5.7

Fiscal Year 2008 12,464 16.2 33.6 6.7 18.5 50.6 22.6 10.6 28.9 26.2 5.6

Fiscal Year 2009 14,981 17.6 36.0 4.1 16.6 49.9 21.2 9.7 29.4 23.6 5.9

Fiscal Year 2010 18,369 19.7 38.3 3.8 15.5 48.7 19.8 8.0 29.9 20.9 5.9

Fiscal Year 2011 20,803 20.0 39.4 4.2 16.5 47.1 20.2 7.6 30.5 20.2 5.8

Source: Fiscal Year 1989 to 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control samples.

Note: Beginning with 2003, the weighting of the SNAP QC data reflects adjustments to FNS' Program Operations counts of households to account for receipt of 

benefits in error or for disaster assistance. Beginning with 2005, the weighting process was revised so that weighted SNAP QC data match adjusted Program 

Operations counts of households, individuals, and benefit amounts. Beginning with the 2009 report, we extended this methodology to the 2003 and 2004 

data. We also incorporated corrected SNAP Program Operations data from Missouri for every year from 2003 to 2008. Therefore, statistics for these years 

may vary slightly from those presented in reports prior to 2009.

a Fiscal year analysis files were not developed for the years before 1989.

b Beginning in 2004, net income is not calculated for MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits.

c The substantial increase in 1995 and decrease in 2003 are in part a result of the changes in definition of a disabled household. Prior to 1995, disabled households were 

defined as households with SSI but no members over age 59. In 1995, that definition changed to households with at least one member under age 65 who received SSI, or 

at least one member age 18 to 61 who received Social Security, veterans benefits, or other government benefits as a result of a disability. Due to changes in the SNAP QC 

data in 2003, the definition of a disabled household changed again, to households with either SSI income or a medical expense deduction and without an elderly person, 

and households with a nonelderly adult who does not appear to be working and is receiving Social Security, veterans benefits, or workers’ compensation.
65

Table A.27. Comparison of Average Nominal and Real Values of Key SNAP Household Characteristics for Fiscal Years 1989 to 2011

Gross Income

(Dollars)

Net Income

(Dollars)a

Total Deduction 

(Dollars)b

SNAP Benefit

(Dollars) Gross Income as a 

Percentage of 

Poverty Guidelines

(Percent)

Household Size

Time Period (Persons)

Nominal 

Value

Real 

Valuec

Nominal

Value

Real

Valuec

Nominal

Value

Real

Valuec

Nominal

Value

Real

Valued

Fiscal Year 1989 442 802 247 448 216 392 132 240 60 2.6

Fiscal Year 1990 453 780 251 432 225 387 150 256 59 2.6

Fiscal Year 1991 464 766 253 418 235 388 162 270 58 2.6

Fiscal Year 1992 478 766 258 414 250 401 170 281 57 2.6

Fiscal Year 1993 490 763 258 402 262 408 170 274 56 2.6

Fiscal Year 1994 507 770 268 407 272 413 168 264 57 2.5

Fiscal Year 1995 514 759 265 391 283 418 172 261 56 2.5

Fiscal Year 1996 528 757 275 394 287 411 174 255 57 2.5

Fiscal Year 1997 558 782 299 419 291 408 169 242 58 2.4

Fiscal Year 1998 584 806 321 443 294 406 165 232 60 2.4

Fiscal Year 1999 603 814 338 456 299 404 162 223 62 2.4

Fiscal Year 2000 620 810 355 464 298 389 158 213 63 2.3

Fiscal Year 2001 624 793 353 448 311 395 163 213 62 2.3

Fiscal Year 2002 633 796 355 446 324 407 173 223 61 2.3

Fiscal Year 2003 608 743 317 388 346 423 192 242 57 2.3

Fiscal Year 2004 634 755 312 372 382 455 197 239 58 2.3

Fiscal Year 2005 644 742 316 364 390 449 209 249 58 2.3

Fiscal Year 2006 668 745 323 360 410 457 208 244 59 2.3

Fiscal Year 2007 684 742 325 353 430 466 212 238 59 2.2

Fiscal Year 2008 693 724 329 344 441 461 222 235 58 2.2

Fiscal Year 2009 711 745 329 345 471 494 272 286 58 2.2

Fiscal Year 2010 731 754 336 347 491 506 287 301 57 2.2

Fiscal Year 2011 744 744 338 338 508 508 281 281 59 2.1

Source of CPI-U values: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source of nominal values: Fiscal Year 1989 to 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control samples.

Note: Beginning with 2003, the weighting of the SNAP QC data reflects adjustments to FNS' Program Operations counts of households to account for receipt of 

benefits in error or for disaster assistance. Beginning with 2005, the weighting process was revised so that weighted SNAP QC data match adjusted Program 

Operations counts of households, individuals, and benefit amounts. Beginning with the 2009 report, we extended this methodology to the 2003 and 2004 

data. We also incorporated corrected SNAP Program Operations data from Missouri for every year from 2003 to 2008. Therefore, statistics for these years 

may vary slightly from those presented in reports prior to 2009.

a Beginning in 2004, net income is not calculated for MFIP households or SSI-CAP households in States with standardized SSI-CAP benefit amounts.

b Some of the change in average total deductions and average net income between 2003 and 2004 may be attributable to two changes in the SNAP QC datafile 

development process. First, we revised the way certain deductions are calculated to correct for inconsistencies and data entry errors. Second, given that deductions are not 

used in their benefit determination, SSI-CAP participants in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from the average total deduction calculation 

beginning in 2004. 

c Real values are in constant 2011 dollars adjusted by changes in the CPI-U for all items.

d Real values are in constant 2011 dollars adjusted by changes in the CPI-U for food at home.
66

Table A.28. Comparison of Number of SNAP Participants by Gender and Age for Fiscal Years 1989 to 2011

Time Period

Total

Participants

(000)

Female 

Participants

(000)

Male 

Participants 

(000)

Children

(Ages 0-17)

(000)

Nonelderly 

Adults

(Age 18-59)

(000)

Elderly 

Individuals

(Age 60+)

(000)

Fiscal Year 1989 ............ 18,956 11,334 7,612 9,447 7,623 1,562

Fiscal Year 1990 ............ 20,440 12,169 8,265 10,143 8,245 1,574

Fiscal Year 1991 ............ 22,988 13,679 9,300 11,967 9,397 1,624

Fiscal Year 1992 ............ 25,775 15,204 10,566 13,368 10,700 1,703

Fiscal Year 1993 ............ 27,595 16,276 11,316 14,213 11,499 1,870

Fiscal Year 1994 ............ 28,009 16,453 11,552 14,410 11,615 1,955

Fiscal Year 1995 ............ 26,955 16,025 10,926 13,883 11,118 1,923

Fiscal Year 1996 ............ 25,926 15,373 10,549 13,214 10,783 1,895

Fiscal Year 1997 ............ 23,117 13,880 9,233 11,871 9,385 1,834

Fiscal Year 1998 ............ 19,969 11,967 7,926 10,546 7,772 1,637

Fiscal Year 1999 ............ 18,149 10,878 7,226 9,354 7,090 1,699

Fiscal Year 2000 ............ 17,091 10,198 6,891 8,765 6,623 1,702

Fiscal Year 2001 ............ 17,297 10,347 6,949 8,841 6,789 1,660

Fiscal Year 2002 ............ 19,041 11,269 7,769 9,712 7,636 1,687

Fiscal Year 2003 ............ 20,764 12,211 8,552 10,554 8,516 1,691

Fiscal Year 2004 ............ 23,279 13,697 9,573 11,635 9,720 1,920

Fiscal Year 2005 ............ 24,794 14,656 10,132 12,363 10,383 2,046

Fiscal Year 2006 ............ 25,472 14,957 10,515 12,514 10,732 2,227

Fiscal Year 2007 ............ 25,775 15,120 10,655 12,605 10,909 2,261

Fiscal Year 2008 ............ 27,607 16,151 11,456 13,359 11,732 2,514

Fiscal Year 2009 ............ 32,889 18,854 14,035 15,617 14,544 2,728

Fiscal Year 2010 ............ 39,759 22,405 17,354 18,516 18,121 3,121

Fiscal Year 2011 ............ 44,148 24,936 19,212 19,927 20,452 3,770

Source: Fiscal Year 1989 to 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control samples.

Note: Beginning with 2003, the weighting of the SNAP QC data reflects adjustments to FNS' Program Operations counts 

of households to account for receipt of benefits in error or for disaster assistance. Beginning with 2005, the 

weighting process was revised so that weighted SNAP QC data match adjusted Program Operations counts of 

households, individuals, and benefit amounts. Beginning with the 2009 report, we extended this methodology to 

the 2003 and 2004 data. We also incorporated corrected SNAP Program Operations data from Missouri for every 

year from 2003 to 2008. Therefore, statistics for these years may vary slightly from those presented in reports 

prior to 2009.
APPENDIX B

DETAILED TABLES OF SNAP HOUSEHOLDS BY STATE
This page has been intentionally left blank for double-sided copying. 
Table B.1. Distribution of Participating Households, Individuals, and Benefits by State

State 

SNAP Households Participants in Households Monthly SNAP Benefits

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Dollars

(000)

Percent

Totala ..................................... 20,803 100.0 44,148 100.0 5,838,193 100.0

Alabama ................................. 377 1.8 855 1.9 110,705 1.9

Alaska .................................... 35 0.2 86 0.2 14,657 0.3

Arizona ................................... 456 2.2 1,049 2.4 133,408 2.3

Arkansas ................................. 205 1.0 474 1.1 57,925 1.0

California ............................... 1,603 7.7 3,656 8.3 538,308 9.2

Colorado ................................. 197 0.9 447 1.0 62,368 1.1

Connecticut ............................ 201 1.0 369 0.8 51,690 0.9

Delaware ................................ 61 0.3 133 0.3 16,852 0.3

District of Columbia .............. 76 0.4 134 0.3 18,963 0.3

Florida .................................... 1,659 8.0 3,075 7.0 427,056 7.3

Georgia ................................... 781 3.8 1,760 4.0 237,574 4.1

Guam ...................................... 12 0.1 40 0.1 8,510 0.1

Hawaii .................................... 79 0.4 158 0.4 33,796 0.6

Idaho ...................................... 95 0.5 226 0.5 29,722 0.5

Illinois .................................... 852 4.1 1,780 4.0 245,626 4.2

Indiana .................................... 375 1.8 865 2.0 113,257 1.9

Iowa ........................................ 171 0.8 371 0.8 45,839 0.8

Kansas .................................... 136 0.7 294 0.7 36,725 0.6

Kentucky ................................ 374 1.8 811 1.8 101,507 1.7

Louisiana ................................ 381 1.8 870 2.0 111,590 1.9

Maine ..................................... 126 0.6 246 0.6 31,141 0.5

Maryland ................................ 325 1.6 661 1.5 82,359 1.4

Massachusetts ........................ 443 2.1 807 1.8 103,921 1.8

Michigan ................................ 964 4.6 1,924 4.4 258,634 4.4

Minnesota ............................... 243 1.2 498 1.1 56,445 1.0

Mississippi ............................. 269 1.3 613 1.4 75,018 1.3

Missouri ................................. 427 2.1 930 2.1 115,516 2.0

Montana ................................. 56 0.3 123 0.3 15,839 0.3

Nebraska ................................ 75 0.4 171 0.4 20,931 0.4

Nevada ................................... 154 0.7 328 0.7 40,372 0.7

New Hampshire ..................... 53 0.3 112 0.3 13,129 0.2

New Jersey ............................. 367 1.8 749 1.7 97,886 1.7

New Mexico ........................... 177 0.8 410 0.9 51,223 0.9

New York ............................... 1,573 7.6 2,957 6.7 431,537 7.4

North Carolina ....................... 724 3.5 1,564 3.5 191,743 3.3

North Dakota .......................... 27 0.1 60 0.1 7,679 0.1

Ohio ........................................ 837 4.0 1,760 4.0 243,442 4.2

Oklahoma ............................... 267 1.3 605 1.4 77,198 1.3

Oregon .................................... 416 2.0 762 1.7 95,834 1.6

Pennsylvania .......................... 812 3.9 1,707 3.9 215,989 3.7

Rhode Island .......................... 85 0.4 156 0.4 21,450 0.4

South Carolina ....................... 385 1.9 834 1.9 108,651 1.9

South Dakota .......................... 43 0.2 100 0.2 13,374 0.2

Tennessee ............................... 590 2.8 1,231 2.8 162,976 2.8

Texas ...................................... 1,601 7.7 3,947 8.9 489,158 8.4

Utah ........................................ 110 0.5 280 0.6 32,978 0.6

Vermont ................................. 45 0.2 89 0.2 10,620 0.2

Virgin Islands ......................... 9 0.0 22 0.1 3,924 0.1

Virginia .................................. 399 1.9 843 1.9 107,992 1.8

Washington ............................ 535 2.6 1,040 2.4 129,797 2.2

West Virginia ......................... 156 0.8 336 0.8 39,626 0.7

Wisconsin ............................... 369 1.8 798 1.8 91,555 1.6

Wyoming ................................ 15 0.1 34 0.1 4,178 0.1

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

69
Table B.2. Average Values of Selected Characteristics by State

State 

Average Values

Gross

Countable

Income

(Dollars)

Net

Countable

Income

(Dollars)a

Total

Deduction

(Dollars)b

SNAP

Benefit

(Dollars)

Household

Size

(Persons)

Certification

Period

(Months)

Total ...................................... 744 338 508 281 2.1 12.2

Alabama ................................. 683 357 410 293 2.3 13.3

Alaska .................................... 928 497 582 421 2.5 6.9

Arizona ................................... 763 383 470 293 2.3 9.6

Arkansas ................................. 722 420 363 282 2.3 14.2

California ............................... 578 222 463 336 2.3 11.9

Colorado ................................. 708 278 549 316 2.3 10.3

Connecticut ............................ 789 258 671 257 1.8 13.7

Delaware ................................ 828 384 535 277 2.2 13.8

District of Columbia .............. 505 251 428 250 1.8 14.1

Florida .................................... 645 260 480 257 1.9 9.7

Georgia ................................... 679 318 446 304 2.3 7.4

Guam ...................................... 727 348 514 681 3.2 12.0

Hawaii .................................... 783 439 412 428 2.0 11.6

Idaho ...................................... 784 342 552 313 2.4 10.2

Illinois .................................... 644 282 445 288 2.1 10.7

Indiana .................................... 719 349 460 302 2.3 9.5

Iowa ........................................ 810 392 506 267 2.2 7.2

Kansas .................................... 734 376 448 269 2.2 13.1

Kentucky ................................ 670 377 372 271 2.2 8.8

Louisiana ................................ 717 363 417 293 2.3 14.9

Maine ..................................... 906 362 632 248 2.0 12.0

Maryland ................................ 786 384 492 254 2.0 8.2

Massachusetts ........................ 875 331 647 235 1.8 15.2

Michigan ................................ 831 318 702 268 2.0 14.7

Minnesota ............................... 766 500 362 232 2.0 12.1

Mississippi ............................. 700 406 361 279 2.3 14.7

Missouri ................................. 716 386 408 271 2.2 15.4

Montana ................................. 776 353 510 282 2.2 14.2

Nebraska ................................ 813 409 485 280 2.3 15.1

Nevada ................................... 760 402 445 262 2.1 7.6

New Hampshire ..................... 978 433 644 246 2.1 7.1

New Jersey ............................. 843 339 617 267 2.0 14.5

New Mexico ........................... 767 394 447 290 2.3 14.7

New York ............................... 854 281 724 274 1.9 19.1

North Carolina ....................... 755 418 437 265 2.2 7.8

North Dakota .......................... 915 357 640 281 2.2 7.7

Ohio ........................................ 713 286 535 291 2.1 11.9

Oklahoma ............................... 706 368 427 289 2.3 15.0

Oregon .................................... 790 365 519 231 1.8 12.0

Pennsylvania .......................... 872 368 636 266 2.1 17.3

Rhode Island .......................... 844 279 720 253 1.8 15.5

South Carolina ....................... 635 338 373 282 2.2 8.9

South Dakota .......................... 835 331 605 312 2.3 13.3

Tennessee ............................... 615 322 373 276 2.1 7.8

Texas ...................................... 815 425 470 306 2.5 11.3

Utah ........................................ 831 468 439 299 2.5 7.2

Vermont ................................. 1,080 421 758 237 2.0 12.7

Virgin Islands ......................... 686 388 347 431 2.4 7.2

Virginia .................................. 679 353 417 271 2.1 13.6

Washington ............................ 809 369 597 242 1.9 14.3

West Virginia ......................... 792 431 425 253 2.1 13.3

Wisconsin ............................... 969 469 654 248 2.2 11.8

Wyoming ................................ 785 423 441 287 2.4 8.1

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because net income is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households

in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column.

b Because deductions are not used in their benefit determinations, 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use

standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this column. 

70
Table B.3. Distribution of Participating Households by Poverty Status and by State

State Number

(000)

Gross Countable Income as a Percentage of the Poverty Guideline

Zero Gross Income 1% – 50% 51% – 100% 101% or More

Number

(000)

Row Percent Number

(000)

Row Percent Number

(000)

Row Percent Number

(000)

Row Percent

Totala ..................................... 20,803 4,151 20.0 4,719 22.7 8,472 40.7 3,461 16.6

Alabama ................................. 377 86 22.7 81 21.4 165 43.8 46 12.2

Alaska .................................... 35 9 25.1 8 22.6 13 37.2 5 15.1

Arizona ................................... 456 114 25.0 96 21.1 156 34.2 90 19.6

Arkansas ................................. 205 44 21.3 43 21.1 95 46.1 24 11.5

California ............................... 1,603 306 19.1 778 48.5 419 26.2 100 6.2

Colorado ................................. 197 33 16.8 58 29.6 78 39.6 28 14.0

Connecticut ............................ 201 34 17.1 41 20.2 79 39.5 46 23.2

Delaware ................................ 61 10 15.8 16 25.6 21 35.2 14 23.4

District of Columbia .............. 76 26 34.5 20 26.5 22 29.3 7 9.6

Florida .................................... 1,659 482 29.0 247 14.9 683 41.2 247 14.9

Georgia ................................... 781 205 26.3 157 20.2 316 40.4 102 13.1

Guam ...................................... 12 3 21.3 5 38.2 3 25.3 2 15.2

Hawaii .................................... 79 14 17.9 20 25.6 37 46.5 8 10.0

Idaho ...................................... 95 19 19.9 21 21.9 40 42.0 15 16.2

Illinois .................................... 852 230 26.9 165 19.4 358 42.1 99 11.6

Indiana .................................... 375 80 21.3 80 21.3 164 43.8 51 13.6

Iowa ........................................ 171 31 17.9 37 21.6 72 41.8 32 18.7

Kansas .................................... 136 28 20.5 29 21.1 60 43.8 20 14.6

Kentucky ................................ 374 83 22.1 78 20.9 176 47.0 37 10.0

Louisiana ................................ 381 63 16.5 97 25.4 176 46.1 46 12.0

Maine ..................................... 126 21 16.5 16 12.6 54 42.9 35 28.1

Maryland ................................ 325 72 22.1 65 19.9 126 38.8 62 19.1

Massachusetts ........................ 443 59 13.3 71 16.1 210 47.3 103 23.3

Michigan ................................ 964 176 18.2 165 17.2 397 41.1 226 23.5

Minnesota ............................... 243 40 16.4 59 24.1 101 41.6 43 17.9

Mississippi ............................. 269 57 21.2 55 20.4 132 49.0 25 9.4

Missouri ................................. 427 83 19.4 93 21.7 189 44.2 63 14.7

Montana ................................. 56 12 21.5 10 17.7 23 40.8 11 20.0

Nebraska ................................ 75 11 14.2 15 20.7 37 49.1 12 16.0

Nevada ................................... 154 35 23.0 32 21.0 56 36.6 30 19.4

New Hampshire ..................... 53 7 12.6 7 12.8 25 46.5 15 28.1

New Jersey ............................. 367 19 5.3 112 30.6 162 44.1 74 20.1

New Mexico ........................... 177 28 15.8 50 28.1 75 42.3 24 13.8

New York ............................... 1,573 126 8.0 331 21.1 787 50.0 328 20.9

North Carolina ....................... 724 174 24.0 149 20.5 265 36.6 137 18.9

North Dakota .......................... 27 3 11.9 6 20.4 11 40.7 7 27.0

Ohio ........................................ 837 173 20.7 177 21.2 352 42.1 135 16.1

Oklahoma ............................... 267 50 18.6 65 24.2 122 45.6 31 11.6

Oregon .................................... 416 88 21.1 78 18.8 147 35.4 103 24.7

Pennsylvania .......................... 812 73 9.0 189 23.2 377 46.4 173 21.4

Rhode Island .......................... 85 13 15.7 13 15.1 38 45.0 20 24.2

South Carolina ....................... 385 101 26.1 92 23.9 144 37.5 48 12.5

South Dakota .......................... 43 7 16.3 9 20.1 19 45.3 8 18.3

Tennessee ............................... 590 167 28.4 122 20.7 228 38.7 72 12.2

Texas ...................................... 1,601 358 22.3 349 21.8 581 36.3 313 19.5

Utah ........................................ 110 23 21.3 21 19.1 49 44.6 17 15.0

Vermont ................................. 45 5 11.0 5 11.6 16 36.4 18 40.9

Virgin Islands ......................... 9 1 10.6 4 46.1 3 28.4 1 15.0

Virginia .................................. 399 88 22.0 89 22.3 170 42.5 53 13.2

Washington ............................ 535 95 17.8 118 22.0 207 38.6 115 21.6

West Virginia ......................... 156 21 13.7 27 17.2 88 56.0 21 13.2

Wisconsin ............................... 369 66 17.9 46 12.4 142 38.4 115 31.3

Wyoming ................................ 15 3 18.2 3 20.1 7 48.2 2 13.6

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

71
Table B.4. Distribution of Participating Households by Shelter-Related Characteristics and by State

State 

Households with Shelter

Deduction

Households at the Shelter

Cap Average

Monthly

Shelter

Expense

(Dollars)

Average

Monthly

Shelter

Expense

Among

Households

with Expense

(Dollars)

Average

Shelter

Deductiona

(Dollars)

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totalb ..................................... 14,936 71.8 4,351 20.9 600 734 376

Alabama ................................. 249 66.1 39 10.4 429 548 282

Alaska .................................... 22 61.9 3 9.9 548 706 400

Arizona ................................... 287 63.0 84 18.4 522 719 345

Arkansas ................................. 119 58.1 12 5.8 376 504 236

California ............................... 1,220 76.1 474 29.6 550 683 340

Colorado ................................. 152 77.2 66 33.3 678 804 417

Connecticut ............................ 168 83.9 76 37.8 900 1,066 550

Delaware ................................ 44 72.7 13 22.0 631 786 387

District of Columbia .............. 66 87.0 6 7.7 455 479 295

Florida .................................... 1,149 69.3 318 19.1 557 761 385

Georgia ................................... 500 64.0 111 14.2 458 630 318

Guam ...................................... 5 37.9 0 2.5 211 358 216

Hawaii .................................... 38 47.8 4 5.3 369 534 282

Idaho ...................................... 74 77.4 24 25.1 638 772 376

Illinois .................................... 563 66.1 123 14.4 478 668 345

Indiana .................................... 258 68.9 48 12.9 493 635 327

Iowa ........................................ 129 75.1 36 20.9 590 690 347

Kansas .................................... 95 69.7 18 13.5 474 583 297

Kentucky ................................ 232 62.1 28 7.5 400 524 269

Louisiana ................................ 232 60.8 32 8.4 424 561 285

Maine ..................................... 102 81.3 35 27.7 835 976 490

Maryland ................................ 215 66.1 62 19.0 575 739 370

Massachusetts ........................ 371 83.8 113 25.5 858 965 503

Michigan ................................ 916 95.0 453 47.0 907 913 470

Minnesota ............................... 128 52.7 20 8.4 415 602 290

Mississippi ............................. 130 48.5 14 5.3 347 471 239

Missouri ................................. 266 62.3 44 10.3 415 541 280

Montana ................................. 39 69.0 14 25.2 588 757 386

Nebraska ................................ 55 74.2 12 15.8 558 634 330

Nevada ................................... 103 67.0 22 14.3 512 682 320

New Hampshire ..................... 46 86.7 19 35.3 892 934 463

New Jersey ............................. 350 95.5 96 26.1 781 781 405

New Mexico ........................... 111 63.0 28 15.7 464 583 303

New York ............................... 1,172 74.5 537 34.2 993 1,022 522

North Carolina ....................... 470 64.9 98 13.6 480 609 300

North Dakota .......................... 22 78.8 8 28.8 721 824 433

Ohio ........................................ 605 72.2 219 26.1 644 817 446

Oklahoma ............................... 186 69.6 31 11.5 459 584 289

Oregon .................................... 308 74.0 92 22.2 621 775 375

Pennsylvania .......................... 720 88.7 261 32.1 791 813 440

Rhode Island .......................... 83 98.3 37 44.1 938 941 503

South Carolina ....................... 185 48.1 33 8.6 341 540 282

South Dakota .......................... 30 71.0 12 28.6 679 809 433

Tennessee ............................... 327 55.4 57 9.8 384 582 294

Texas ...................................... 1,034 64.6 191 11.9 487 627 308

Utah ........................................ 68 61.2 16 14.9 488 654 300

Vermont ................................. 40 88.3 15 32.5 1,032 1,100 547

Virgin Islands ......................... 5 53.4 1 8.4 298 371 191

Virginia .................................. 266 66.8 54 13.5 448 556 278

Washington ............................ 510 95.3 137 25.5 736 736 383

West Virginia ......................... 110 70.3 16 10.0 502 593 299

Wisconsin ............................... 352 95.3 86 23.3 809 809 398

Wyoming ................................ 10 68.5 2 12.9 470 570 280

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Over households with a shelter deduction.

b Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

72
Table B.5. Distribution of Participating Households by Household Composition and by State

State 

Households with:

Children Elderly Individuals Disabled Nonelderly

Individualsa

Single Adults with

Children

Nondisabled Adults

Age 18-49 in Childless

Householdsb

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totalc ..................................... 9,794 47.1 3,426 16.5 4,199 20.2 5,477 26.3 4,083 19.6

Alabama ................................. 196 51.9 48 12.6 86 22.8 125 33.2 75 20.0

Alaska .................................... 17 48.4 5 13.1 6 15.9 8 23.1 10 27.9

Arizona ................................... 229 50.3 66 14.5 59 13.0 111 24.4 98 21.5

Arkansas ................................. 107 52.2 27 13.1 53 25.8 64 31.4 41 20.1

California ............................... 1,072 66.9 76 4.7 39 2.5 443 27.6 331 20.7

Colorado ................................. 107 54.4 28 14.3 36 18.1 60 30.2 29 14.6

Connecticut ............................ 71 35.1 40 20.1 48 23.8 44 22.0 44 21.7

Delaware ................................ 31 51.0 7 12.0 12 19.7 20 33.4 12 19.2

District of Columbia .............. 26 34.3 12 15.3 14 18.3 20 26.6 22 28.8

Florida .................................... 612 36.9 343 20.7 278 16.7 264 15.9 412 24.8

Georgia ................................... 404 51.7 112 14.4 129 16.6 249 31.9 165 21.2

Guam ...................................... 9 72.5 2 12.8 0 3.9 3 22.6 1 11.3

Hawaii .................................... 30 38.2 17 22.0 15 18.7 15 19.1 16 20.5

Idaho ...................................... 50 52.7 11 11.4 19 19.9 22 23.7 19 20.2

Illinois .................................... 389 45.6 123 14.4 174 20.5 252 29.6 181 21.2

Indiana .................................... 194 51.8 51 13.5 91 24.3 121 32.3 63 16.9

Iowa ........................................ 80 46.5 20 11.9 35 20.5 45 26.0 37 21.8

Kansas .................................... 66 48.5 17 12.4 29 21.4 39 28.4 27 19.7

Kentucky ................................ 162 43.4 56 15.1 122 32.5 88 23.5 83 22.1

Louisiana ................................ 191 50.2 59 15.6 90 23.7 140 36.8 70 18.4

Maine ..................................... 48 38.0 22 17.6 33 26.6 26 20.9 27 21.5

Maryland ................................ 141 43.3 53 16.3 66 20.3 96 29.6 76 23.4

Massachusetts ........................ 168 37.9 103 23.2 132 29.8 109 24.6 68 15.3

Michigan ................................ 361 37.4 148 15.4 234 24.3 193 20.1 248 25.7

Minnesota ............................... 102 42.1 36 14.7 61 25.0 55 22.8 43 17.7

Mississippi ............................. 135 50.4 37 13.7 68 25.3 84 31.3 50 18.8

Missouri ................................. 199 46.7 57 13.3 105 24.7 121 28.4 90 21.2

Montana ................................. 26 46.5 8 14.4 11 19.8 16 27.9 12 21.2

Nebraska ................................ 38 50.8 11 15.0 18 24.7 26 34.1 10 13.6

Nevada ................................... 71 45.9 29 19.0 25 16.1 35 22.4 31 20.0

New Hampshire ..................... 24 44.9 7 13.4 19 36.2 14 27.1 8 15.1

New Jersey ............................. 169 46.0 89 24.2 66 18.1 101 27.5 59 16.0

New Mexico ........................... 97 55.1 23 13.2 29 16.2 53 30.1 33 18.4

New York ............................... 594 37.7 488 31.0 393 25.0 350 22.3 221 14.1

North Carolina ....................... 356 49.2 100 13.8 129 17.8 206 28.4 169 23.3

North Dakota .......................... 13 49.3 5 17.8 6 22.0 9 33.8 4 14.8

Ohio ........................................ 368 43.9 132 15.7 217 25.9 235 28.0 154 18.4

Oklahoma ............................... 132 49.5 40 15.1 58 21.7 76 28.5 45 16.7

Oregon .................................... 150 36.1 57 13.7 70 16.9 77 18.5 132 31.8

Pennsylvania .......................... 335 41.3 171 21.0 241 29.7 206 25.4 125 15.4

Rhode Island .......................... 33 39.2 18 21.8 21 24.3 20 24.1 16 18.3

South Carolina ....................... 183 47.4 55 14.2 65 16.8 122 31.8 89 23.0

South Dakota .......................... 22 50.8 7 15.2 11 24.9 13 30.8 8 17.6

Tennessee ............................... 255 43.2 80 13.6 127 21.6 150 25.5 153 25.9

Texas ...................................... 993 62.0 275 17.2 287 18.0 523 32.7 128 8.0

Utah ........................................ 59 53.4 11 10.2 20 18.3 31 28.4 22 20.3

Vermont ................................. 17 38.4 10 21.5 12 27.6 10 22.3 8 18.7

Virgin Islands ......................... 5 59.6 2 26.3 1 5.5 4 38.6 1 14.4

Virginia .................................. 193 48.4 64 16.1 84 21.1 124 31.0 74 18.4

Washington ............................ 211 39.5 79 14.8 116 21.6 111 20.7 135 25.3

West Virginia ......................... 69 44.0 28 17.8 54 34.4 38 24.2 25 15.9

Wisconsin ............................... 174 47.2 57 15.4 80 21.7 103 27.8 81 21.9

Wyoming ................................ 8 54.8 2 14.9 3 20.4 5 31.5 2 13.7

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to changes in the SNAP QC data, the definition of disabled changed in 2003. Beginning with the 2003 report, we are only able to identify

households that contain a disabled person. In previous reports, we had additional information that helped to identify which household member was

disabled.

b These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

c Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

73
Table B.6. Distribution of Participating Households by Selected Countable Income Sources and by State

State 

Households with Countable:

TANFa GA SSI Social Security Earned Income

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totalb ..................................... 1,591 7.6 844 4.1 4,195 20.2 4,660 22.4 6,351 30.5

Alabama ................................. 15 3.9 0 0.1 86 22.7 84 22.3 108 28.6

Alaska .................................... 4 12.5 8 23.2 5 14.1 6 17.5 10 27.6

Arizona ................................... 20 4.5 – – 58 12.8 79 17.2 163 35.8

Arkansas ................................. 4 2.1 1 0.6 50 24.4 51 24.6 61 29.9

California ............................... 540 33.7 121 7.5 – – 101 6.3 546 34.1

Colorado ................................. 2 1.2 28 13.9 34 17.4 40 20.3 67 33.9

Connecticut ............................ 18 8.9 13 6.5 41 20.5 56 28.1 49 24.2

Delaware ................................ 4 7.1 4 6.9 9 14.8 12 19.9 20 33.3

District of Columbia .............. 17 22.1 1 1.8 15 20.4 14 18.5 8 10.5

Florida .................................... 54 3.3 2 0.1 345 20.8 386 23.3 396 23.9

Georgia ................................... 16 2.0 1 0.1 118 15.1 155 19.8 260 33.3

Guam ...................................... 1 11.7 1 4.9 0 0.3 2 12.3 5 41.3

Hawaii .................................... 7 8.5 6 7.2 18 22.7 18 22.3 24 30.7

Idaho ...................................... 1 0.7 9 9.1 14 14.9 21 21.6 40 42.1

Illinois .................................... 31 3.7 33 3.9 161 18.9 182 21.4 242 28.4

Indiana .................................... 20 5.5 – – 75 19.9 99 26.5 119 31.7

Iowa ........................................ 16 9.5 – – 32 18.7 35 20.6 69 40.2

Kansas .................................... 12 8.7 2 1.3 26 19.1 31 22.4 48 35.5

Kentucky ................................ 21 5.5 0 0.1 122 32.6 98 26.3 84 22.4

Louisiana ................................ 8 2.1 1 0.3 99 26.0 88 23.0 122 31.9

Maine ..................................... 13 10.2 26 20.8 24 19.3 42 33.1 38 30.0

Maryland ................................ 23 7.0 19 6.0 72 22.2 72 22.3 87 26.9

Massachusetts ........................ 46 10.4 17 3.8 142 32.1 153 34.4 97 21.9

Michigan ................................ 67 6.9 13 1.3 201 20.8 230 23.9 345 35.8

Minnesota ............................... 10 4.3 23 9.5 63 26.0 56 22.9 74 30.5

Mississippi ............................. 11 3.9 – – 74 27.4 60 22.5 78 28.9

Missouri ................................. 38 8.9 0 0.1 92 21.5 111 26.0 120 28.2

Montana ................................. 4 7.1 0 0.3 10 18.1 14 24.6 20 35.4

Nebraska ................................ 7 9.2 5 6.3 15 19.8 22 28.9 26 34.8

Nevada ................................... 8 5.5 2 1.3 27 17.8 35 22.7 48 31.2

New Hampshire ..................... 5 9.1 8 15.4 13 24.7 20 36.7 16 29.5

New Jersey ............................. 33 9.1 47 12.8 87 23.7 89 24.2 107 29.1

New Mexico ........................... 22 12.7 3 1.6 34 19.2 30 16.8 70 39.6

New York ............................... 45 2.9 239 15.2 534 34.0 461 29.3 391 24.9

North Carolina ....................... 17 2.4 1 0.2 118 16.3 158 21.8 223 30.8

North Dakota .......................... 2 5.7 – – 6 20.3 8 27.8 11 40.8

Ohio ........................................ 78 9.3 13 1.5 205 24.5 216 25.8 215 25.6

Oklahoma ............................... 8 3.1 59 22.2 59 22.0 64 24.1 82 30.5

Oregon .................................... 27 6.5 2 0.5 61 14.6 86 20.6 153 36.8

Pennsylvania .......................... 57 7.0 70 8.7 249 30.6 234 28.8 214 26.4

Rhode Island .......................... 7 8.1 1 1.8 20 23.7 26 30.2 23 26.8

South Carolina ....................... 18 4.6 1 0.2 67 17.3 78 20.3 115 29.9

South Dakota .......................... 3 6.7 0 0.4 9 21.7 12 27.9 16 38.4

Tennessee ............................... 54 9.1 – – 105 17.8 142 24.1 149 25.3

Texas ...................................... 49 3.0 – – 255 15.9 309 19.3 672 42.0

Utah ........................................ 5 4.5 1 0.7 19 16.8 21 19.2 42 37.7

Vermont ................................. 5 12.2 1 2.1 9 20.5 16 35.8 14 30.1

Virgin Islands ......................... 0 4.1 1 8.4 – – 2 22.1 4 42.9

Virginia .................................. 34 8.6 4 1.1 82 20.5 93 23.2 121 30.4

Washington ............................ 51 9.6 54 10.2 109 20.3 105 19.6 154 28.9

West Virginia ......................... 11 6.8 – – 53 34.1 47 30.1 41 26.4

Wisconsin ............................... 19 5.3 1 0.4 70 19.0 90 24.5 139 37.8

Wyoming ................................ 1 4.1 0 0.9 3 18.1 4 25.1 5 36.4

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a This does not include households receiving a noncash benefit or a noncountable cash benefit (e.g., households participating in Minnesota’s Family

Investment Program).

b Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

– No sample data in this category.

74
Table B.7. Average Values of Selected Countable Income Sources by State

State 

Average Countable Valuesa

TANFb GA SSI Social Security Earned Income

Total ...................................... 396 235 554 760 1,022

Alabama ................................. 206 275 515 694 1,004

Alaska .................................... 646 346 524 806 1,311

Arizona ................................... 251 – 549 815 1,209

Arkansas ................................. 170 212 537 697 1,052

California ............................... 515 219 – 709 712

Colorado ................................. 378 283 488 761 896

Connecticut ............................ 479 198 548 810 1,037

Delaware ................................ 317 116 594 811 1,246

District of Columbia .............. 381 289 537 659 1,073

Florida .................................... 237 180 520 732 1,051

Georgia ................................... 220 1,232 527 806 1,001

Guam ...................................... 183 144 761 600 1,334

Hawaii .................................... 567 381 516 726 1,136

Idaho ...................................... 284 48 506 769 968

Illinois .................................... 346 111 559 739 937

Indiana .................................... 201 – 517 729 980

Iowa ........................................ 335 – 496 783 989

Kansas .................................... 257 195 493 688 1,045

Kentucky ................................ 252 186 563 688 962

Louisiana ................................ 272 521 537 671 963

Maine ..................................... 438 15 497 790 1,264

Maryland ................................ 477 182 567 715 1,204

Massachusetts ........................ 511 270 565 749 1,200

Michigan ................................ 413 280 565 816 1,018

Minnesota ............................... 9 193 612 690 1,038

Mississippi ............................. 152 – 531 657 1,016

Missouri ................................. 255 156 482 729 980

Montana ................................. 463 229 474 732 1,085

Nebraska ................................ 333 72 485 742 1,055

Nevada ................................... 377 301 474 787 1,064

New Hampshire ..................... 556 168 504 802 1,265

New Jersey ............................. 355 172 565 805 1,120

New Mexico ........................... 361 241 488 678 1,039

New York ............................... 492 387 616 789 999

North Carolina ....................... 239 207 519 774 1,130

North Dakota .......................... 347 – 487 716 1,176

Ohio ........................................ 372 115 544 786 951

Oklahoma ............................... 186 38 491 701 1,050

Oregon .................................... 399 80 519 819 1,015

Pennsylvania .......................... 354 193 599 762 1,089

Rhode Island .......................... 466 157 546 852 1,087

South Carolina ....................... 194 133 489 706 953

South Dakota .......................... 372 108 498 723 1,092

Tennessee ............................... 185 – 508 767 919

Texas ...................................... 184 – 604 785 1,097

Utah ........................................ 459 302 529 703 1,215

Vermont ................................. 556 192 579 910 1,372

Virgin Islands ......................... 407 180 – 674 916

Virginia .................................. 288 204 490 744 948

Washington ............................ 374 157 557 796 1,222

West Virginia ......................... 302 – 561 724 1,043

Wisconsin ............................... 520 178 636 823 1,251

Wyoming ................................ 547 388 452 704 1,108

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Average values are over households with income source.

b This does not include households receiving a noncash benefit or a noncountable cash benefit (e.g., households participating in

Minnesota’s Family Investment Program).

– No sample data in this category.

75
Table B.8. Distribution of Participating Households by Earnings-Related Characteristics and by State

State 

Households with Earnings Average Earned Income Deduction

(Dollars)

Number

(000)

Percent Average Earnings

(Dollars) All Householdsa Households with

Deduction

Totalb ..................................... 6,351 30.5 1,022 64 205

Alabama ................................. 108 28.6 1,004 57 201

Alaska .................................... 10 27.6 1,311 72 262

Arizona ................................... 163 35.8 1,209 86 242

Arkansas ................................. 61 29.9 1,052 63 210

California ............................... 546 34.1 712 48 142

Colorado ................................. 67 33.9 896 61 179

Connecticut ............................ 49 24.2 1,037 50 207

Delaware ................................ 20 33.3 1,246 83 249

District of Columbia .............. 8 10.5 1,073 23 214

Florida .................................... 396 23.9 1,051 53 210

Georgia ................................... 260 33.3 1,001 67 200

Guam ...................................... 5 41.3 1,334 110 267

Hawaii .................................... 24 30.7 1,136 70 227

Idaho ...................................... 40 42.1 968 81 193

Illinois .................................... 242 28.4 937 53 187

Indiana .................................... 119 31.7 980 62 196

Iowa ........................................ 69 40.2 989 79 198

Kansas .................................... 48 35.5 1,045 74 209

Kentucky ................................ 84 22.4 962 44 192

Louisiana ................................ 122 31.9 963 63 192

Maine ..................................... 38 30.0 1,264 76 253

Maryland ................................ 87 26.9 1,204 66 240

Massachusetts ........................ 97 21.9 1,200 53 240

Michigan ................................ 345 35.8 1,018 74 203

Minnesota ............................... 74 30.5 1,038 67 242

Mississippi ............................. 78 28.9 1,016 65 203

Missouri ................................. 120 28.2 980 55 196

Montana ................................. 20 35.4 1,085 77 217

Nebraska ................................ 26 34.8 1,055 73 211

Nevada ................................... 48 31.2 1,064 66 213

New Hampshire ..................... 16 29.5 1,265 75 253

New Jersey ............................. 107 29.1 1,120 65 224

New Mexico ........................... 70 39.6 1,039 85 208

New York ............................... 391 24.9 999 62 202

North Carolina ....................... 223 30.8 1,130 71 226

North Dakota .......................... 11 40.8 1,176 96 236

Ohio ........................................ 215 25.6 951 49 190

Oklahoma ............................... 82 30.5 1,050 64 210

Oregon .................................... 153 36.8 1,015 75 203

Pennsylvania .......................... 214 26.4 1,089 60 218

Rhode Island .......................... 23 26.8 1,087 58 217

South Carolina ....................... 115 29.9 953 59 190

South Dakota .......................... 16 38.4 1,092 88 220

Tennessee ............................... 149 25.3 919 46 184

Texas ...................................... 672 42.0 1,097 92 219

Utah ........................................ 42 37.7 1,215 91 243

Vermont ................................. 14 30.1 1,372 83 274

Virgin Islands ......................... 4 42.9 916 78 183

Virginia .................................. 121 30.4 948 58 189

Washington ............................ 154 28.9 1,222 81 246

West Virginia ......................... 41 26.4 1,043 55 208

Wisconsin ............................... 139 37.8 1,251 94 250

Wyoming ................................ 5 36.4 1,108 81 221

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because the earnings deduction is not used in their benefit determinations, 644,511 SSI-CAP households are excluded from this column.

b Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

76
Table B.9. Distribution of Entrant Households with and without Expedited Service by State

State 

Total Entrant

Households

(000)

Entrant Households Eligible For

and Receiving Expedited Service

Entrant Households Eligible For

But Not Receiving Expedited

Service

Entrant Households Not Eligible

For Expedited Service

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totala ..................................... 869 427 49.1 53 6.1 390 44.8

Alabama ................................. 15 7 46.7 1 9.7 7 43.6

Alaska .................................... 3 1 44.5 0 4.3 1 51.2

Arizona ................................... 17 11 62.8 1 8.6 5 28.7

Arkansas ................................. 12 4 36.5 1 7.7 6 55.8

California ............................... 84 45 54.2 6 7.2 32 38.6

Colorado ................................. 9 6 60.2 1 10.4 3 29.4

Connecticut ............................ 10 4 41.7 2 22.0 4 36.3

Delaware ................................ 2 1 70.1 – – 1 29.9

District of Columbia .............. 4 3 66.3 0 2.6 1 31.1

Florida .................................... 74 47 64.0 – – 27 36.0

Georgia ................................... 1 –––– 1 100.0

Guam ...................................... 0 0 49.5 – – 0 50.5

Hawaii .................................... 2 1 39.9 0 12.5 1 47.7

Idaho ...................................... 4 2 52.4 0 2.1 2 45.5

Illinois .................................... 21 8 39.1 2 11.7 10 49.2

Indiana .................................... 15 6 41.1 1 7.0 8 51.9

Iowa ........................................ 8 2 32.3 0 5.1 5 62.6

Kansas .................................... 7 3 43.5 0 6.1 3 50.4

Kentucky ................................ 0 –––– 0 100.0

Louisiana ................................ 22 6 28.2 2 7.2 14 64.6

Maine ..................................... 3 1 34.9 – – 2 65.1

Maryland ................................ 25 15 59.2 3 13.6 7 27.2

Massachusetts ........................ 17 5 29.0 0 2.4 12 68.6

Michigan ................................ 36 16 44.8 4 11.6 16 43.6

Minnesota ............................... 10 4 41.9 1 6.3 5 51.9

Mississippi ............................. 5 3 63.2 – – 2 36.8

Missouri ................................. 24 12 50.0 3 11.3 9 38.7

Montana ................................. 3 2 69.4 – – 1 30.6

Nebraska ................................ 2 1 23.5 0 20.1 1 56.4

Nevada ................................... 7 4 60.5 0 4.0 2 35.6

New Hampshire ..................... 3 1 52.1 0 6.1 1 41.8

New Jersey ............................. 10 5 45.1 – – 6 54.9

New Mexico ........................... 9 5 55.8 – – 4 44.2

New York ............................... 65 47 72.9 – – 18 27.1

North Carolina ....................... 41 18 43.5 2 4.5 21 52.0

North Dakota .......................... 1 0 36.3 0 5.0 1 58.7

Ohio ........................................ 20 8 40.3 2 7.6 11 52.2

Oklahoma ............................... 12 7 53.7 0 1.8 5 44.5

Oregon .................................... 20 11 56.0 – – 9 44.0

Pennsylvania .......................... 29 14 49.9 2 8.1 12 41.9

Rhode Island .......................... 4 2 54.0 0 5.4 2 40.6

South Carolina ....................... 14 6 41.0 1 10.6 7 48.4

South Dakota .......................... 3 1 46.3 – – 1 53.7

Tennessee ............................... 24 11 47.2 3 14.5 9 38.3

Texas ...................................... 105 39 37.3 4 3.7 62 59.0

Utah ........................................ 5 3 55.8 0 5.4 2 38.8

Vermont ................................. 3 1 21.7 0 17.3 2 61.0

Virgin Islands ......................... 0 0 55.8 – – 0 44.2

Virginia .................................. 13 5 36.4 1 7.7 8 55.9

Washington ............................ 22 9 42.8 2 9.5 11 47.7

West Virginia ......................... 7 3 39.4 – – 5 60.6

Wisconsin ............................... 16 7 46.1 2 12.7 6 41.2

Wyoming ................................ 1 0 42.6 0 6.2 0 51.2

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

– No sample data in this category.

77
Table B.10. Distribution of Participating Households by Race/Hispanic Status of Household Head and by State

State 

Race/Hispanic Statusa of Household Head

White,

not Hispanic

African American,

not Hispanic

Hispanic,

Any Race

Other,

not Hispanicb

Missing/Unknownc

 

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totald ..................................... 7,613 36.6 4,742 22.8 2,001 9.6 1,210 5.8 5,237 25.2

Alabama ................................. 159 42.1 198 52.5 1 0.3 3 0.9 16 4.2

Alaska .................................... 16 44.9 2 6.4 0 1.0 14 40.5 3 7.2

Arizona ................................... 200 43.9 34 7.4 125 27.5 55 12.0 42 9.2

Arkansas ................................. 119 57.9 63 30.8 3 1.4 2 1.2 18 8.7

California ............................... 370 23.1 248 15.5 468 29.2 106 6.6 411 25.6

Colorado ................................. 30 15.3 5 2.7 19 9.6 3 1.6 140 70.7

Connecticut ............................ 86 42.8 50 24.9 54 27.0 4 1.9 7 3.4

Delaware ................................ 5 8.5 5 8.1 0 0.3 0 0.3 50 82.9

District of Columbia .............. 1 0.9 70 92.2 2 2.2 1 1.8 2 2.9

Florida .................................... – – – – – – 410 24.7 1,249 75.3

Georgia ................................... 264 33.8 442 56.7 15 2.0 13 1.7 46 5.9

Guam ...................................... 0 0.4 – – – – 10 79.0 3 20.6

Hawaii .................................... 17 22.0 1 1.8 2 2.4 53 66.9 5 6.9

Idaho ...................................... 78 81.8 1 1.4 6 6.8 2 2.0 8 8.1

Illinois .................................... 304 35.6 276 32.4 39 4.6 17 2.0 216 25.3

Indiana .................................... 254 67.8 94 25.2 8 2.2 5 1.2 14 3.6

Iowa ........................................ 104 60.4 13 7.5 3 1.8 3 1.8 49 28.6

Kansas .................................... 89 65.5 23 16.6 9 6.4 4 2.9 12 8.6

Kentucky ................................ 296 79.2 63 16.9 2 0.5 1 0.3 11 3.0

Louisiana ................................ 112 29.4 244 63.9 4 1.1 5 1.3 17 4.4

Maine ..................................... 118 94.0 3 2.6 1 0.9 2 1.4 1 1.1

Maryland ................................ 101 31.2 168 51.7 8 2.5 10 3.2 37 11.4

Massachusetts ........................ 252 56.9 69 15.7 66 14.8 16 3.6 40 9.0

Michigan ................................ 483 50.1 287 29.7 16 1.7 19 2.0 159 16.5

Minnesota ............................... 138 56.7 57 23.6 7 3.0 22 9.2 18 7.5

Mississippi ............................. 78 29.2 161 59.9 0 0.2 2 0.7 27 10.1

Missouri ................................. 263 61.6 136 31.9 3 0.6 4 1.1 20 4.8

Montana ................................. 34 60.7 0 0.6 0 0.7 11 19.8 10 18.3

Nebraska ................................ 47 63.2 15 19.7 5 6.8 4 5.1 4 5.3

Nevada ................................... 73 47.4 31 19.8 25 16.3 9 6.1 16 10.4

New Hampshire ..................... 49 91.3 1 2.4 1 2.8 1 1.6 1 1.9

New Jersey ............................. 118 32.1 124 33.8 79 21.5 13 3.5 33 9.1

New Mexico ........................... 28 15.8 5 2.6 71 39.9 16 9.1 57 32.5

New York ............................... 514 32.7 425 27.0 435 27.6 110 7.0 89 5.6

North Carolina ....................... 318 43.9 323 44.6 16 2.2 21 2.9 46 6.3

North Dakota .......................... 18 66.3 1 3.3 0 0.5 7 26.5 1 3.3

Ohio ........................................ 2 0.3 2 0.2 – – 24 2.9 809 96.7

Oklahoma ............................... 163 61.1 48 18.1 10 3.8 29 10.7 17 6.2

Oregon .................................... 307 73.9 18 4.4 7 1.7 19 4.6 64 15.4

Pennsylvania .......................... 479 58.9 219 27.0 71 8.8 21 2.6 22 2.7

Rhode Island .......................... – – 0 0.2 – – 20 23.5 65 76.3

South Carolina ....................... 137 35.5 213 55.3 21 5.5 2 0.5 12 3.1

South Dakota .......................... 23 54.7 2 3.6 0 1.0 15 34.2 3 6.5

Tennessee ............................... 171 29.0 71 12.0 – – 2 0.4 346 58.6

Texas ...................................... 276 17.2 206 12.8 365 22.8 19 1.2 735 45.9

Utah ........................................ 83 75.3 3 3.0 8 7.1 6 5.5 10 9.0

Vermont ................................. 14 30.4 0 0.8 0 0.1 1 1.3 30 67.3

Virgin Islands ......................... 0 2.7 7 72.2 2 18.2 – – 1 6.9

Virginia .................................. 176 44.2 185 46.4 9 2.2 8 2.0 21 5.2

Washington ............................ 263 49.0 34 6.4 9 1.8 45 8.4 184 34.4

West Virginia ......................... 143 91.2 11 6.8 1 0.3 0 0.2 2 1.4

Wisconsin ............................... 231 62.6 83 22.5 2 0.4 17 4.5 37 10.0

Wyoming ................................ 10 66.7 0 1.8 1 6.3 2 11.3 2 14.0

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a New codes to allow reporting of multiple races were implemented beginning in April 2007. We have grouped the new codes together to form general race and

ethnicity categories. Reporting of race and ethnicity is voluntary under the new format and was missing for 21 percent of participants in FY 2011. Because of these

changes, FY 2011 race and ethnicity distributions are not comparable to distributions for years prior to FY 2007.

b Other includes household heads that are Asian, Native American, or who reported multiple races that do not fit into previous categories.

c Missing/Unknown includes household heads for which racial/ethnic information was not recorded on the application, is not available because the application was

not found, or is unknown, and households with no household head and no adult listed on the file.

d Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

– No sample data in this category.

78
Table B.11. Distribution of Participants by Age and by State

State 

Preschool-Age

Children

School-Age

Children

Total

Children

Nonelderly

Adults

Elderly

Adults

Nondisabled Adults

Age 18-49 in

Childless

Householdsa

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totalb ..................................... 6,780 15.4 13,147 29.8 19,927 45.1 20,452 46.3 3,770 8.5 4,486 10.2

Alabama ................................. 129 15.1 263 30.8 392 45.9 412 48.2 51 5.9 86 10.1

Alaska .................................... 14 16.5 25 29.0 39 45.5 42 48.8 5 5.7 11 12.9

Arizona ................................... 166 15.9 332 31.6 498 47.5 479 45.7 72 6.8 106 10.1

Arkansas ................................. 76 16.0 139 29.3 215 45.3 230 48.6 29 6.0 48 10.1

California ............................... 787 21.5 1,331 36.4 2,118 57.9 1,455 39.8 83 2.3 355 9.7

Colorado ................................. 74 16.6 157 35.2 232 51.8 186 41.6 30 6.6 31 7.0

Connecticut ............................ 51 13.8 87 23.6 138 37.4 187 50.6 44 12.0 46 12.6

Delaware ................................ 22 16.4 41 30.6 63 47.0 63 47.1 8 5.9 12 9.2

District of Columbia .............. 19 14.2 32 24.0 51 38.2 71 53.1 12 8.7 23 17.4

Florida .................................... 400 13.0 807 26.3 1,207 39.3 1,489 48.4 378 12.3 445 14.5

Georgia ................................... 290 16.5 537 30.5 826 47.0 809 46.0 125 7.1 183 10.4

Guam ...................................... 9 21.9 15 38.5 24 60.4 14 35.2 2 4.4 2 4.1

Hawaii .................................... 25 15.5 40 25.2 65 40.7 75 47.2 19 12.1 17 10.9

Idaho ...................................... 40 17.5 69 30.5 109 48.0 106 46.8 12 5.2 20 9.1

Illinois .................................... 273 15.3 549 30.8 821 46.1 827 46.5 132 7.4 200 11.2

Indiana .................................... 133 15.4 271 31.3 404 46.7 408 47.1 53 6.2 75 8.6

Iowa ........................................ 57 15.3 104 28.1 161 43.5 186 50.3 23 6.2 41 11.1

Kansas .................................... 50 17.0 87 29.8 137 46.7 139 47.3 17 5.9 29 10.0

Kentucky ................................ 106 13.1 212 26.1 318 39.2 432 53.2 62 7.6 96 11.8

Louisiana ................................ 138 15.8 267 30.7 404 46.5 400 46.0 65 7.5 81 9.3

Maine ..................................... 30 12.3 57 23.0 87 35.2 136 55.2 24 9.6 30 12.2

Maryland ................................ 98 14.9 180 27.3 279 42.2 324 49.0 58 8.8 82 12.4

Massachusetts ........................ 93 11.6 216 26.8 310 38.3 389 48.1 109 13.5 72 8.9

Michigan ................................ 217 11.3 495 25.7 712 37.0 1,051 54.6 161 8.4 280 14.6

Minnesota ............................... 78 15.6 143 28.8 221 44.4 238 47.7 39 7.9 46 9.2

Mississippi ............................. 88 14.4 196 32.0 284 46.3 290 47.3 39 6.3 56 9.2

Missouri ................................. 137 14.8 278 30.0 416 44.7 453 48.7 61 6.6 98 10.6

Montana ................................. 18 14.4 33 27.2 51 41.6 63 51.3 9 7.1 14 11.6

Nebraska ................................ 32 18.7 50 29.4 82 48.1 77 45.2 11 6.7 11 6.7

Nevada ................................... 60 18.3 94 28.8 154 47.2 142 43.3 31 9.6 34 10.4

New Hampshire ..................... 13 12.0 32 28.3 45 40.2 60 53.2 7 6.6 9 8.2

New Jersey ............................. 109 14.5 229 30.5 337 45.0 306 40.8 106 14.2 66 8.7

New Mexico ........................... 71 17.3 131 31.9 202 49.2 183 44.7 25 6.1 37 8.9

New York ............................... 357 12.1 766 25.9 1,123 38.0 1,272 43.0 562 19.0 244 8.3

North Carolina ....................... 254 16.2 449 28.7 702 44.9 753 48.1 109 7.0 188 12.0

North Dakota .......................... 10 16.2 17 28.3 27 44.5 28 46.5 5 9.0 4 7.2

Ohio ........................................ 239 13.6 495 28.1 734 41.7 882 50.1 145 8.2 176 10.0

Oklahoma ............................... 97 16.0 175 29.0 272 45.0 288 47.6 45 7.4 50 8.3

Oregon .................................... 93 12.2 188 24.7 282 36.9 419 54.9 62 8.1 143 18.7

Pennsylvania .......................... 230 13.5 480 28.1 710 41.6 814 47.7 183 10.7 139 8.1

Rhode Island .......................... 20 13.0 39 25.1 59 38.1 76 49.0 20 12.9 17 10.8

South Carolina ....................... 118 14.1 254 30.4 372 44.6 404 48.4 59 7.0 101 12.1

South Dakota .......................... 18 17.8 30 30.2 48 48.1 45 45.2 7 6.8 8 8.0

Tennessee ............................... 167 13.6 353 28.6 519 42.2 625 50.7 87 7.1 166 13.5

Texas ...................................... 769 19.5 1,419 35.9 2,188 55.4 1,453 36.8 306 7.8 132 3.3

Utah ........................................ 52 18.7 88 31.5 140 50.2 127 45.4 12 4.4 25 9.0

Vermont ................................. 12 13.5 19 21.6 31 35.1 48 53.1 11 11.8 10 10.8

Virgin Islands ......................... 4 16.4 8 34.3 11 50.7 8 37.2 3 12.1 1 6.2

Virginia .................................. 130 15.4 255 30.2 385 45.7 388 46.0 71 8.4 77 9.1

Washington ............................ 146 14.0 276 26.6 422 40.6 530 50.9 88 8.5 141 13.5

West Virginia ......................... 41 12.2 90 26.8 131 39.0 174 51.9 30 9.0 29 8.5

Wisconsin ............................... 115 14.4 237 29.6 351 44.0 385 48.2 62 7.8 88 11.1

Wyoming ................................ 6 17.4 10 28.5 16 46.0 16 47.1 2 6.9 2 6.7

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a These participants are subject to work requirements and a time limit. 

b Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

79
Table B.12. Distribution of Participants by Citizenship Status and by State

State 

All Participants U. S. Born

Citizens

Naturalized

Citizens Refugees Other Noncitizens

Citizen Children

Living with a

Noncitizena

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totalb ..................................... 44,148 100.0 41,007 100.0 1,379 100.0 349 100.0 1,412 100.0 3,741 100.0

Alabama ................................. 855 1.9 853 2.1 0 0.0 – – 2 0.1 27 0.7

Alaska .................................... 86 0.2 82 0.2 1 0.1 1 0.2 1 0.1 2 0.0

Arizona ................................... 1,049 2.4 958 2.3 31 2.2 4 1.3 55 3.9 158 4.2

Arkansas ................................. 474 1.1 469 1.1 2 0.1 – – 3 0.2 19 0.5

California ............................... 3,656 8.3 3,249 7.9 144 10.5 71 20.2 191 13.6 980 26.2

Colorado ................................. 447 1.0 420 1.0 10 0.7 3 1.0 14 1.0 64 1.7

Connecticut ............................ 369 0.8 342 0.8 12 0.9 1 0.3 13 1.0 18 0.5

Delaware ................................ 133 0.3 130 0.3 1 0.1 0 0.1 2 0.1 6 0.2

District of Columbia .............. 134 0.3 131 0.3 2 0.1 1 0.2 1 0.1 3 0.1

Florida .................................... 3,075 7.0 2,616 6.4 212 15.4 31 8.9 215 15.3 232 6.2

Georgia ................................... 1,760 4.0 1,705 4.2 19 1.4 11 3.3 25 1.7 110 3.0

Guam ...................................... 40 0.1 38 0.1 1 0.1 – – 1 0.1 8 0.2

Hawaii .................................... 158 0.4 142 0.3 11 0.8 0 0.0 6 0.4 10 0.3

Idaho ...................................... 226 0.5 214 0.5 3 0.2 5 1.5 5 0.3 18 0.5

Illinois .................................... 1,780 4.0 1,679 4.1 60 4.3 3 0.7 38 2.7 140 3.8

Indiana .................................... 865 2.0 851 2.1 7 0.5 1 0.4 6 0.4 27 0.7

Iowa ........................................ 371 0.8 360 0.9 4 0.3 3 0.8 4 0.3 17 0.5

Kansas .................................... 294 0.7 285 0.7 3 0.2 3 0.9 3 0.2 19 0.5

Kentucky ................................ 811 1.8 797 1.9 2 0.2 10 3.0 1 0.1 21 0.6

Louisiana ................................ 870 2.0 863 2.1 1 0.1 – – 5 0.4 13 0.4

Maine ..................................... 246 0.6 238 0.6 2 0.2 3 0.8 4 0.3 5 0.1

Maryland ................................ 661 1.5 613 1.5 22 1.6 8 2.4 17 1.2 27 0.7

Massachusetts ........................ 807 1.8 691 1.7 63 4.6 4 1.2 48 3.4 51 1.4

Michigan ................................ 1,924 4.4 1,869 4.6 31 2.2 1 0.3 24 1.7 44 1.2

Minnesota ............................... 498 1.1 440 1.1 22 1.6 24 7.0 12 0.8 23 0.6

Mississippi ............................. 613 1.4 612 1.5 0 0.0 – – 0 0.0 2 0.0

Missouri ................................. 930 2.1 906 2.2 8 0.6 7 2.0 9 0.7 17 0.4

Montana ................................. 123 0.3 122 0.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.0

Nebraska ................................ 171 0.4 163 0.4 3 0.2 3 0.8 2 0.2 6 0.1

Nevada ................................... 328 0.7 305 0.7 6 0.4 2 0.6 14 1.0 57 1.5

New Hampshire ..................... 112 0.3 107 0.3 1 0.1 3 0.8 2 0.1 3 0.1

New Jersey ............................. 749 1.7 625 1.5 58 4.2 5 1.4 62 4.4 80 2.1

New Mexico ........................... 410 0.9 393 1.0 7 0.5 0 0.0 10 0.7 42 1.1

New York ............................... 2,957 6.7 2,312 5.6 377 27.4 13 3.7 254 18.0 242 6.5

North Carolina ....................... 1,564 3.5 1,532 3.7 9 0.7 7 1.9 16 1.1 112 3.0

North Dakota .......................... 60 0.1 56 0.1 1 0.1 3 0.8 0 0.0 1 0.0

Ohio ........................................ 1,760 4.0 1,732 4.2 10 0.7 9 2.6 8 0.6 16 0.4

Oklahoma ............................... 605 1.4 596 1.5 3 0.2 0 0.1 5 0.4 21 0.6

Oregon .................................... 762 1.7 714 1.7 15 1.1 7 2.0 25 1.8 67 1.8

Pennsylvania .......................... 1,707 3.9 1,631 4.0 27 1.9 22 6.4 27 1.9 49 1.3

Rhode Island .......................... 156 0.4 138 0.3 7 0.5 2 0.6 9 0.7 14 0.4

South Carolina ....................... 834 1.9 828 2.0 3 0.2 – – 2 0.2 20 0.5

South Dakota .......................... 100 0.2 96 0.2 0 0.0 4 1.0 0 0.0 3 0.1

Tennessee ............................... 1,231 2.8 1,211 3.0 2 0.1 3 0.9 15 1.0 53 1.4

Texas ...................................... 3,947 8.9 3,643 8.9 85 6.2 36 10.4 182 12.9 689 18.4

Utah ........................................ 280 0.6 265 0.6 6 0.5 3 0.9 5 0.4 23 0.6

Vermont ................................. 89 0.2 87 0.2 1 0.1 1 0.4 0 0.0 0 0.0

Virgin Islands ......................... 22 0.1 17 0.0 3 0.2 0 0.0 2 0.1 2 0.1

Virginia .................................. 843 1.9 811 2.0 18 1.3 4 1.1 10 0.7 46 1.2

Washington ............................ 1,040 2.4 927 2.3 53 3.8 16 4.7 44 3.1 101 2.7

West Virginia ......................... 336 0.8 334 0.8 1 0.0 – – 0 0.0 – –

Wisconsin ............................... 798 1.8 773 1.9 7 0.5 8 2.3 9 0.7 32 0.8

Wyoming ................................ 34 0.1 34 0.1 0 0.0 – – 0 0.0 1 0.0

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Noncitizens may be inside or outside the SNAP unit.

b Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

– No sample data in this category.

80
Table B.13. Distribution of Noncitizen Participants by Age and by State

State Total

(000)

Children Nonelderly Adults Elderly Adults

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totala ..................................... 1,761 336 19.1 1020 57.9 406 23.0

Alabama ................................. 2 – – 1 69.1 1 30.9

Alaska .................................... 2 1 28.8 1 62.4 0 8.8

Arizona ................................... 59 6 10.0 46 77.2 8 12.8

Arkansas ................................. 3 0 5.0 2 64.9 1 30.1

California ............................... 262 43 16.4 193 73.8 26 9.9

Colorado ................................. 17 3 17.6 12 70.1 2 12.3

Connecticut ............................ 15 2 12.1 7 49.7 6 38.2

Delaware ................................ 2 1 31.4 1 48.6 0 20.0

District of Columbia .............. 2 0 9.2 1 62.5 0 28.3

Florida .................................... 246 38 15.2 142 57.5 67 27.2

Georgia ................................... 36 12 33.2 19 53.0 5 13.8

Guam ...................................... 1 0 4.3 0 40.9 0 54.8

Hawaii .................................... 6 1 16.4 3 48.6 2 35.1

Idaho ...................................... 10 3 29.0 6 58.3 1 12.7

Illinois .................................... 41 6 15.6 23 56.3 11 28.1

Indiana .................................... 7 1 17.3 3 41.3 3 41.4

Iowa ........................................ 7 2 29.9 4 55.6 1 14.5

Kansas .................................... 6 2 34.0 3 56.8 1 9.1

Kentucky ................................ 12 3 29.4 7 63.0 1 7.6

Louisiana ................................ 5 – – 4 81.5 1 18.5

Maine ..................................... 6 1 23.2 4 69.6 0 7.2

Maryland ................................ 26 5 20.4 16 61.5 5 18.0

Massachusetts ........................ 53 12 23.2 31 58.6 10 18.2

Michigan ................................ 25 2 6.0 12 46.9 12 47.1

Minnesota ............................... 36 12 32.6 20 55.5 4 11.9

Mississippi ............................. 0 – – 0 43.5 0 56.5

Missouri ................................. 16 7 42.7 9 55.1 0 2.2

Montana ................................. 0 0 24.8 0 75.2 – –

Nebraska ................................ 5 2 31.8 3 54.9 1 13.4

Nevada ................................... 17 1 6.3 11 68.2 4 25.5

New Hampshire ..................... 4 1 20.9 3 65.2 1 13.9

New Jersey ............................. 67 15 22.6 28 42.3 23 35.1

New Mexico ........................... 10 1 5.1 8 74.8 2 20.2

New York ............................... 267 47 17.8 122 45.7 98 36.6

North Carolina ....................... 23 7 28.7 13 59.3 3 12.1

North Dakota .......................... 3 1 37.5 2 58.5 0 4.0

Ohio ........................................ 17 7 39.8 6 36.1 4 24.1

Oklahoma ............................... 5 – – 3 56.5 2 43.5

Oregon .................................... 32 11 34.0 18 55.2 4 10.8

Pennsylvania .......................... 49 11 23.4 24 48.5 14 28.1

Rhode Island .......................... 11 2 18.1 7 62.8 2 19.1

South Carolina ....................... 2 – – 1 29.4 2 70.6

South Dakota .......................... 4 2 50.4 2 44.1 0 5.4

Tennessee ............................... 18 11 61.1 7 36.5 0 2.4

Texas ...................................... 219 33 15.3 134 61.4 51 23.3

Utah ........................................ 8 2 23.5 5 58.8 1 17.7

Vermont ................................. 1 0 16.2 1 69.3 0 14.6

Virgin Islands ......................... 2 1 33.7 1 45.6 0 20.7

Virginia .................................. 14 2 11.1 9 62.2 4 26.7

Washington ............................ 61 12 19.5 32 53.6 16 27.0

West Virginia ......................... 0 – – 0 100.0 – –

Wisconsin ............................... 17 5 26.5 9 50.3 4 23.2

Wyoming ................................ 0 – – 0 55.6 0 44.4

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

– No sample data in this category.

81
Table B.14. Distribution of Participating Households by Use of Standard Utility Allowance and by State

State Number

(000)

Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) - Usage and Entitlementa

Households with

Heating/Cooling SUA

Households with Another

SUA 

Households with No SUA 

 

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totalb ..................................... 20,803 13,657 65.6 1,313 6.3 5,320 25.6

Alabama ................................. 377 262 69.6 10 2.6 105 27.8

Alaska .................................... 35 12 35.1 11 32.0 11 32.9

Arizona ................................... 456 257 56.4 27 5.9 172 37.8

Arkansas ................................. 205 121 58.9 7 3.3 78 37.8

California ............................... 1,603 866 54.1 95 5.9 642 40.0

Colorado ................................. 197 124 62.6 23 11.4 51 25.9

Connecticut ............................ 201 167 83.1 1 0.4 33 16.5

Delaware ................................ 61 37 60.6 5 8.4 19 31.0

District of Columbia .............. 76 71 93.7 0 0.5 4 5.7

Florida .................................... 1,659 898 54.1 163 9.8 598 36.1

Georgia ................................... 781 483 61.9 31 4.0 266 34.1

Guam ...................................... 12 – – 6 45.7 7 54.3

Hawaii .................................... 79 0 0.1 35 43.8 44 56.1

Idaho ...................................... 95 67 70.1 7 7.4 21 22.5

Illinois .................................... 852 444 52.1 84 9.9 324 38.0

Indiana .................................... 375 234 62.6 20 5.2 121 32.2

Iowa ........................................ 171 116 67.5 22 12.7 34 19.9

Kansas .................................... 136 90 66.2 12 9.1 34 24.7

Kentucky ................................ 374 241 64.5 14 3.9 109 29.1

Louisiana ................................ 381 239 62.6 22 5.8 113 29.5

Maine ..................................... 126 89 70.5 13 10.6 24 18.8

Maryland ................................ 325 160 49.3 44 13.6 115 35.5

Massachusetts ........................ 443 334 75.4 40 9.1 69 15.5

Michigan ................................ 964 926 96.1 13 1.3 7 0.8

Minnesota ............................... 243 108 44.5 27 11.2 74 30.5

Mississippi ............................. 269 150 55.9 1 0.5 92 34.3

Missouri ................................. 427 271 63.4 17 3.9 140 32.7

Montana ................................. 56 34 60.6 3 6.1 19 33.3

Nebraska ................................ 75 51 68.9 6 7.6 18 23.6

Nevada ................................... 154 87 56.2 5 3.0 63 40.8

New Hampshire ..................... 53 41 76.3 8 14.4 5 9.3

New Jersey ............................. 367 356 97.1 – – 10 2.6

New Mexico ........................... 177 105 59.4 11 6.4 54 30.6

New York ............................... 1,573 1,050 66.7 134 8.5 62 3.9

North Carolina ....................... 724 503 69.5 14 2.0 190 26.2

North Dakota .......................... 27 20 74.2 2 7.2 5 18.6

Ohio ........................................ 837 531 63.5 35 4.2 270 32.3

Oklahoma ............................... 267 182 68.0 12 4.4 74 27.7

Oregon .................................... 416 302 72.6 18 4.3 96 23.1

Pennsylvania .......................... 812 732 90.1 5 0.7 36 4.4

Rhode Island .......................... 85 84 98.8 0 0.1 1 1.1

South Carolina ....................... 385 190 49.3 1 0.4 179 46.3

South Dakota .......................... 43 28 65.3 3 6.3 10 22.8

Tennessee ............................... 590 310 52.5 19 3.3 260 44.2

Texas ...................................... 1,601 1,021 63.8 143 8.9 433 27.1

Utah ........................................ 110 61 55.3 8 7.2 41 37.5

Vermont ................................. 45 35 79.0 4 10.0 5 11.0

Virgin Islands ......................... 9 – – 0 1.9 9 98.1

Virginia .................................. 399 216 54.3 50 12.6 130 32.5

Washington ............................ 535 462 86.3 70 13.1 3 0.6

West Virginia ......................... 156 113 72.1 7 4.7 36 23.2

Wisconsin ............................... 369 367 99.4 2 0.6 – –

Wyoming ................................ 15 9 62.9 0 1.7 5 35.4

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Because this deduction is not used in their benefit determinations, 33,612 MFIP households and 479,294 SSI-CAP households in

States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this category.

b Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

– No sample data in this category.

82
Table B.15. Distribution of Participating Categorically Eligible Households by Public Assistance Status and by

State

State 

Total SNAP

Households

(000)

Categorically Eligible Households

Total Households Pure PA Householdsa Other Categorically Eligible

Householdsb

Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent Number

(000)

Percent

Totalc ................................. 20,803 18,679 89.8 4,985 24.0 13,694 65.8

Alabama ............................. 377 377 100.0 63 16.7 314 83.3

Alaska ................................ 35 10 30.0 10 27.7 1 2.3

Arizona ............................... 456 456 100.0 62 13.6 394 86.4

Arkansas ............................. 205 39 18.8 34 16.3 5 2.5

California ........................... 1,603 1,421 88.6 600 37.4 821 51.2

Colorado ............................. 197 138 69.8 39 19.7 99 50.2

Connecticut ........................ 201 200 99.6 53 26.6 146 73.0

Delaware ............................ 61 61 100.0 14 22.5 47 77.5

District of Columbia .......... 76 76 100.0 26 34.2 50 65.8

Florida ................................ 1,659 1,659 100.0 337 20.3 1,322 79.7

Georgia ............................... 781 779 99.8 90 11.6 688 88.2

Guam .................................. 12 12 100.0 2 14.9 11 85.1

Hawaii ................................ 79 79 100.0 25 31.5 54 68.5

Idaho .................................. 95 95 100.0 11 11.6 84 88.4

Illinois ................................ 852 852 100.0 150 17.6 702 82.4

Indiana ................................ 375 69 18.4 66 17.7 3 0.7

Iowa .................................... 171 140 82.0 37 21.6 103 60.3

Kansas ................................ 136 34 24.6 30 21.9 4 2.7

Kentucky ............................ 374 374 100.0 94 25.2 280 74.8

Louisiana ............................ 381 381 100.0 70 18.4 311 81.6

Maine ................................. 126 126 100.0 32 25.2 94 74.8

Maryland ............................ 325 325 100.0 91 28.2 233 71.8

Massachusetts .................... 443 443 100.0 172 38.8 271 61.2

Michigan ............................ 964 964 100.0 208 21.6 756 78.4

Minnesota ........................... 243 243 100.0 106 43.4 138 56.6

Mississippi ......................... 269 268 99.9 56 21.0 212 78.9

Missouri ............................. 427 129 30.1 99 23.1 30 7.0

Montana ............................. 56 56 100.0 11 20.0 45 80.0

Nebraska ............................ 75 21 27.8 19 25.7 2 2.1

Nevada ............................... 154 154 100.0 28 18.0 126 82.0

New Hampshire ................. 53 35 65.4 15 27.5 20 37.9

New Jersey ......................... 367 366 99.8 142 38.6 224 61.2

New Mexico ....................... 177 177 100.0 48 27.4 128 72.6

New York ........................... 1,573 1,572 99.9 590 37.5 982 62.4

North Carolina ................... 724 724 100.0 95 13.1 629 86.9

North Dakota ...................... 27 27 100.0 6 20.8 22 79.2

Ohio .................................... 837 837 100.0 215 25.7 622 74.3

Oklahoma ........................... 267 267 100.0 54 20.3 213 79.7

Oregon ................................ 416 416 100.0 70 16.7 346 83.3

Pennsylvania ...................... 812 812 100.0 297 36.6 515 63.4

Rhode Island ...................... 85 85 99.9 23 27.0 62 73.0

South Carolina ................... 385 385 100.0 58 15.0 328 85.0

South Dakota ...................... 43 13 31.1 9 20.8 4 10.4

Tennessee ........................... 590 138 23.3 119 20.2 18 3.1

Texas .................................. 1,601 1,601 100.0 205 12.8 1,395 87.2

Utah .................................... 110 26 23.6 19 16.8 7 6.8

Vermont ............................. 45 45 99.7 12 26.6 33 73.1

Virgin Islands ..................... 9 9 100.0 1 10.0 8 90.0

Virginia .............................. 399 100 25.1 93 23.2 8 1.9

Washington ........................ 535 535 100.0 165 30.9 370 69.1

West Virginia ..................... 156 156 100.0 47 29.9 110 70.1

Wisconsin ........................... 369 369 100.0 67 18.2 302 81.8

Wyoming ............................ 15 3 18.2 2 16.3 0 1.8

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Pure PA households are those in which each member 1) received SSI, 2) was covered by a cash TANF benefit, or 3) received

GA income. 

b These households are categorically eligible due to the receipt of noncash TANF benefits or services such as child care or

transportation subsidies, or through broad-based categorical eligibility. The vast majority of these households meet the federal SNAP

eligibility criteria.

c Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

83
Table B.16. Distribution of Participating Households by Poverty Status and by State, and Effect of SNAP Benefits on the Poverty Status of

SNAP Households

State 

Total SNAP

Households

(000)

Distribution of Households in Relation to Poverty Guidelinea

Based on Cash Only Based on Cash and SNAP Benefits Difference in Percentage Points

50 Percent or

Less

51 Percent to

100 Percent

101 Percent

or More

50 Percent or

Less

51 Percent to

100 Percent

101 Percent

or More

50 Percent or

Less

51 Percent to

100 Percent

101 Percent

or More

Totalb ................. 20,803 42.6 40.7 16.6 27.2 43.2 29.6 -15.4 2.4 13.0

Alabama ............. 377 44.0 43.8 12.2 29.6 48.6 21.9 -14.5 4.8 9.7

Alaska ................ 35 47.7 37.2 15.1 29.9 42.3 27.8 -17.8 5.1 12.7

Arizona ............... 456 46.2 34.2 19.6 33.7 35.8 30.5 -12.5 1.6 10.9

Arkansas ............. 205 42.4 46.1 11.5 28.4 49.7 21.9 -14.0 3.6 10.4

California ........... 1,603 67.6 26.2 6.2 31.5 54.9 13.5 -36.1 28.8 7.3

Colorado ............. 197 46.4 39.6 14.0 28.0 45.6 26.4 -18.4 6.0 12.4

Connecticut ........ 201 37.3 39.5 23.2 23.8 37.3 38.9 -13.5 -2.2 15.7

Delaware ............ 61 41.4 35.2 23.4 26.5 40.0 33.5 -14.9 4.9 10.1

District of

Columbia ............ 76 61.0 29.3 9.6 37.1 48.2 14.8 -24.0 18.8 5.1

Florida ................ 1,659 43.9 41.2 14.9 34.9 39.4 25.8 -9.1 -1.8 10.9

Georgia ............... 781 46.4 40.4 13.1 33.0 41.9 25.1 -13.5 1.5 12.0

Guam .................. 12 59.5 25.3 15.2 18.8 46.0 35.2 -40.7 20.7 20.0

Hawaii ................ 79 43.5 46.5 10.0 20.8 52.2 27.0 -22.7 5.6 17.0

Idaho .................. 95 41.8 42.0 16.2 27.3 41.6 31.1 -14.5 -0.5 14.9

Illinois ................ 852 46.3 42.1 11.6 32.5 45.5 22.0 -13.8 3.4 10.4

Indiana ................ 375 42.6 43.8 13.6 29.6 45.1 25.3 -13.0 1.3 11.7

Iowa .................... 171 39.5 41.8 18.7 23.6 44.0 32.4 -15.9 2.2 13.7

Kansas ................ 136 41.6 43.8 14.6 27.0 48.5 24.5 -14.6 4.7 9.9

Kentucky ............ 374 43.1 47.0 10.0 29.3 52.9 17.8 -13.8 5.9 7.8

Louisiana ............ 381 42.0 46.1 12.0 28.1 49.0 22.9 -13.9 3.0 10.9

Maine ................. 126 29.0 42.9 28.1 18.9 37.5 43.6 -10.1 -5.4 15.6

Maryland ............ 325 42.0 38.8 19.1 29.5 41.0 29.5 -12.5 2.2 10.3

Massachusetts .... 443 29.3 47.3 23.3 15.4 34.4 50.2 -13.9 -12.9 26.8

Michigan ............ 964 35.4 41.1 23.5 22.3 38.6 39.1 -13.1 -2.5 15.6

Minnesota ........... 243 40.5 41.6 17.9 32.4 40.2 27.3 -8.1 -1.4 9.5

Mississippi ......... 269 41.6 49.0 9.4 30.0 50.8 19.1 -11.6 1.8 9.7

Missouri ............. 427 41.1 44.2 14.7 26.5 49.7 23.8 -14.6 5.5 9.1

Montana ............. 56 39.2 40.8 20.0 26.3 40.9 32.8 -12.9 0.1 12.8

Nebraska ............ 75 34.9 49.1 16.0 19.0 49.5 31.5 -15.9 0.4 15.5

Nevada ............... 154 44.0 36.6 19.4 29.5 41.9 28.6 -14.5 5.3 9.2

New Hampshire 53 25.4 46.5 28.1 13.9 42.5 43.6 -11.6 -4.0 15.6

New Jersey ......... 367 35.8 44.1 20.1 18.4 48.0 33.6 -17.4 3.9 13.6

New Mexico ....... 177 43.9 42.3 13.8 24.0 51.7 24.3 -19.9 9.4 10.5

New York ........... 1,573 29.1 50.0 20.9 13.0 33.9 53.1 -16.1 -16.1 32.2

North Carolina ... 724 44.5 36.6 18.9 30.4 41.5 28.1 -14.2 4.9 9.2

North Dakota ...... 27 32.3 40.7 27.0 19.1 40.3 40.6 -13.2 -0.4 13.6

Ohio .................... 837 41.8 42.1 16.1 25.7 46.4 27.8 -16.1 4.4 11.7

Oklahoma ........... 267 42.8 45.6 11.6 30.4 47.3 22.4 -12.4 1.7 10.7

Oregon ................ 416 39.9 35.4 24.7 29.4 34.4 36.2 -10.5 -1.0 11.5

Pennsylvania ...... 812 32.3 46.4 21.4 18.0 45.4 36.6 -14.2 -1.0 15.2

Rhode Island ...... 85 30.8 45.0 24.2 19.3 35.0 45.7 -11.5 -10.0 21.5

South Carolina ... 385 50.0 37.5 12.5 35.9 44.0 20.1 -14.1 6.5 7.5

South Dakota ...... 43 36.4 45.3 18.3 22.3 41.2 36.5 -14.1 -4.1 18.2

Tennessee ........... 590 49.1 38.7 12.2 37.0 42.7 20.2 -12.1 4.0 8.1

Texas .................. 1,601 44.1 36.3 19.5 29.0 40.6 30.4 -15.1 4.3 10.9

Utah .................... 110 40.4 44.6 15.0 26.7 46.2 27.1 -13.7 1.6 12.1

Vermont ............. 45 22.6 36.4 40.9 13.3 22.9 63.8 -9.4 -13.5 22.9

Virgin Islands ..... 9 56.6 28.4 15.0 24.5 47.3 28.2 -32.1 18.9 13.2

Virginia .............. 399 44.3 42.5 13.2 29.9 47.9 22.2 -14.4 5.4 9.0

Washington ........ 535 39.8 38.6 21.6 24.1 45.7 30.1 -15.7 7.2 8.5

West Virginia ..... 156 30.8 56.0 13.2 18.9 56.0 25.1 -11.9 <0 11.9

Wisconsin ........... 369 30.4 38.4 31.3 21.9 29.3 48.8 -8.4 -9.1 17.5

Wyoming ............ 15 38.2 48.2 13.6 22.0 52.1 25.9 -16.2 3.9 12.3

 Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

a Defined as the fiscal year 2011 SNAP net income screen (see Appendix C).

b Due to rounding, the sum of individual categories may not match the table total.

<0 Negative value too near zero to display.

84
APPENDIX C

FISCAL YEAR 2011 SNAP PARAMETERS
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87

Table C.1. Fiscal Year 2010 HHS Poverty Income Guidelinesa

Household Size

Contiguous

United States,

Guam, and the

Virgin Islands Alaska Hawaii

1 $10,830 $13,530 $12,460

2 14,570 18,210 16,760

3 18,310 22,890 21,060

4 22,050 27,570 25,360

5 25,790 32,250 29,660

6 29,530 36,930 33,960

7 33,270 41,610 38,260

8 37,010 46,290 42,560

Each Additional Member +3,740 +4,680 +4,300

Source: 75 Federal Register 148, August 3, 2010.

a HHS issued these numbers, which provide the basis for the fiscal year 2011 SNAP 

gross and net monthly income eligibility standards. The 2010 poverty guidelines were 

unchanged from the 2009 poverty guidelines (see 

http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/10fedreg.shtml), since both the 2009 and 2010 poverty 

guidelines were developed on the basis of the 2008 Census poverty thresholds.
88

Table C.2. SNAP Maximum Allowable Gross Monthly Income Eligibility 

Standards in Fiscal Year 2011a

Household Size

Contiguous

United States, 

Guam, and the 

Virgin Islands Alaska Hawaii

1 $1,174 $1,466 $1,350

2 1,579 1,973 1,816

3 1,984 2,480 2,282

4 2,389 2,987 2,748

5 2,794 3,494 3,214

6 3,200 4,001 3,679

7 3,605 4,508 4,145

8 4,010 5,015 4,611

Each Additional Member +406 +507 +466

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

a The fiscal year 2011 SNAP gross monthly income limits were based on the 

2010 poverty guidelines issued by HHS (see Table C.1). FNS derived the fiscal 

year 2011 gross income limits by multiplying the 2010 poverty guidelines by 

130 percent, dividing the results by 12, and then rounding up to the nearest 

dollar. The 2010 poverty guidelines were unchanged from the 2009 poverty 

guidelines (see http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/10fedreg.shtml), since both the 

2009 and 2010 poverty guidelines were developed on the basis of the 2008 

Census poverty thresholds; therefore, the gross income limits applied to SNAP 

households in fiscal year 2011 were based on 2008 poverty measures. 
89

Table C.3. SNAP Maximum Allowable Net Monthly Income Eligibility 

Standards in Fiscal Year 2011a

Household Size

Contiguous

United States, 

Guam, and the

Virgin Islands Alaska Hawaii

1 $903 $1,128 $1,039

2 1,215 1,518 1,397

3 1,526 1,908 1,755

4 1,838 2,298 2,114

5 2,150 2,688 2,472

6 2,461 3,078 2,830

7 2,773 3,468 3,189

8 3,085 3,858 3,547

Each Additional Member +312 +390 +359

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

a The fiscal year 2011 SNAP net monthly income limits were based on the 

2010 poverty guidelines issued by HHS (see Table C.1). FNS derived the fiscal 

year 2011 net income limits by dividing the 2010 poverty guidelines by 12 

and rounding up to the nearest dollar. The 2010 poverty guidelines were 

unchanged from the 2009 poverty guidelines (see 

http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/10fedreg.shtml), since both the 2009 and 2010 

poverty guidelines were developed on the basis of the 2008 Census poverty 

thresholds; therefore, the net income limits applied to SNAP households in 

fiscal year 2011 were based on 2008 poverty measures.
90

Table C.4. Value of Standard and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense Deductions in the Contiguous

United States and Outlying Areas in Fiscal Year 2011

Deduction

Contiguous

United States Alaska Hawaii Guam

Virgin 

Islands

Standard Deduction

1–2 people $142 $243 $201 $286 $125

3 people 142 243 201 286 127

4 people 153 243 201 305 153

5 people 179 243 205 357 179

6 or more people 205 256 235 409 205

Maximum Excess 

Shelter Expense 

Deduction

458 732 617 538 361

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Notes: The Homeless Household Shelter Estimate was $143.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (PL 110-246) eliminated the Maximum 

Dependent Care Deduction.

Certain State-specific programs did not apply all federal SNAP deductions in the benefit 

calculation. Only the earnings deduction was used in the benefit calculation for MFIP 

households. No deductions were used for SSI-CAP households with standardized benefits. 

States with non-standardized SSI-CAP benefits used the standard deduction and the excess 

shelter deduction when calculating benefit levels for SSI-CAP households.
91

Table C.5. Value of Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit in the Contiguous United States and Outlying 

Areas in Fiscal Year 2011a, b

Household

Size

Contiguous

United 

States

Alaska 

Urban

Alaska 

Rural I

Alaska 

Rural II Hawaii Guam

Virgin 

Islands

1 $200 $239 $304 $371 $314 $295 $257

2 367 438 559 680 575 541 472

3 526 627 800 974 824 775 676

4 668 797 1,016 1,237 1,046 985 859

5 793 946 1,207 1,469 1,243 1,169 1,020

6 952 1,135 1,448 1,762 1,491 1,403 1,224

7 1,052 1,255 1,600 1,948 1,648 1,551 1,353

8 1,202 1,434 1,829 2,226 1,884 1,773 1,546

Each Additional 

Member +150 +179 +229 +278 +236 +222 +193

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

a The maximum benefit values were effective from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011 and were based 

on 113.6 percent of the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June 2008 for a reference family of four, rounded 

to the lowest dollar increment.

b Due to the unusual nature of Alaska’s terrain and climate, areas outside major urban centers are less 

accessible to food distributors. Therefore, the value of the maximum benefit was adjusted to account for 

differences in the estimated cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in various regions of the State. For this purpose, 

all regions of Alaska were classified as Rural I, Rural II, or Urban. 
92

Table C.6. Value of Minimum Monthly SNAP Benefit in the Contiguous United States and Outlying 

Areas in Fiscal Year 2011a, b

Household Size

Contiguous 

United 

States

Alaska 

Urban

Alaska 

Rural I

Alaska 

Rural II Hawaii Guam

Virgin 

Islands

1 – 2 $16 $19 $24 $30 $25 $24 $21

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

a The minimum benefit values were effective from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011.

b The minimum benefit, applicable to one- and two-person households, is equal to 8 percent of the 

maximum benefit for single-person households.
APPENDIX D

SOURCE AND RELIABILITY OF ESTIMATES
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95

SOURCE AND RELIABILITY OF ESTIMATES

The estimates in this report are derived from a sample of households selected for review as part 

of the SNAP Quality Control System (SNAP QC), an ongoing review of SNAP household 

circumstances. The system is designed to determine (1) if households are eligible for participation in 

SNAP and are receiving the correct benefit amount or (2) if household participation is correctly 

denied or terminated. It is based on State samples (from the 50 States, the District of Columbia, 

Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) of approximately 58,000 participating SNAP households and a 

somewhat smaller number of denials and terminations. The State samples of participating units are 

stratified by month. Annual required State samples range from a minimum of 300 to 2,400 reviews, 

depending on the size of the State’s caseload. Each month, State agencies select an independent 

sample that is generally proportional to the size of the monthly participating caseload. 

Target Universe

The target universe of this study is all participating households (active cases) subject to quality 

control review in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.1

While most participating SNAP households are included in the target universe, certain types of 

households not subject to review are excluded. Specifically, the universe includes all households 

receiving SNAP benefits during the review period except those in which all participants (1) died or 

moved outside the State; (2) received benefits through a disaster certification authorized by FNS; (3) 

were under investigation for SNAP fraud (including those with pending fraud hearings) and/or were 

appealing a notice of adverse action; or (4) received restored benefits in accordance with the State 

manual but were otherwise ineligible. The sampling unit within the universe each month is the active 

SNAP household as specified in FNS regulations.

Data Editing

The estimates in this report are derived from the fiscal year 2011 SNAP QC datafile, an edited 

version of the raw datafile generated by the Quality Control System. The raw fiscal year 2011 data 

are made up of monthly samples from October 2010 through September 2011. 

Households with an incomplete Quality Control review or that were found ineligible for SNAP 

benefits were dropped from the edited datafile. Of the 57,892 sample cases in the raw datafile, 2,545

were determined not subject to review. The Quality Control System did not deselect any cases to 

correct for oversampling (see Table D.1). Of those cases subject to review, 3,388 did not undergo a 

complete review because the household failed to cooperate, could not be located, or all members 

had died or moved. An additional 758 households were found either ineligible for SNAP or eligible 

for SNAP but ineligible for a positive benefit and thus were dropped from the datafile because data 

on their characteristics are not collected. An additional 86 households were dropped from the file 

due to internal inconsistencies that could not be resolved, as discussed below. The final unweighted 

number of households in the final fiscal year 2011 SNAP QC file is 51,115. Table D.2 shows the 

distribution of these unweighted households by State.

 1 Participating households in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been included in the target universe since 

fiscal year 1993. Before that year, the universe excluded households in those areas.
96

Table D.1. Number of Cases Sampled, Dropped from the Edited File, and 

Included in the Edited File, Fiscal Year 2011

Fiscal Year 2011

SNAP QC Sample

Number of cases sampled 57,892

Cases not subject to review 2,545

Cases deselected to correct for oversampling 0

Cases subject to review 55,347

Incomplete cases 3,388

Cases completed 51,959

Households not eligible for a positive 

benefit 47

Households not eligible for SNAP 711

Households eligible for a positive benefit 51,201

Households dropped due to 

inconsistencies 86

Households on the final file 51,115

Source: Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC sample.

Failure to complete reviews for all cases subject to review may bias the sample results if the 

characteristics of households not reviewed differ significantly from those of reviewed households. In 

the absence of direct measures of such differences, the ratio of completed reviews to total cases 

subject to review provides an indication of the magnitude of any potential bias. For fiscal year 2011, 

the completion rate is 94 percent, a slight increase from fiscal year 2010. 

Consistent measures of unit size, income, and benefit level are important to any analysis of 

SNAP households. Inconsistencies may occur in the initial case record information, the transcription 

and data entry process, or the extraction of SNAP information for the selected months. 

To obtain the highest degree of consistency between related variables in the data while 

maintaining the database’s integrity, the reported raw data are edited as described in the Technical 

Documentation for the Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC Database and QC Minimodel. For instance, in most 

cases, a household’s net countable income should equal the household’s gross countable income 

minus the total deductions the household is eligible for, and the SNAP benefit level should equal the 

household’s maximum benefit minus 30 percent of the household’s net countable income. 

Exceptions are households participating in MFIP or SSI-CAP in States with standardized benefit 

amounts. These households are subject to different eligibility and benefit determination rules, and 

their data have been edited accordingly. Additionally, if the value of deductions exceeds gross 

income, net income is equal to zero.

Although most inconsistencies in these basic relationships were resolved in the editing process, 

the measures could not be reconciled for 86 records in the raw datafile. These 86 records were 

therefore dropped from the edited datafile.
Table D.2. Unweighted Distribution of

Participating Households by State

State 

SNAP Households

Number Percent

Total ...................................... 51,115 100.0

Alabama ................................. 1,078 2.1

Alaska .................................... 613 1.2

Arizona ................................... 1,008 2.0

Arkansas ................................. 1,322 2.6

California ............................... 1,005 2.0

Colorado ................................. 940 1.8

Connecticut ............................ 992 1.9

Delaware ................................ 872 1.7

District of Columbia .............. 1,034 2.0

Florida .................................... 1,048 2.1

Georgia ................................... 1,078 2.1

Guam ...................................... 401 0.8

Hawaii .................................... 1,014 2.0

Idaho ...................................... 987 1.9

Illinois .................................... 1,111 2.2

Indiana .................................... 1,000 2.0

Iowa ........................................ 942 1.8

Kansas .................................... 959 1.9

Kentucky ................................ 1,287 2.5

Louisiana ................................ 1,156 2.3

Maine ..................................... 1,156 2.3

Maryland ................................ 1,046 2.0

Massachusetts ........................ 959 1.9

Michigan ................................ 903 1.8

Minnesota ............................... 1,055 2.1

Mississippi ............................. 1,249 2.4

Missouri ................................. 1,090 2.1

Montana ................................. 927 1.8

Nebraska ................................ 861 1.7

Nevada ................................... 1,018 2.0

New Hampshire ..................... 813 1.6

New Jersey ............................. 1,015 2.0

New Mexico ........................... 1,068 2.1

New York ............................... 933 1.8

North Carolina ....................... 1,098 2.1

North Dakota .......................... 516 1.0

Ohio ........................................ 1,328 2.6

Oklahoma ............................... 1,012 2.0

Oregon .................................... 1,026 2.0

Pennsylvania .......................... 906 1.8

Rhode Island .......................... 996 1.9

South Carolina ....................... 1,173 2.3

South Dakota .......................... 741 1.4

Tennessee ............................... 1,027 2.0

Texas ...................................... 1,056 2.1

Utah ........................................ 955 1.9

Vermont ................................. 731 1.4

Virgin Islands ......................... 313 0.6

Virginia .................................. 910 1.8

Washington ............................ 963 1.9

West Virginia ......................... 954 1.9

Wisconsin ............................... 939 1.8

Wyoming ................................ 531 1.0

Source: Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program Quality Control sample.

97
98

Weighting

The estimates for fiscal year 2011 in this report are based on a sample of 51,115 valid 

observations. The sample records have been weighted to match SNAP Program Operations totals 

after adjustment to remove households ineligible for benefits as well as those receiving benefits 

issued through the SNAP disaster assistance program, as these households are not included in the 

SNAP QC datafile.2

The fiscal year 2011 weighting methodology is similar to the weighting methodology used for 

the fiscal year 2005 through fiscal year 2010 SNAP QC datafiles. However, it differs from the 

weighting methodology used in the development of the SNAP QC datafiles prior to fiscal year 2005, 

which matched to Program Operation totals for households only and not to individuals or benefits. 

The fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2004 SNAP QC datafiles are weighted to match the disaster- and 

error-adjusted monthly numbers of SNAP households by State and stratum. SNAP QC datafiles 

before fiscal year 2003 are weighted to match the monthly number of SNAP households by State 

and stratum, unadjusted for ineligible households or the disaster assistance program.

The weighting procedure matches to SNAP Program Operation totals for (1) 

the monthly number of participating households by State and stratum, (2) the monthly number of 

participants by State, and (3) the monthly total benefits issued by State. Table D.3 compares the 

Quality Control System sample-based estimates to aggregate program participation data for fiscal 

year 2011.

Table D.3. Comparison of Program Data to Edited SNAP QC Datafile, Fiscal Year 2011

Average Monthly Value

Fiscal Year 2011

Program Data

Adjustments for 

Disaster Assistance

Adjustments for 

Ineligible 

Households

Edited SNAP QC 

Datafile

Number of households 21,072,113 31,156 237,812 20,803,145

Number of participants 44,708,726 75,179 485,158 44,148,389

Value of benefits $5,984,450,212 $20,777,434 $125,479,487 $5,838,193,291

Average household size 2.12 2.41 2.04 2.12

Average benefit per person $133.85 _a $258.64 $132.24

Sources: Fiscal Year 2011 Program Data and SNAP QC datafile.

a We adjust households and individuals for new disaster SNAP households only, and adjust benefits for disaster SNAP 

benefits issued to new households as well as supplemental benefits issued to qualifying ongoing SNAP households. As 

a result, the average disaster SNAP benefit per person cannot be calculated from the information in this table.

 2 The adjusted total number of households and benefits is lower than Program Data figures by about 1 and 2 

percent, respectively.
99

Comparison to Reported Data

Table D.4 compares the reported and calculated values of selected variables for fiscal year 2011.

Reported values and averages reflect those in the SNAP QC datafile before any editing has taken 

place. Calculated values and averages are based on the edited datafile used for this report. 

Table D.4. Comparison of Calculated and Reported Values for Selected Variables of Participating 

Households, Fiscal Year 2011

Variable

Households with:

All Households

Earned 

Income

Elderly

Individuals Children

Disabled 

Nonelderly 

Adults

Average Gross Income (Dollars)

Calculated..........................................

Reported............................................

744

744

1,198

1,198

833

833

948

948

969

969

Average Net Income (Dollars)a

Calculated..........................................

Reported............................................

338

337

555

553

385

382

462

460

482

481

Average Total Deduction (Dollars)b

Calculated..........................................

Reported............................................

508

510

691

697

519

512

571

575

528

536

Average SNAP Benefit (Dollars)

Calculated..........................................

Reportedc ...........................................

281

279

330

330

144

141

413

412

220

220

Percent with Zero Gross Income

Calculated..........................................

Reported............................................

20.0

20.1

0.0

0.1

6.5

6.5

12.4

12.5

0.0

0.0

Percent with Zero Net Income

Calculated..........................................

Reported............................................

39.4

40.7

22.3

22.4

21.1

23.8

32.7

33.1

14.3

17.1

Percent with Minimum Benefit

Calculated..........................................

Reported............................................

4.2

4.1

2.9

2.8

12.2

11.6

0.8

0.7

6.9

6.7

Source: Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC data file.

a Because net income is not used in their benefit determination, 33,612 households participating in MFIP and 479,294

households participating in an SSI-CAP program in States that use standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from 

this comparison.

b Because deductions are not used in their benefit determination, 479,294 SSI-CAP households in States that use 

standardized SSI-CAP benefits are excluded from this comparison.

c Reported benefit adjusted for reported overissuance errors, underissuance errors, and prorated benefits. 
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APPENDIX E

SAMPLING ERROR OF ESTIMATES
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103

SAMPLING ERROR OF ESTIMATES

The estimates of the characteristics of SNAP households in this report are based on a sample of 

households and, consequently, are subject to statistical sampling error. One indicator of the 

magnitude of the sampling error associated with a given estimate is its standard error. Standard 

errors measure the variation in estimated values that would be observed if multiple replications of 

the sample were drawn. The magnitude of the standard errors depends on: (1) the degree of 

variation in the variable within the population from which the sample is drawn; (2) the design of the 

sample, including such issues as stratification and sampling probabilities; and (3) the size of the 

sample on which the estimate is based. This appendix presents estimates of the standard errors 

associated with key statistics and outlines methods for estimating the standard errors of other 

statistics for which standard errors have not been directly calculated. 

Standard Errors

The standard error of an estimated proportion of households, sp, based on a simple random 

sample is:

where p is the weighted estimate of the proportion, N is the number of households in the 

population, and n is the sample size.1

p N (2) N s s =

The standard error of an estimated number of households, sN, 

based on a simple random sample is:

These formulas for the standard errors of estimates based on a simple random sample do not 

necessarily apply to estimates derived from more complex samples, such as the stratified design of 

the SNAP QC sample. In this appendix, standard errors calculated using equations (1) and (2) are 

referred to as “naive standard errors.” Standard errors can be estimated more accurately using a 

bootstrap method.

The bootstrap method requires the computation of 500 sets of replicate household weights. 

Each set is calculated using a nonlinear programming method based on a random sample of the 

 1 More precisely, n is the sample size corresponding to the population that forms the denominator or “base” of the 

proportion being estimated. When the base is all SNAP households in fiscal year 2011, n = 51,115. Sample sizes for 

selected demographic subgroups for fiscal year 2011 are shown in the sample size column of Table E-1. For subgroups 

not shown in Table E-1, the sample size can be approximated by multiplying the total sample size (51,115) by the ratio 

of the subgroup population size to the total population size (N). For fiscal year 2011, N = 20,803,000 and there are 

3,426,000 elderly households. Thus the approximate sample size for elderly households in fiscal year 2011 would be 

calculated as (3,426,000 / 20,803,000) x (51,115) = 8,418. In this case the approximation can be compared to the true 

elderly sample size of 8,138, as shown in Table E-1.

[ (1 )( )] /[( 1) ] p (1) = p p N n n N s −− −
104

SNAP QC data file. These replicate weights are then used to calculate standard errors. The following 

discussion presents standard errors of selected estimates that were computed using the bootstrap 

method. It then presents a simple method for approximating standard errors of estimates for which 

individual standard errors have not been computed.

Standard Errors of Estimated Numbers of Households

The standard errors of selected estimates of SNAP households in fiscal year 2011 are shown in 

Table E.1. These standard errors can be used to compute confidence intervals for the estimated 

number of households with a particular characteristic.2 For example, the estimated number of SNAP 

households that receive the minimum benefit is 881,000 (Table A.1), and the corresponding 

standard error is 25,730 (Table E.1). Therefore, the 95 percent confidence interval extends from 

829,540 to 932,460.

3

For standard errors not shown in Table E.1, the approximate standard error, SE, of an estimated 

number of households for Fiscal Year 2011 can be calculated using equation (3):

(3) SE = SN x d

where SN is the naive standard error from equation (2) above, and d is the square root of the design 

effect for the population subgroup and characteristic of interest, from Table E.2. The design effect 

reflects the loss of precision due to the different sampling rates in different strata of the SNAP QC 

sample. It is the ratio of the variance computed by the bootstrap method (Table E.1) to the naive 

variance.4

For example, to estimate the standard error of the number of households containing an elderly 

person with zero net income, the first step is to obtain the size of the estimate. As shown in 

appendix Table A.17, 724,000 elderly households have zero net income. The next step is to 

When the population subgroup (for example, households with elderly) is listed in Table 

E.2, but the characteristic of interest is not, use the average square root of the design effect for the 

subgroup, from the rightmost column of Table E.2. When neither the subgroup nor the 

characteristic is listed, use the average square root of the design effect for all SNAP households, 

1.91.

 2 A confidence interval is a range of values that will contain the true value of an estimated characteristic with a 

known probability. For instance, a 95 percent confidence interval extends approximately 2 standard errors above and 

below the estimated value for a characteristic, and 95 percent of all confidence intervals will contain the true value.

3 Calculated as: (881,000 - (2 x 25,730)) = 829,540 and (881,000 + (2 x 25,730)) = 932,460.

4 The variance and naive variance are the standard error and naive standard error squared, respectively.
105

calculate the naive standard error. Using equations (1) and (2), the value is 15,486.

5

Standard Errors of Estimated Percentages

Multiplying 

15,486 by the square root of the design effect (d), 1.74, from Table E.2 yields an estimated standard 

error of 26,946.

Comparing equations (1) and (2), it is apparent that the standard error of an estimated 

percentage of households, Sp, is equal to the standard error of the corresponding count of 

households, SN, divided by the number of households in the population that forms the base of the 

percentage. That is:

(4) Sp = SN / N

For example, appendix Table A.17 shows that, of the 9,794,000 households with children, 

1,216,000 (12.4 percent) have no gross income. The standard error (SN) of the number of 

households with children with no gross income is 29,600 (Table E.1). To calculate Sp, the standard 

error of the corresponding percentage estimate, simply divide SN by the number of households in 

the population that forms the base of the percentage—in this case, 9,794,000 households with 

children. The resulting standard error of the percentage estimate is 0.3 percentage points, and the 

corresponding 95 percent confidence interval extends from 11.8 to 13.0 percent around the point 

estimate of 12.4 percent.

Equation (4) can also be applied to standard errors that are not shown in Table E.1. First, 

calculate the adjusted naive standard error of the number of households using equation (3). Then 

divide the resulting standard error by the size of the population that forms the base of the 

percentage. Returning to an earlier example—of the 3,426,000 households with elderly individuals, 

724,000 (21.1 percent) have zero net income. Dividing the adjusted naive standard error (calculated 

above as 26,946) by 3,426,000 yields an adjusted naive standard error of the percentage estimate of 

0.8 percentage points.

Standard Errors of Estimated Means

The standard errors for selected estimated means for Fiscal Year 2011 are provided in Table 

E.3. For example, the standard error of the mean gross income for all SNAP households in Fiscal 

Year 2011 is $2.71 (Table E.3), and the mean itself is $744 (Table A.20). Therefore, a 95 percent 

confidence interval extends from approximately $739 to $749.

 5 Equation (1):

�[(724,000/3,426,000)×(1-(724,000/3,426,000) )×(3,426,000-8,138) ]/[(8,138-1)×3,426,000] = 0.004520

Equation (2): 3,426,000 × 0.004520 = 15,486

where 3,426,000 is the estimated population of elderly households, 724,000 is the estimated population of elderly 

households with zero net income, 8,138 is the sample size of elderly households (Table E-1), and 15,486 is the standard 

error.
106

Generalized approximation methods such as the one used in equation (3) work well for 

standard errors of estimated numbers and percentages, because the standard errors depend only on 

the sample size, the estimated proportion, and the design effects. Generalized methods are less 

appropriate for standard errors of means because the standard error depends on the variance as well 

as the sample size and design effects. Nevertheless, a rough approximation of the magnitude of 

standard errors of means not included in Table E.3 can be obtained from Table E.4. Table E.4 

shows for each variable in Table E.3 the average, minimum, and maximum value of that variable’s 

standard error as a percentage of the variable’s mean value. These three values are shown for all 

SNAP households and for selected subgroups. The standard errors in Table E.4 include design 

effects.
107

Table E.1. Standard Errors of Estimated Numbers of SNAP Households, Fiscal Year 2011a

Households (000) With:

Sample 

Size

Estimated 

Population 

(000)

Zero 

Gross 

Income

Zero 

Net 

Income

Minimum 

Benefits

Earned 

Income

Elderly 

Individuals Children

School Age 

Children

Disabled 

Nonelderly 

Individuals

All SNAP Households ....... 58.34 87.83 25.73 66.20 48.25 74.41 58.74 49.68 51,115 20,803

With Elderly 

Individuals................ 15.36 27.05 17.32 13.68 48.25 12.54 11.76 10.90 8,138 3,426

Without Elderly 

Individuals ............... 56.06 82.55 18.99 65.82 NA 73.34 57.60 49.63 42,977 17,378

With Children............ 29.60 46.22 7.26 63.01 12.54 74.41 58.74 32.66 23,566 9,794

With School Age 

Children ................... 23.98 39.58 6.59 50.25 11.76 58.74 58.74 30.54 17,502 7,304

Without Children ...... 52.10 72.76 23.95 33.82 46.87 NA NA 42.92 27,549 11,009

With Earnings ........... NA 36.40 12.54 66.20 13.68 63.01 50.25 18.03 15,596 6,351

With Disabled 

Nonelderly 

Individuals................ 0.35 22.16 14.28 18.03 10.90 32.66 30.54 49.68 10,998 4,199

Source: Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC sample.

a Standard errors were estimated using the bootstrap method.

NA = not applicable.
108

Table E.2. Square Root of Design Effects (d) for Standard Errors of Estimated Numbers or Percentages of SNAP Households, Fiscal Year 

2011a

Base of Estimated Number

Households With:

Average 

Square Root of 

Design Effect

Zero Gross 

Income

Zero Net 

Income

Minimum 

Benefits

Earned 

Income

Elderly 

Individuals Children

School Age 

Children

Disabled 

Nonelderly 

Individuals

All SNAP Households......... 1.59 1.95 1.39 1.56 1.41 1.62 1.34 1.35 1.53

With Elderly Individuals 1.64 1.74 1.39 1.54 NA 1.56 1.53 1.55 1.56

Without Elderly 

Individuals .................. 1.60 1.99 1.41 1.64 NA 1.76 1.40 1.40 1.60

With Children .............. 1.41 1.54 1.31 1.98 1.54 NA 2.11 1.46 1.62

With School Age 

Children...................... 1.42 1.58 1.33 1.82 1.51 NA NA 1.48 1.52

Without Children......... 1.78 2.20 1.39 1.47 1.55 NA NA 1.49 1.65

With Earnings.............. NA 1.72 1.47 NA 1.54 2.89 1.99 1.37 1.83

With Disabled 

Nonelderly Individuals. 0.98 1.58 1.41 1.45 1.63 1.73 1.67 NA 1.49

Source: Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC sample.

a The design effect is the ratio of the variance computed by the bootstrap method to the naive variance for the specific cell of the table. The average square root of 

design effect for each row is a simple arithmetic average of the values for each cell in the row.

NA = not applicable.
109

Table E.3. Standard Errors of Estimated Means, Fiscal Year 2011a

Gross 

Income

Net 

Income Benefits

All 

Deductions

Total 

Resources

Household 

Size

Certification 

Period Earningsb TANFb SSIb

Shelter 

Deductionb

All SNAP Households...... 2.71 1.08 0.23 1.92 0.76 0.00 0.05 6.96 4.87 4.17 1.57

With Elderly Individuals 7.12 6.36 1.73 6.09 2.84 0.01 0.21 35.94 38.82 7.43 5.93

Without Elderly 

Individuals ................. 3.27 1.46 0.57 1.97 0.70 0.00 0.05 7.13 4.82 5.12 1.46

With Children............. 4.80 3.47 2.00 2.80 1.03 0.02 0.03 9.01 4.95 9.58 1.95

With School Age 

Children..................... 6.52 5.04 2.49 3.31 1.31 0.02 0.04 11.70 6.37 10.25 2.26

Without Children........ 4.38 2.95 0.69 2.62 1.15 0.00 0.10 11.15 19.70 4.64 2.52

With Earnings............. 6.74 5.78 1.88 3.21 1.56 0.02 0.03 6.96 11.82 12.73 2.18

With Disabled 

Nonelderly Individuals 5.77 5.85 2.30 4.53 1.34 0.02 0.16 27.79 11.30 5.09 4.00

Source: Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC sample.

a Standard errors were estimated using the bootstrap method.

b For households with a nonzero amount.
110

Table E.4. Range of Standard Errors of Mean Amounts Expressed as a Percentage of the Mean 

Amount, Fiscal Year 2011a

Number of Households in Base of Mean

(000)

Standard Error as

Percent of Mean Amount

Averageb Lowestc Highestd

20,803 (All SNAP Households).......................................................... 0.8 0.0 3.9

3,426 (Households With Elderly Individuals) ................................... 3.2 0.8 11.5

9,794 (Households With Children)................................................ 1.1 0.3 4.8

6,351 (Households With Earnings) ............................................... 1.5 0.4 5.7

4,199 (Households With Disabled Nonelderly Individuals)............. 2.0 0.6 7.9

Source: Fiscal Year 2011 SNAP QC sample.

a Standard errors from Table E.3 and mean amounts from applicable text tables.

b Average standard error across all 11 variables in Table E.3 expressed as a percentage of the mean 

amount.

c Lowest of the standard errors across all 11 variables in Table E.3 expressed as a percentage of the mean 

amount.

d Highest of the standard errors across all 11 variables in Table E.3 expressed as a percentage of the mean 

amount.
APPENDIX F

DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT
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4. Local Agency

9.SNAP Allotment Under Review

PRIVACY ACT/PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0584-0299. The to complete this collection is estimated to average 1.05 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data rgather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. This report is required under provisions of 7 CFR 275.14. This needed for the review of State performance in determining recipient eligibility. The information is used to determine State compliance, anreport may result in a finding of non-compliance.

Section 2 - Detailed Error Findings

12. Element

3. State 

13. Nature

2. Case Number

14. Cause 15. Error Finding

1. QC Review Number

16. Error Amount 17. Discovery 18. Verified 19. Occurre

a. Date

Section 1 - Review Summary

8. Findings 

7. Disposition

5. Sample Month 

10. Error Amount

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Food and Nutrition Service

QUALITY CONTROL REVIEW SCHEDULE

FNS-380-1 (12/08) Previous editions Obsolete.

13425678

Electronic Form Version Designed in Adobe 8.1 Version

SBU
Section 3 - Household Characteristics

20. Most Recent Cert. Action  Month, Day, Year

21. Type of Action 22. Length of Cert. Period 

 #of months

23. Allotment Adjustment 24. A

Allot

 25. Number of Household Members

 26. Receipt of Expedited Service

27. Authorized Representative  Used at Application

28. Categorical Eligibility 29. Repor

Resources:

30. Liquid 31. Property 

(excluding home)

32a. Vehicle 32b. Status 

2nd Vehicle

33. Countable Vehicle Assests

Income:

35. Gross 36. Net

Deductions:

37. Earned Income 38. Medical 39. Dependent Care 40. Child Support 41. Shelte

 Additional Information on  Shelter Costs:

43. Rent/Mortgage 44. Use of SUA 

a. Usage b. Proration

45. Utilities (SUA or Actual)

FNS-380-1 (12/08) Previous editions Obsolete.
Section 4 - Information on Each Household Member

46. Person Number

47. SNAP Participation

48. Relation  to Head  of HH

49. Age 50. Sex 51. Race 52. Citizen 

Status

53. Edu. Level

54. Employment Status Hours

55. SNAP Work Reg.

56. SE & T

You may record information on up to 16 individuals using additional pages.

FNS-380-1 (12/08) Previous editions Obsolete.
FNS-380-1 (12/08) Previous editions Obsolete. 

Section 5 - Income Identified by Household Member

61. Amount Source 2 

62. Income Type

63. Amount Source 3 

64. Income Type

65. Amount So

66

Section 7 - Optional For State Use

1.2.3.4.

59. Person NumberYou may record income on up to 10 individuals by using additional pages.

Source 1 60. Income Type

Section 6 - Reserved Coding

68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76.
APPENDIX G

PREVIOUS REPORTS IN THIS SERIES
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119

Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households, Fiscal Year 2010. U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Research and Analysis, 2011.

Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households, Fiscal Year 2009. U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Research and Analysis, 2010.

Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households, Fiscal Year 2008. U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Research and Analysis, 2009.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2007. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Research and Analysis, 2008.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2006. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2007.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2005. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2006.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2004. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2005.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2003. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2004.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2002. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2003.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2001. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2003.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 2000. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2001.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 1999. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2000.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 1998. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, 2000.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 1997. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1999.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 1996. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1998.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Fiscal Year 1995. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Consumer Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1997.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1994. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Consumer Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1996.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1993. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1995.
120

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1992. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1994.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1991. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1993.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1990. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1992.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1989. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1991.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1988. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1990.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Winter 1988. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1990.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1987. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1990.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1986. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1988.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, Summer 1985. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1987.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, August 1984. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, February 1983. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, August 1982. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, August 1981. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis and Evaluation, 1984.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, August 1980. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, 1981.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, November 1979. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, 1981.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, February 1978. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, 1980.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, September 1976. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, 1977.

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households, September 1975. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and 

Nutrition Service, 1976.
INDEX
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123

INDEX

Page(s)

Able-bodied adults ................................................. (see Nonelderly nondisabled childless adults) 

Age ................................... 21, 23, 35, 36, 39, 44, 45, 53, 55, 59, 60, 64, 77, 79, 105, 106, 107

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) ............................................ 8, 22, 27, 

Assets, Countable ................................................................................................. (see Resources) 

Asset limit..................................................................................................... (see Resource limit) 

Asylees..................................................................................................................... 7, 27, 28, 30

Benefits ...................................................... 8-10, 15, 19, 23, 29, 30, 35, 36, 39-41, 44, 45, 47, 

 48, 50, 51, 53-56, 59, 63, 67, 68, 89, 90, 94, 97

Maximum .....................................................8-10, 29, 35, 36, 44, 45, 47, 48, 53, 55, 89, 94

Minimum ................................... 9, 30, 35, 36, 44, 45, 48, 53, 55, 62, 90, 97, 102, 105, 106

Prorated.............................................................................................................. 9, 21, 23, 59

Categorically Eligible Households .......................................................................... 3, 4, 6, 27, 81

Certification period (see also Expedited service, Recertification) ........................ 8, 27, 36, 48, 51, 

54, 56, 68, 107 

Child support payment deduction ................................................................ 5, 28, 33, 46, 53-56

Child support income................................................................................................... 16, 40, 41

Children ...............................................................................3, 16, 23, 28, 59, 60, 64, 77, 78, 79

Households containing................................................ 14, 16-20, 29, 30, 35-37, 39, 40, 42-48, 

 50-55, 57, 58, 62, 71, 97, 103, 105-108

Citizenship (see also Noncitizen) ....................................7, 21, 23, 30, 35, 36, 58, 59, 62, 78, 79

Contributions ............................................................................................................... 31, 40, 41

Countable resources..............................................................................................(see Resources) 

Deductions ...............................5, 13, 24, 28, 29, 31, 36, 41, 44-47, 53-56, 63, 68, 94, 97, 107

Child support payment deduction .......................................................... 5, 28, 33, 46, 53-56

Dependent care deduction................................................................ 5, 28, 44-46, 53-56, 88

Earned income deduction ................................................................. 5, 28, 44-46, 53-56, 74

Excess shelter expense deduction ........................................ 5, 28, 31, 44, 45, 47, 53-56, 88

Medical deduction ............................................................................ 5, 29, 44-46, 53-56, 62

Standard deduction ........................................................................................ 5, 9, 10, 31, 88

Deemed income ..................................................................................................... 28, 31, 40, 41

Dependent care deduction ..................................................................... 5, 28, 44-46, 53-56, 88

Deportees................................................................................................................. 7, 27, 28, 30
124

Disabled nonelderly individuals.................................. 13, 14, 18-21, 29, 35-37, 39, 40, 42-48, 

50-55, 57, 58, 62, 71, 97, 105-108

Earned income..................................16, 18, 21, 28, 35, 36, 40-48, 52-58, 72-74, 97, 105, 106

Earned income deduction....................................................................... 5, 28, 44-46, 53-56, 74

Educational loans ......................................................................................................... 31, 40, 41

Elderly Individuals ............................................................... 3, 4, 7-9, 16-21, 23, 28, 59, 77, 79

Households containing ............................. 4-6, 13-14, 16-21, 27-30, 35-37, 39, 40, 42-48, 

50-55, 57, 58, 62, 71, 97 103, 105-108 

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)................................................................................... 10, 27, 28

Energy assistance ......................................................................................................... 31, 40, 41

Entrant households ...................................................................................................... 28, 49, 75

Excess shelter expense deduction.............................................. 5, 28, 31, 44, 45, 47, 53-56, 88

Expedited service households .................................................................................. 8, 28, 49, 75

Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) ........................................ , 6, 9, 29, 

Gender ........................................................................................... 18, 19, 21, 22, 50-52, 59, 64

General assistance (GA).......................... 3, 20, 27, 30, 31, 35, 36, 40-42, 44, 45, 52-56, 72, 73

Gross income ............................................ 3-5, 8-10, 13-16, 19-21, 24, 29, 35-39, 41, 44, 45,

51-56, 62, 63, 68, 69, 85, 86, 94, 97, 103, 105-107

Gross income screen ...................................................................................................3-5, 29, 86

Homeless household shelter estimate ............................................................................ 5, 28, 29

Household composition....................................13, 18, 19, 23, 35, 36, 39, 44, 45, 50-53, 55, 71

Married head with children households ................................................ 16, 18-19, 29, 50-52

Single adult with children households ............................................ 16, 18-19, 31, 50-52, 71 

Household head ........................................................................................................... 57, 61, 76

Household size.......... 13, 16, 19, 20, 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 51, 53-56, 60, 63, 68, 85-90, 96, 107

Households, participating ....................13, 20, 35-58, 62, 67, 69-72, 74, 76, 80, 81, 93, 95-97

Income, monthly countable ........................ 15, 16, 19, 28-30, 35-48, 51-58, 68, 69, 72, 73, 94

Earned ........................................16, 18, 21, 28, 35, 36, 40-48, 52-58, 72-74, 97, 105, 106

 Gross ....................................... 3-5, 8-10, 13-16, 19-21, 24, 29, 35-39, 41, 44, 45, 51-56, 

 62, 63, 68, 69, 85, 86, 94, 97, 103, 105-107

Net .................... 4, 5, 8, 9, 19, 21, 24, 30, 35-39, 41, 44, 45, 51, 53, 54, 5, 56, 62, 63, 68, 

 87, 94, 107, 102, 103, 105-107

Unearned........................................................................................ 31, 35, 36, 40-45, 53-56

Child support ......................................................................................................... 16, 40, 41

General assistance (GA) ....................3, 20, 27, 30, 31, 35, 36, 40-42, 44, 45, 52-56, 72, 73

Social Security ................................18, 20, 21, 27, 31, 35, 36, 40, 41, 43-45, 52-56, 72, 73
125

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)....................................3, 8, 9, 16, 18, 20, 21, 27, 31, 35, 

36, 40, 41, 43-45, 52-56, 72, 73

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) ................... 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 16, 18, 21, 27, 35, 

36, 40-42, 44, 45, 48, 52-58, 61, 62, 72, 73

Initial certification households ................................................................................... 29, 49, 107

Lawful permanent resident noncitizens ................................................................................ 6, 30

Married head with children households...................................................... 16, 18, 19, 29, 50-52

Maximum benefit ............................................... 8-10, 29, 35, 36, 44, 45, 47, 48, 53, 55, 89, 94

Medical deduction .................................................................................. 5, 29, 44-46, 53-56, 62

Medical deduction demonstrations....................................................................................... 5, 29

Metropolitan households.............................................................................................. 29, 35, 36

Micropolitan households .............................................................................................. 29, 35, 36

Minimum benefit............................. 9, 30, 35, 36, 44, 45, 48, 53, 55, 62, 90, 97, 102, 105, 106

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)................9, 10, 13, 19, 27, 30, 35-39, 41, 44, 45, 

47, 51, 53-56, 62, 63, 68, 80, 88, 94, 97

Net income......................................4, 5, 8, 9, 19, 21, 24, 30, 35-39, 41, 44, 45, 51, 53, 54, 55, 

56, 62, 63, 68, 87, 94, 97, 102, 103, 105-107

Net income screen............................................................................................ 3, 5, 6, 15, 30, 87

Noncitizens .......................................................................................................... 6, 7, 21, 59, 78

Households containing ................................................................... 21, 35, 36, 58, 59, 62, 78

Asylees ............................................................................................................... 7, 27, 28, 30

Deportees........................................................................................................... 7, 27, 28, 30

Lawful permanent resident noncitizens ................................................................ 6, 7, 30, 58

Nonimmigrant visitors to the United States .................................................................... 6, 30

Refugees .................................................................................... 7, 21, 27, 28, 30, 58, 59, 78

Nonelderly adults ................................................................................ 21, 29, 30, 59, 61, 77, 79

Households containing ........................................................................................................21

Nonelderly nondisabled childless adults............................................................... 6, 7, 20, 23, 59

Households containing .....................................................6, 7, 20, 35, 36, 50, 51, 52, 71, 77

Nonimmigrant visitors to the United States .......................................................................... 6, 30

Nonparticipating household head households.............................................................. 30, 57, 61

Participants ........................................1, 7-11, 13, 21, 23, 35, 50, 59-61, 64, 67, 77-79, 93, 96

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) ..................... 27, 30

Poverty, individuals in ........................................................................................ 4, 11, 12, 13-15

Poverty guidelines ..........................3, 4, 6, 10, 13-15, 29, 30, 35, 37-39, 54, 56, 63, 69, 85-87

Preschool-age children .......................................................................................... 23, 30, 59, 77

Households containing ................................................................... 35, 36, 39, 44, 45, 53-55

Prorated benefit ....................................................................................................... 9, 21, 23, 59

Race/Hispanic status.................................................................................................... 57, 59, 76
126

Recertification ...................................................................................................................... 8, 49

Refugees .......................................................................................... 7, 21, 27, 28, 30, 58, 59, 78

Resources, Countable (Countable resources).............................................. 3, 6, 8, 28, 37-39, 53

Vehicles ........................................................................................................................ 6, , 28

Resource limit .................................................................................................................. 3, 6, 30

Rural ............................................................................................................................ 30, 35, 36

School-age children ......................................................................................... 21, 23, 31, 59, 77

Households containing ................................................................... 35, 36, 39, 44, 45, 53-55

Self-employment income ................................................................................................... 40, 41

Sex ............................................................................................................................ (see Gender) 

Shelter deduction .............................................................. (see Excess shelter expense deduction) 

Single adult with children households .................................................. 16, 18, 19, 31, 50-52, 71

Single-person households.............................................................................9, 17-21, 31, 50-52

Social Security ............................................18, 20, 21, 31, 35, 36, 40, 41, 43-45, 52-56, 72, 73

Social Security Administration (SSA) ............................................................................... 9, 27, 31

Standard Error .................................................................................................................101-108

Standard deduction .............................................................................................. 5, 9, 10, 31, 88

Standard Utility Allowance (SUA)............................................................................... 9, 27, 31, 80

State diversion payments .................................................................................................. 40, 41

States ......................................................................................... 4-10, 67-82, 85-99, 93, 95, 96

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ...........................................3, 4, 8, 9, 16, 20, 21, 27, 31, 35,

36, 40, 41, 43-45, 52-56, 72, 73

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) ........3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 16, 18, 21, 27, 30, 31 35, 36, 

40-42, 44, 45, 48, 52-58, 61, 62, 72, 73

Time limits ............................................................................. 6-7, 31, 35, 36, 50-52, 59, 71, 77

Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) ........................................................................... 8, 22, 27, 29, 31, 60, 89

Unearned income ................................................................................. 31, 35, 36, 40-45, 53-56

Unemployment compensation ...................................................................................... 31, 40, 41

Vehicles................................................................................................................................ 6, 28

Veterans’ benefits .................................................................................... 3, 7, 20, 29, 31, 40, 41

Wage supplementation ................................................................................................. 31, 40, 41

Wages..................................................................................................................... 28, 31, 40, 41

Work registration........................................................................................................ 6, 7, 31, 61

Work Requirements and a Time Limit............................................................................... 6, 7, 31

Workers’ compensation.................................................................................... 20, 29, 31, 40, 41