United States Government Accountability Office

GAO Report to the Committee on 

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, 

U.S. Senate 

FOOD STAMP 

PROGRAM 

FNS Could Improve 

Guidance and 

Monitoring to Help 

Ensure Appropriate 

Use of Noncash 

Categorical Eligibility 

March 2007 

 

GAO-07-465 
Contents 

Letter 1

Appendix I Briefing Slides 7 

Appendix II Objectives, Scope, and Methodology 44 

Appendix III State Vehicle Rule Choices and Descriptions 47 

Appendix IV Other Nutrition Programs 51 

Appendix V Nature of TANF Noncash Services Used to Confer 

Categorical Eligibility for Food Stamps 56 

Appendix VI Eligibility Criteria of TANF Noncash Services 

Used to Confer Categorical Eligibility 60 

Appendix VII State-by-State Comparison of TANF Noncash 

and TANF Cash Categorically Eligible Households 70 

Appendix VIII State-by-State Household Characteristics of 

TANF Noncash Categorically Eligible Food 

Stamp Households 76 

Appendix IX GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments 119 

Page i GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
Related GAO Products 120 

Abbreviations 

CACFP Child and Adult Care Food Program 

CSFP Commodity Supplemental Food Program 

FNS Food and Nutrition Service 

FSP Food Stamp Program 

HHS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

MOE maintenance of effort 

NSLP National School Lunch Program 

SBP School Breakfast Program 

SFMNP Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 

SMP Special Milk Program 

TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 

TEFAP The Emergency Food Assistance Program 

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture 

WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, 

 and Children 

This is a work of the U.S. government and is not subject to copyright protection in the 

United States. It may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without further 

permission from GAO. However, because this work may contain copyrighted images or 

other material, permission from the copyright holder may be necessary if you wish to 

reproduce this material separately. 

Page ii GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
United States Government Accountability Office

Washington, DC 20548 

 

March 28, 2007 

The Honorable Tom Harkin 

Chairman 

The Honorable Saxby Chambliss 

Ranking Republican Member 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 

 and Forestry 

United States Senate 

In fiscal year 2005, the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Stamp 

Program served over 25 million individuals per month, on average, 

providing over $28 billion in benefits for the year. To reduce the 

administrative burden on state agencies, current food stamp regulations 

allow households that receive or are authorized to receive Temporary 

Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) noncash services to obtain 

automatic eligibility for food stamps, known as categorical eligibility.1

TANF noncash services include any TANF noncash or in-kind benefits, 

such as child care and transportation aid.2

 Under categorical eligibility, 

households must apply to determine if they will receive any food stamp 

benefits. The application process for categorically eligible food stamps is 

the same as for regular food stamps, except that caseworkers apply the 

different income and asset limits for the TANF noncash services, or those 

imposed by the state.3

Under current food stamp regulations, states must confer categorical 

eligibility for individuals receiving, or authorized to receive, TANF 

noncash services that are funded with more than 50 percent federal or 

state maintenance of effort (MOE) funds and serve certain TANF 

purposes. In addition, states have the option to confer categorical 

eligibility using TANF noncash services funded with less than 50 percent 

 1

Categorical eligibility for food stamps is also available through receipt of TANF cash 

assistance, Social Security Income, and general assistance. 

2

These services may also include short-term, nonrecurring cash payments, but not TANF

cash assistance. 

3

For example, caseworkers in Massachusetts apply a gross income limit of 200 percent of

the federal poverty level to determine if households are eligible for the state’s TANF 

noncash service that confers categorical eligibility for food stamps. In addition, Texas has a

$5,000 asset limit for all TANF noncash categorically eligible households. 

Page 1 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
federal or state funds. States are required to determine that individuals are 

eligible for a TANF noncash service and notify them of this determination 

before conferring categorical eligibility, but individuals are not required to

receive these services. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which 

administers the Food Stamp Program, is not required to track how states 

are implementing categorical eligibility, but it does sporadically collect 

information from the states on the nature and funding of the services used 

to confer categorical eligibility. 

The Administration has proposed eliminating TANF noncash categorical 

eligibility for food stamps, and the Congressional Budget Office has 

estimated that about 280,000 participants would no longer be eligible for 

food stamps in fiscal year 2008 if the proposal is implemented. Also, 

because food stamp eligibility confers automatic eligibility for other 

nutrition programs, such as the National School Lunch Program, there is 

some question as to how the elimination of TANF noncash categorical 

eligibility would affect the recipients of other nutrition programs. In this 

context, you asked us to review the implementation of TANF noncash 

categorical eligibility and examine the potential effect of its proposed 

elimination. Specifically, you asked us to answer the following questions: 

(1) How have states implemented categorical eligibility for TANF noncash 

recipients? (2) How do the income and asset levels of TANF noncash food

stamp recipients compare to those of TANF cash food stamp recipients? 

(3) What is the potential effect of eliminating TANF noncash categorical 

eligibility on Food Stamp Program participation, administration, and state 

administrative costs? 

To answer these questions, we surveyed food stamp administrators in the 

50 states and the District of Columbia to collect information on TANF 

noncash categorical eligibility implementation. We also obtained 

household characteristic data on noncash households from 21 out of the 

29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility. To augment the 

survey results, we conducted site visits in Maryland, Massachusetts, and 

South Carolina to interview state and local officials responsible for 

administering the food stamp and other nutrition programs. We selected 

states that were geographically dispersed across FNS regions and 

provided variety across (1) population coverage of TANF noncash 

services, (2) number of noncash services, and (3) total food stamp 

population. We reviewed FNS data and interviewed officials from FNS and 

representatives of nutrition groups. We conducted our work from June 

2006 to March 2007 in accordance with generally accepted government 

auditing standards. 

Page 2 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
On March 15, 2007, we briefed you on the results of our analysis. This 

report formally conveys the information provided in that briefing (see app. 

I). In summary, we reported the following findings: 

• The 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility use a 

variety of noncash services to qualify participants for food stamp 

benefits under categorical eligibility, such as services that provide 

employment support, family support, and self-sufficiency support. 

Some states use brochures or information referral services that 

could allow for a large segment of the state’s food stamp population 

to be categorically eligible, while some states use services designed 

to serve more narrowly defined populations.4

 Six states may not be 

following program regulations, however, which require them to use 

certain federally or state-funded noncash services to confer 

categorical eligibility. Additionally, some states reported that they 

do not specifically determine if an individual needs a certain TANF 

noncash service before conferring food stamp eligibility. 

• TANF noncash categorically eligible food stamp households appear 

to have slightly higher incomes as compared to those of TANF cash 

categorically eligible households.5

 We do not have asset data for the 

TANF cash categorically eligible households, so we cannot 

compare the assets of TANF cash and TANF noncash households. 

• Our analysis showed that a vast majority of TANF noncash 

households may remain eligible for food stamps without TANF 

noncash categorical eligibility because their income and/or asset 

levels are within the regular food stamp limits. Other households 

may lose eligibility for food stamps because their income and/or 

asset levels are too high. However, the degree to which 

participation may decrease varies across the states. In addition, our 

analysis showed that few noncash households may lose eligibility 

for other nutrition programs because their incomes are sufficiently 

low to qualify them for these programs. Similarly, many of the 

 4

Some states use both types of services. For example, Oregon provides information and 

referral services as well as several services targeted to more narrowly defined populations, 

such as a housing stabilization program targeted to homeless families or those at risk for 

homelessness.

5

FNS data on TANF cash categorically eligible households are from fiscal year 2005; state 

data on TANF noncash categorically eligible households are from September 2006 for the 

21 states that confer noncash categorical eligibility for which we have data on household 

characteristics. 

Page 3 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
states’ food stamp officials believed eliminating noncash 

categorical eligibility would decrease participation in food stamps 

and other nutrition programs. Many of the states’ food stamp 

officials also believed that the proposed elimination of noncash 

categorical eligibility would increase the Food Stamp Program 

administrative workload and state administrative costs, for 

example, due to the need to verify assets, change data systems, 

and train staff. 

In conclusion, although some states appear to do little to link a 

household’s need for specific TANF noncash services in conferring 

categorical eligibility for food stamps, we found that the vast majority of 

these households may still be eligible for regular food stamps if TANF 

noncash categorical eligibility were eliminated. In addition, it appears that 

some states are not conferring categorical eligibility to households 

receiving, or authorized to receive, TANF noncash services funded with 

more than 50 percent federal or state MOE funds as required by the 

regulations. As a result, some states may not assess all potentially eligible

households to determine if they could receive food stamps through a 

TANF noncash service. Finally, FNS’s administration of the TANF noncash 

categorical eligibility program may result in some states not following 

program rules or states not fully understanding the implications of how 

they have implemented the program. 

To improve management and administration of TANF noncash categorical 

eligibility, we recommend that FNS provide guidance and technical 

assistance to states clarifying which TANF noncash services states must 

use to confer categorical eligibility for food stamps and monitor states’ 

compliance with the categorical eligibility requirements. 

We provided a draft of this report to FNS for comment, and on March 12, 

2007, we met with FNS officials to obtain their comments. Overall, the 

officials agreed with our findings, conclusions, and recommendation. The 

agency officials said they would wait until after the Food Stamp Program 

is reauthorized under the Farm Bill reauthorization due in 2007 to see if 

TANF noncash categorical eligibility for food stamps is retained before 

implementing the recommendation. FNS officials said it is difficult to 

identify the magnitude of states’ noncompliance with the funding rule 

without more information about specific state programs. We added 

information, where appropriate, on which states appear not to be 

following the funding rules and provided some examples of the noncash 

services. FNS officials also said that if TANF noncash categorical 

eligibility is eliminated, only a small number of households may no longer

Page 4 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
be eligible for food stamps, even if this number represents a high 

percentage of a state’s TANF noncash categorically eligible population. 

We agree with this statement and clarified the text. 

In addition, FNS officials stated that at the state level, program changes 

are regularly made which may increase state administrative costs. The 

officials noted that these costs can be difficult to quantify and can vary 

from state to state; moreover, small changes in the amount of time spent 

on one part of policy may not change total state administrative costs. We 

agree that states may experience different costs to change their operations 

if noncash categorical eligibility is eliminated, but we reported information 

that the states provided in response to our survey. The agency also 

indicated that it recently issued a report on expanded categorical 

eligibility in February 2007.6

 FNS officials said that although FNS may 

characterize information on states somewhat differently than we do, the 

conclusions about the program remain the same. FNS also provided 

technical comments, which we incorporated where appropriate. 

 6

“Food Stamp Program: Expanded Categorical Eligibility,” FNS, USDA, Alexandria, 

Virginia, February 2007. 

Page 5 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
We are sending copies of this report to the Secretary of Agriculture, 

appropriate congressional committees, and other interested parties. We 

will also make copies available to others upon request. In addition, the 

report will be available at no charge on GAO’s Web site at 

http://www.gao.gov. 

If you or your staff have any questions about this report, please contact me 

at (202) 512-7215 or nilsens@gao.gov. Contact points for our Offices of 

Congressional Relations and Public Affairs may be found in the last page 

of this report. GAO staff who have made major contributions to this report 

are listed in appendix IX.

Sincerely, 

Sigurd R. Nilsen 

Director 

Education, Workforce, and Income Security Issues 

Page 6 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 7 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

1

Briefing for the Senate

Committee on Agriculture,

Nutrition, and Forestry

States’ Use of Categorical Eligibility 

under the Food Stamp Program

March 15, 2007
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 8 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

2

Introduction

• On average, in fiscal year 2005, the Food Stamp Program (FSP)—

administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food

and Nutrition Service (FNS)—served over 25 million individuals per

month, providing over $28 billion in benefits for the year. However,

households can be food stamp eligible, but entitled to no money in 

monthly benefits based on income level. 

• Current food stamp regulations allow households that receive or are 

authorized to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

(TANF) cash assistance or TANF noncash services to obtain 

automatic eligibility for food stamps, known as categorical eligibility.

TANF is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS).
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 9 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

3

Introduction (continued)

• The Administration has proposed eliminating TANF noncash

categorical eligibility for food stamps. The Congressional Budget 

Office estimated that about 280,000 participants (with an average 

per person monthly benefit of about $48) would no longer be eligible 

for food stamps in fiscal year 2008 if the proposal is implemented.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 10 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

4

Key Questions

1) How have states implemented categorical eligibility for TANF

noncash recipients?

2) How do the income and asset levels of TANF noncash food stamp 

recipients compare to those of TANF cash food stamp recipients?

3) What is the potential effect of eliminating TANF noncash

categorical eligibility on Food Stamp Program participation, 

administration, and state administrative costs?
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 11 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

5

Scope and Methodology

• We conducted a survey of FSP administrators in the 50 states and the 

District of Columbia1 on categorical eligibility implementation and obtained 

data on households from 21 out of 29 states that confer TANF noncash

categorical eligibility.2 

• We conducted site visits in Maryland, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. 

We selected states that were geographically dispersed across FNS regions

and provided variety across the following criteria: (1) states that use TANF

noncash services that could cover a large segment of their food stamp 

population versus services targeted to more narrowly defined populations, 

(2) the state’s total number of TANF noncash services that confer 

categorical eligibility, and (3) the state’s total food stamp population.

• We reviewed FNS data and interviewed FNS officials as well as 

representatives of nutrition groups.

• We conducted our work from June 2006 to March 2007 in accordance with

generally accepted government auditing standards.

1 In this briefing, we refer to the 50 states and the District as the 51 states.

2 Twenty-two states reported that they do not have TANF noncash services funded with more than 50 percent TANF or state maintenance of effort (MOE)

dollars and said they have chosen not to confer categorical eligibility for TANF noncash services funded with less than 50 percent TANF/MOE. 
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 12 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

6

Summary of Results 

• States use a variety of TANF noncash services to qualify

participants for food stamp benefits under categorical eligibility, such

as services that provide employment support, family support, and

self-sufficiency support. Some of these services provide brochures

or information referral that could allow for a large segment of the 

state’s food stamp population to be categorically eligible, while

others are designed to serve more narrowly defined populations.

• TANF noncash categorically eligible food stamp households appear

to have slightly higher incomes as compared to those of TANF cash

categorically eligible households. We do not have asset data for the

TANF cash categorically eligible households, so we cannot 

compare the assets of TANF cash and TANF noncash households.

3

3 FNS data on TANF cash categorically eligible households are from fiscal year 2005; state data on TANF noncash categorically eligible

households are from September 2006 for the 21 states for which we have data on household characteristics.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 13 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

7

Summary of Results (continued) 

• Our analysis showed that a vast majority of TANF noncash

households may remain eligible for food stamps without TANF

noncash categorical eligibility because their income and/or asset 

levels are within the regular food stamp limits. Other households

may lose eligibility for food stamps because their income and/or

asset levels are too high. Similarly, many states believed eliminating 

noncash categorical eligibility would decrease Food Stamp Program 

participation, as well as increase the administrative workload and 

costs related to the Food Stamp Program. 
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 14 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

8

Background: Categorical Eligibility

• Categorical eligibility for food stamps through receipt of, or authorization to receive,

TANF noncash services was established under guidance issued after the 

implementation of welfare reform legislation under the Personal Responsibility and 

Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.4

• TANF noncash services include any TANF noncash or in-kind benefits such as

child care and transportation aid provided to working families.

5

• In 2000, FNS issued final regulations implementing TANF noncash categorical

eligibility for food stamps. 

• The intent of categorical eligibility was to reduce the administrative burden on state

agencies by streamlining the need to apply means tests for both TANF and food

stamps. 

• The application process for categorically eligible food stamps is the same as for 

regular food stamps, except caseworkers apply different income and asset limits. The

asset limit for categorically eligible food stamps is that imposed by a TANF noncash

service or by a state; there is no separate food stamp asset limit.

6

4 Categorical eligibility for food stamps is also available through receipt of TANF cash assistance, Social Security Income, and general assistance. 5 These services may also include short-term, nonrecurring cash payments. 6 Texas, for example, has a $5,000 asset limit for all TANF noncash categorically eligible households. 
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 15 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

9

Background: Comparison of Regular and 

Categorical Eligibility Food Stamp Rules 

Asset limit is that imposed 

by a TANF noncash service 

or a state; there is no 

separate food stamp asset 

limit

No separate net income 

limit

No separate gross income 

limit for TANF purposes 1 

and 2 because already 

targeted to needy families. 

For TANF purposes 3 and 4, 

gross income limit at or 

below 200 percent of 

poverty.

TANF noncash

categorical 

eligibility food 

stamp rulesb

$2,000; $3,000 for 

households with at least one 

elderly or disabled member 

Vehicle rules vary by statea

(see app. III)

At or below 100 percent 

of poverty

At or below 130 percent of 

the federal poverty level (no 

gross income limit for 

households with at least one 

elderly or disabled member)

Regular food 

stamp rules

Net monthly income Asset limit

limit

Gross monthly income 

limit

Source: FNS Food Stamp Regulations.

Note: Households receiving, or authorized to receive, TANF noncash services that further TANF purpose 1—assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for 

in their own homes or in the homes of relatives—and purpose 2—to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and 

marriage—are categorically eligible for food stamps. Households receiving, or authorized to receive, TANF noncash services that further TANF purpose 3—to prevent and 

reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies—and purpose 4—to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families—are required to have a gross 

monthly income limit at or below 200 percent of poverty—in order to be categorically eligible for food stamps.

a Vehicle rules vary by state because they are allowed to substitute the following rules in place of the FSP rules: TANF Assistance, TANF-MOE 

categorical eligibility, and Child Care/Foster Care (see app. III). 

b States also apply criteria other than income, such as presence of children in the household, to determine eligibility for TANF noncash services that 

confer categorical eligibility (see app. VI).
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 16 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

10

Background: Categorical Eligibility Rules 

• Under current FSP regulations on categorical eligibility, states:

• must confer categorical eligibility for individuals who are receiving or 

authorized to receive TANF noncash services if these services are 

funded with more than 50 percent TANF or MOE dollars,

• have the option to confer categorical eligibility using TANF noncash

services funded with less than 50 percent TANF or MOE dollars,7 and

• must determine that an individual is eligible for a TANF noncash service 

and notify the individual of this determination to confer categorical 

eligibility.

7These two requirements apply to those TANF noncash services that further TANF purposes 1 or 2, or that further TANF purposes 3 or 4 

and have a gross monthly income limit at or below 200 percent of poverty. 
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 17 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

11

Background: Federal and State Roles

• FNS is not required to track how states are implementing categorical

eligibility, but it does sporadically collect information from the states on the 

nature and funding of the services used to confer categorical eligibility.

• HHS is not required to collect information on the number or characteristics 

of the TANF noncash recipients, how states implement categorical 

eligibility, or on funding for specific TANF noncash services.8

• TANF programs are state administered and states are not required to report 

on the use of TANF noncash services. However, states report certain 

information, such as:

• the number, household characteristics, and work activities of TANF

cash recipients and

• the amount and type of TANF and state MOE spending. 

8 HHS does collect information on funding for broad categories of TANF noncash services.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 18 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

12

Background: Other Nutrition Program 

Eligibility

• Food stamp eligibility confers automatic eligibility for other nutrition programs, such

as:

• School Breakfast Program (SBP),

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP),

• Special Milk Program (SMP),

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP),

• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP),

• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), and

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) (see app. IV).
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 19 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

13

Over Half of States Confer TANF Noncash

Categorical Eligibility

• Twenty-nine of the 51 states use TANF noncash services to confer

categorical eligibility for food stamps.

9

• Fifteen of the 29 use employment support services to confer

categorical eligibility (see slide 15 and see app. V).

• The number of services states use to confer TANF noncash

categorical eligibility varies. 

• Fifteen of 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical

eligibility use one TANF noncash service; the remaining 14 use 

more than one.

9 Twenty-two states reported that they do not have TANF noncash services funded with more than 50 percent TANF or state MOE dollars 

and said they have chosen not to confer categorical eligibility for TANF noncash services funded with less than 50 percent TANF/MOE.

Question 1
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 20 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

14

Number of TANF Noncash Categorically Eligible

Households Varies in Proportion to Number of Total

Food Stamp Households • The percentage of TANF noncash

categorically eligible households 

as a proportion of total food stamp

households is less than or equal

to 20 percent in more than half of

the 21 states that could provide 

household data.

10

• Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri,

Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,

and West Virginia have less

than or equal to 20 percent

TANF noncash categorically

eligible households.

Question 1

10 These calculations are based on our analysis of data on TANF noncash categorically eligible households provided by 21 states for September 2006 and data on total

food stamp households provided by FNS for September 2006. Maryland has > 20 percent and ≤ 40 percent; Delaware, Maine, Texas, and Washington have > 40

percent and ≤ 60 percent; Michigan and Oregon have > 60 percent and ≤ 80 percent; and South Carolina and Wisconsin have > 80 percent and ≤ 100 percent.

Source: GAO.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 21 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

15

Nature of Services States Use to Confer TANF

Noncash Categorical Eligibility Varies

Question 1

Source: GAO survey. These categories were derived by GAO based on state reports of the TANF noncash services they use to confer categorical eligibility.

Note: States may have more than one service that falls into the same category. Most (49 of the 67) of the TANF noncash services that states use to confer

categorical eligibility provide employment support, which includes job training or job site mentoring; family support, which includes services to help keep

families together; and self-sufficiency support, which includes case management services or short-term emergency payments (see app. V).
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 22 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

16

A Few States Provide Information on Services to

Confer Categorical Eligibility

• Eight of 29 states use brochures or information referral services

that have eligibility criteria that could allow for a large segment of 

their food stamp population to be categorically eligible for food 

stamps (see app. VI). For example, 

• Massachusetts state officials told us that the state provides an

informational brochure that describes services that could 

benefit food stamp households, such as employment support, 

subsidized child care, and financial assistance.

• A North Dakota state official reported that the state provides

information and referrals to various other agencies, programs, 

organizations, and community/county resources that could be 

of benefit to the households. Examples of these services

include child care assistance and job services.

Question 1
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 23 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

17

Some States Use Services Designed for More Narrowly Defined

Populations to Confer Categorical Eligibility

• Some states confer categorical eligibility using TANF noncash

services that are designed to serve more narrowly defined 

populations. For example, 

• One TANF service in Alaska provides case management 

services to those employed and leaving TANF cash assistance.

• One TANF service in Arkansas provides transportation 

assistance to former TANF cash recipients who are employed.

• One TANF service in Kansas provides work-related support 

services to former TANF cash recipients for 12 months

following their TANF case closure. 

Question 1
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 24 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

18

Factors Important in Choosing TANF Noncash

Services to Confer Categorical Eligibility

• States that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility reported that 

they use a variety of criteria when determining what services to use 

to confer categorical eligibility. The criteria most frequently cited as

“extremely important” or “very important” were: 

• increasing access to individuals state officials believe need 

food assistance,

• the TANF noncash service already existed across the state,

• helping the state increase FSP participation,

• easing the FSP eligibility process for caseworkers, and 

• simplifying the FSP application process for clients.

Question 1
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 25 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

19

Some States May Not Be Following Program

Funding Regulations

• Six states have TANF noncash services that they should be using to confer 

categorical eligibility, but reported that they were not using these services to confer 

categorical eligibility.

11

• According to FSP regulations, TANF noncash services funded with more than 50 

percent TANF or MOE dollars must be used to confer categorical eligibility. Households receiving, or authorized to receive, these services should be considered 

categorically eligible because the services either:

• further TANF purpose 1 (assistance to needy families so that children may be

cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives) or TANF purpose 2 (to 

end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job 

preparation, work, and marriage) or

• further TANF purpose 3 (to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock

pregnancies) or 4 (to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families) and have a gross monthly income limit at or below 200 percent of

poverty.

Question 1

11 The six states are Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Examples of the types of TANF noncash services that these

states should be using to confer categorical eligibility include child care, transportation, and substance abuse services. However, Georgia does confer

TANF noncash categorical eligibility with a different TANF service that provides employment support to families leaving cash assistance.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 26 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

20

Most States Use an Income Test to Determine Eligibility 

for TANF Noncash Services That Confer Categorical

Eligibility 

• Most states (21 of 29) use an income test to determine eligibility for

TANF noncash services that confer categorical eligibility (see app. 

VI and next slide).

12

• The remaining states (8 of 29) use eligibility criteria other than an

income limit for the TANF noncash service that confers categorical

eligibility, such as the presence of a child in the household.

Question 1

12 These responses are from the 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 27 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

21

Most States Use an Income Test to Determine 

Eligibility for TANF Noncash Services That Confer 

Categorical Eligibility (continued)

Question 1

Source: GAO survey (see app. VI).

Note: States may be counted more than once if they have income limits for more than one TANF service. One state uses a TANF noncash

service that has both a gross income limit greater than 130 percent but less than 200 percent of poverty and a net income limit at or below 

100 percent of poverty. 

a Pennsylvania uses a gross income limit of 235 percent of poverty for TANF noncash services that further TANF purpose 2, meet the state’s definition of

“needy,” and do not require a gross income limit at or below 200 percent of poverty. b One state uses a formula based on minimum wage, and the other state compares a calculated gross income to 100 percent of the state’s standard of

need.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 28 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

22

Few States Specifically Determine Need for a TANF Service 

before Conferring Food Stamp Eligibility

• Six states reported that they primarily question the clients about their needs and match them with 

an appropriate TANF noncash service before conducting a means test for the specific service to

determine whether a client is categorically eligible,

13

• However, caseworkers in 2 states told us that they give clients an informational brochure 

that confers TANF noncash categorical eligibility without explicitly determining whether

clients need the services listed.14

• Twenty-two states did not report that they specifically determined a need for a TANF service 

before conferring food stamp eligibility. 

• Thirteen states reported that they primarily conduct a means test for the specific TANF

noncash service that the state has determined will confer categorical eligibility.

• Seven states reported that they confer categorical eligibility to households that are 

authorized to receive (or are receiving) TANF noncash services.15

• Two states reported that they do not determine whether a client is eligible to receive TANF

noncash services because all individuals are automatically eligible for these services, and 

as a result are categorically eligible for food stamps.

• One state did not respond to this survey question. 

Question 1

13 These responses are from the 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility. 14 We conducted site visits in these 2 states. 15 These states did not distinguish the method by which they determine if a client is authorized to receive a service.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 29 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

23

Noncash Household Incomes Appear Higher than 

Those of Cash Households, but No Data Available to 

Compare Assets 

• As one would expect, TANF noncash categorically eligible households 

appear to have slightly higher gross and net income levels as compared to 

TANF cash categorically eligible households.16 (see app. VII)

• We cannot compare asset information for TANF cash and noncash

households, because FNS does not collect asset data on TANF cash

categorically eligible households.

• However, for the 12 states that provided us with asset data on

noncash households, the majority of households have assets below

the $2,000 regular food stamp asset limit. (see app. VIII) 

• State officials in Maryland, Massachusetts, and South Carolina told us

that TANF noncash categorically eligible households rarely have 

assets over the $2,000 limit, but recalled a few rare cases in which 

households had land, bank account balances, lottery winnings, or

lump-sum settlements worth over $2,000.

Question 2

16 FNS data on TANF cash categorically eligible households are from fiscal year 2005; state data on TANF noncash categorically eligible households

are from September 2006.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 30 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

24

FSP Participation May Decrease if TANF Noncash

Categorical Eligibility Is Eliminated

• Overall our analysis showed that few noncash households may become

ineligible for food stamps if TANF noncash categorical eligibility was 

eliminated (see app. VIII).

• Three percent of TANF noncash categorically eligible households

(49,424 of 1,611,069)—in the 21 states that provided gross income

data—would not meet the gross income limit for regular food stamps 

and thus would become ineligible.17

• For the remaining households—in the 20 states that provided net 

income data—2 percent of TANF noncash categorically eligible 

households (24,637 of 1,556,743) would not meet the net income limit 

for regular food stamps and thus would become ineligible. 

• Two percent of the remaining households (4,045 of 234,926)—in the 12

states that provided asset data—would not meet the asset limit for 

regular food stamps and thus would become ineligible.

Question 3

17 These calculations are based on our analysis of data provided by 21 states for September 2006. We did not perform vehicle asset tests because 

either the state had no vehicle asset test or we did not have sufficient information to apply the test.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 31 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

25

FSP Participation May Decrease if TANF Noncash

Categorical Eligibility Is Eliminated (continued)

• However, we found that the degree to which participation may decrease 

varies across these 21 states. For example, North Carolina’s and Arizona’s 

noncash categorically eligible household participation may decrease by 

over 25 percent,18 while Kansas and South Carolina may experience very

small drops in participation (0.10 percent and 0.20 percent, respectively).

• Similarly, 96 percent of the states (26 of 27 that responded) that currently

confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility told us that eliminating noncash

categorical eligibility would decrease participation, with states reporting 

differing degrees of decrease.19 For example, 

• A Michigan official said participation may greatly decrease because 

clients who are income eligible may not be asset eligible.

• A Virginia official said there would be little effect, if any, on

participation, because very few households use TANF noncash

categorical eligibility.

Question 3

18 The percentage decrease in Arizona represents a small number of households (6 of 17 households) (see app. VIII). 19 Twenty-seven of the 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility responded to this question; 

26 of the 27 states said participation would decrease and 1 state was unsure. Eighty percent of the states that responded (16 of 20) that do not confer

TANF noncash categorical eligibility said there would be no effect.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 32 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

26

Participation in Other Nutrition Programs May Also 

Decrease if TANF Noncash Categorical Eligibility Is

Eliminated

• We found that some noncash households may lose eligibility for

other nutrition programs (see app. VIII):

• Three percent of noncash households (34,222 of 1,045,097)

with children would not be income eligible for free school 

meals—the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast

Program, and Special Milk Program.20 Of these households, an 

additional 3 percent (880 of 34,222) would also not be income 

eligible for reduced price school meals.

• Less than 1 percent of nonelderly noncash households (7,047 

of 1,568,376) would not be income eligible for the Women, 

Infants, and Children Program.21

Question 3

20 These calculations are based on our analysis of data provided by 21 states for September 2006. Also, these other nutrition programs have other

eligibility criteria that we did not factor into these calculations due to lack of state data. 21 This calculation was based on all households except those with all elderly members.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 33 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

27

Participation in Other Nutrition Programs May Also 

Decrease if TANF Noncash Categorical Eligibility Is

Eliminated (continued)

• We found that some noncash households may lose eligibility for

other nutrition programs:

• Four percent of all TANF noncash households (71,835 of 

1,694,425) would not be income eligible for free Child and Adult 

Care Food Program meals.22

• Less than 1 percent of households (739 of 165,237) with at least

one elderly member would not be income eligible for the Senior

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

Question 3

22 These calculations are based on our analysis of data provided by 21 states for September 2006. Also, these other nutrition programs have other

eligibility criteria that we did not factor into these calculations due to lack of state data.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 34 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

28

Participation in Other Nutrition Programs May Also 

Decrease if TANF Noncash Categorical Eligibility Is

Eliminated (continued)

• State officials in Maryland, Massachusetts, and South Carolina told 

us that former categorically eligible recipients may:

• be confused about continued eligibility for other nutrition

programs and not reapply for these programs, and

• be discouraged by the burden of applying for other nutrition 

programs if no longer automatically eligible.

Question 3
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 35 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

29

Most States Believe Eliminating TANF Noncash

Categorical Eligibility Would Increase FSP 

Administrative Workload

• Most states (24 of 27 that responded) that currently confer TANF

noncash categorical eligibility told us that eliminating noncash

categorical eligibility would increase their caseworker workload.23

• Some common reasons state officials indicated for the increase in 

FSP administrative workload were:

24

• increase in verifications needed, 

• increase in error rates as required verifications increase,

• changes to data systems, 

• increase in time to process applications, and 

• changes to policies and related materials.

Question 3

23 Twenty-seven of the 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility responded to this question; 24 of the 27 states said the workload would

increase; 1 state said there would be no effect; and 2 states said the workload would decrease. Seventy percent of the states that responded (14 of 20)

that do not confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility said there would be no effect. 24 These categories are not mutually exclusive among the states that responded.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 36 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

30

Over Half of the States Believe Eliminating TANF 

Noncash Categorical Eligibility Would Increase State 

FSP Administrative Costs

• Sixty-nine percent of the states (18 of 26 that responded) that 

currently confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility told us that 

eliminating noncash categorical eligibility would increase state 

administrative costs.

25

• The reasons state officials indicated for the increase in state FSP 

administrative costs were:

26

• additional collection and verification of asset information,

• changes to their data systems and materials, such as policy 

manuals, 

• additional training of staff, and 

• increased time to interview clients regarding program eligibility.

Question 3

25 Twenty-six of the 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility responded to this question; 18 of the 26 states said costs would increase; 6 states said there

would be no effect; 2 states said costs would decrease; and 2 states were unsure. Over two-thirds of the states that responded (13 of 19) that do not confer TANF noncash

categorical eligibility said there would be no effect. One state said state general assistance costs may increase, but did not mention FSP costs. 26 These categories are not mutually exclusive among the states that responded. 
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 37 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

31

Over Half of the States Believe Eliminating TANF 

Noncash Categorical Eligibility Would Increase State 

FSP Administrative Costs (continued)

• For example, a North Dakota official said costs would increase due 

to the need to reprogram the computer system, change application

forms and brochures, and train caseworkers. 

• A Washington official said the proposed change would have a large 

effect on costs because caseworkers would need to educate clients

on asset eligibility as well as collect and verify asset documents to

apply the asset rule. 

• South Carolina officials told us that asset verification may increase 

costs, including paying for bank statements. 

Question 3
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 38 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

32

Some States Believe Eliminating TANF Noncash

Categorical Eligibility Would Require Modifications to

Data Systems

• Fifty-four percent of states (15 of 28 that responded) that currently

confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility told us that eliminating 

noncash categorical eligibility would require them to make changes 

to their data systems.27 For example, 

• A Maine official said the data system changes would be costly

and delay other needed system changes.

• An Arizona official said the data system changes would increase

the workload and limited resources would be available to make

the changes. 

• A Delaware official said the state would have to pay

programmers to revise their data system and that this would

require time and testing to ensure the system works correctly. 

Question 3

27 Twenty-eight of the 29 states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility responded to this question; 15 of the 28 states said they

would have to make changes to their data systems; 11 states said they would not have to make changes; and 2 states were unsure. All states that

responded (19 of 19) that do not confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility said they would not have to make changes.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 39 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

33

Conclusions 

• Although some states appear to do little to link a household’s need for 

specific TANF noncash services in conferring categorical eligibility for food

stamps, we found that the vast majority of these households may still be 

eligible for regular food stamps if TANF noncash categorical eligibility were 

eliminated.

• It appears that some states are not conferring categorical eligibility to 

households receiving, or authorized to receive, TANF noncash services

funded with more than 50 percent TANF or MOE dollars as required by the 

regulations. As a result, some states may not assess all potentially eligible 

households to determine if they could receive food stamps through a TANF

noncash service.

• FNS’s administration of the TANF noncash categorical eligibility program

may result in states not following program rules or states not fully 

understanding the implications of how they have implemented the program. 
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 40 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

34

Recommendation

• FNS should provide guidance and technical assistance to states

clarifying which TANF noncash services states must use to confer

categorical eligibility for food stamps and monitor states’ 

compliance with the categorical eligibility requirements.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 41 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

35

Agency Comments 

• We obtained oral comments on a draft of this report from 

USDA’s FNS. FNS also provided technical clarifications,

which we incorporated when appropriate.

• Overall, FNS agreed with our findings and recommendation,

and agency officials said they would wait until after the Farm

Bill reauthorization to see if TANF noncash categorical 

eligibility for food stamps is retained before implementing the

recommendation.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 42 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

36

Agency Comments (continued)

• FNS officials said it is difficult to identify the magnitude of states’ 

noncompliance with the funding rule without more information about 

specific state programs and said that the title seemed to primarily reflect

this noncompliance issue. FNS also said the title should specify “noncash” 

categorical eligibility. GAO’s policy is that the report title should reflect the 

content of the recommendation. However, we added information, where 

appropriate, on which states appear not to be following the funding rules, 

provided some examples of the noncash services, and added the term

“noncash” to the title. 

• FNS officials said that if TANF noncash categorical eligibility is eliminated, 

only a small number of households may no longer be eligible for food

stamps, even if this number represents a high percentage of a state’s 

TANF noncash categorically eligible population. We agree with this

statement and clarified the text.
Appendix I: Briefing Slides 

Page 43 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

37

Agency Comments (continued)

• FNS cautioned us that, at the state level, program changes are 

regularly made which may increase state administrative costs. The 

officials noted that these costs can be difficult to quantify and can 

vary from state to state. Moreover, small changes in the amount of 

time spent on one part of policy may not change total state 

administrative costs. We agree that states may experience different 

costs to change their operations if noncash categorical eligibility is

eliminated, but reported information that the states provided in

response to our survey.

• FNS indicated that it recently issued a report on expanded 

categorical eligibility in February 2007. FNS officials said that 

although FNS may characterize information on states somewhat 

differently than we do, the conclusions about the program remain

the same. 
Appendix II: 

Methodology 

Objectives, Scope, and

Page 44 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

Appendix II: Objectives, Scope, and 

Methodology 

To understand more about individuals eligible for food stamps as a result 

of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) noncash categorical 

eligibility, we examined (1) how states have implemented categorical 

eligibility for TANF noncash recipients; (2) how the income and asset 

levels of TANF noncash food stamp recipients compare to those of TANF 

cash food stamp recipients; and (3) the potential effect of eliminating 

TANF noncash categorical eligibility on Food Stamp Program 

participation, administration, and state administrative costs.

To address these issues, we surveyed state food stamp administrators, 

obtained data on TANF noncash households from 21 out of the 29 states 

that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility,1

 conducted three state 

site visits (Maryland, Massachusetts, and South Carolina), analyzed data 

provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and 

Nutrition Service (FNS), and interviewed program stakeholders, including

officials at FNS headquarters and regional offices and representatives of 

nutrition groups. We conducted our work from June 2006 to March 2007 in

accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. 

Survey of State Food 

Stamp Administrators 

To learn about states’ implementation of TANF noncash categorical 

eligibility for food stamps, we conducted a Web-based survey of food 

stamp administrators in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The 

survey was conducted between October 2006 and February 2007 with 100 

percent of state food stamp administrators responding. The survey 

included questions about (1) the number and nature of TANF noncash 

services states use to confer food stamp categorical eligibility, (2) why 

states chose or did not choose to confer noncash categorical eligibility, (3) 

how states determine eligibility for noncash services that confer 

categorical eligibility, (4) the availability of state data on household 

characteristics of TANF noncash food stamp recipients, and (5) state 

officials’ opinions on the potential effects on food stamp participation, 

administration, and state administrative costs, as well as other nutrition 

programs, if TANF noncash categorical eligibility were eliminated. 

Because this was a survey of all states and the District (not a sample 

survey), there are no sampling errors. However, the practical difficulties of

 1

Twenty-two states reported that they do not have TANF noncash services funded with 

more than 50 percent TANF or state maintenance of effort (MOE) dollars and said they 

have chosen not to confer categorical eligibility for TANF noncash services funded with 

less than 50 percent TANF/MOE. 
Appendix II: Objectives, Scope, and

Methodology 

conducting any survey may introduce nonsampling errors, such as 

variations in how respondents interpret questions and their willingness to 

offer accurate responses. We took steps to minimize nonsampling errors, 

including pretesting draft instruments and using a Web-based

administration system. Specifically, during survey development, we 

pretested draft instruments with officials in Maryland, New York, Oregon, 

and Pennsylvania in August and September 2006. In the pretests, we were 

generally interested in the clarity of the questions and the flow and layout

of the survey. For example, we wanted to ensure definitions used in the 

surveys were clear and known to the respondents, categories provided in

closed-ended questions were complete and exclusive, open-ended 

questions were understandable, and the ordering of survey sections and 

the questions within each section was appropriate. On the basis of the 

pretests, the Web instrument underwent some slight revisions. A second 

step we took to minimize nonsampling errors was using a Web-based 

survey. By allowing respondents to enter their responses directly into an 

electronic instrument, this method automatically created a record for each 

respondent in a data file and eliminated the need for, and the errors (and 

costs) associated with, a manual data entry process. To further minimize 

errors, programs used to analyze the survey data were independently 

verified to ensure the accuracy of this work. We found our survey data to 

be sufficient for the purposes of our work. 

Data on TANF 

Categorically Eligible Food 

Stamp Households 

We obtained the following data for each TANF noncash categorically 

eligible food stamp household for September 2006 from 21 out of the 29 

states that confer TANF noncash categorical eligibility:2

 

• total number of TANF noncash categorically eligible households; 

• gross income; 

• net income; 

• countable resources, excluding vehicles; 

• dollar value of vehicles; 

• number of children less than age 5; 

• number of children age 5 to 17; 

• number of disabled children; 

• number of nondisabled adults age 18 to 59; 

• number of disabled adults age 18 to 59; 

• number of nondisabled persons age 60 or over; and 

 2

Some of the 21 states did not provide all the data elements. 

Page 45 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix II: Objectives, Scope, and

Methodology 

• number of disabled persons age 60 or over. 

We found the state data on TANF noncash categorically eligible food 

stamp households to be sufficient for the purposes of our work. To 

compare the TANF noncash to TANF cash households, we obtained data

from FNS on the household characteristics of TANF cash categorically

eligible households for fiscal year 2005, the latest available data. FNS did 

not provide data on disabled versus nondisabled children and adults. In 

addition, FNS did not provide asset data (i.e., countable resources and 

vehicles) because the agency does not collect asset data on TANF cash 

categorically eligible households.3

 

State Site Visits To supplement information from the survey, we conducted three site visits 

(Maryland, Massachusetts, and South Carolina). We selected states that 

were geographically dispersed across FNS regions and provided variety

across (1) states that use TANF noncash services that could cover a large 

segment of their food stamp population versus services targeted to more 

narrowly defined populations, (2) the state’s total number of TANF 

noncash services that confer categorical eligibility, and (3) the state’s total 

food stamp population. During each visit, we met with state and local 

officials (including caseworkers) responsible for administering the food 

stamp and other nutrition programs, such as the school breakfast and 

lunch programs, to obtain their views on the implementation of, and 

potential effects of eliminating, TANF noncash categorical eligibility for 

food stamps. 

 

 3

 For categorical eligibility, there is no separate food stamp asset limit; instead, the asset 

limit is that imposed by a TANF noncash service or by a state. 

Page 46 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix III: State Vehicle Rule Choices and 

Descriptions 

Page 47 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

State Vehicle rule choice Vehicle rule description

Alabama TANF assistance All vehicles are excluded. 

Alaska TANF assistance Alaska excludes the value of a vehicle if it is necessary for transportation to meet basic 

needs (obtaining food, medical care); transportation to and from work, school, training; 

used in self-employment; or used as the household’s home. All vehicles with an equity 

value of $1,500 or less are excluded. All other vehicles have their equity value counted. 

Arizona TANF assistance Vehicles are not considered in the resource determination, with the exception of 

recreational vehicles. 

Arkansas TANF assistance In conjunction with the TANF rule, the state exempts one vehicle per household regardless 

of the value. 

California Child care/foster care All vehicles are exempt for the purpose of determining food stamp eligibility.

Colorado Food Stamp Program All vehicles are exempt except recreational vehicles. 

Connecticut TANF assistance State did not provide vehicle rule description. 

District of 

Columbia 

TANF assistance The District of Columbia excludes the value of any vehicle primarily used for transportation.

Delaware TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

Food Stamps (FS) in Delaware does not use the TANF vehicle rules. Because the state 

has expanded categorical eligibility to all FS applicants, except those who have a 

disqualified household member, the state does not look at resources in the FSP at all for 

categorically eligible households. 

Florida Food Stamp Program 

and TANF assistance 

The state excludes any vehicle possible by using the food stamp rules to exempt vehicles. 

For those that cannot be exempted, the state applies the TANF policy of excluding $8,500

maximum equity value, and then counting the remaining value toward the $2,000 (or 

$3,000 for elderly and disabled) asset limit. 

Georgia TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

The state aligned its vehicle policy with its TANF support services policy. The TANF

Transitional Support Services policy excludes vehicles from consideration. 

Hawaii TANF assistance All vehicles are excluded regardless of value.

Idaho Food Stamp Program Idaho currently uses Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) rules on vehicle resource 

determination. The state is proposing a rule change to the legislature this year. If passed,

Idaho will exclude one vehicle per adult household member; all other vehicles subject to 

CFR rules. 

Illinois Food Stamp Program 

and TANF assistance 

Licensed vehicles are exempt: 

• one vehicle per household 

• if net proceeds if sold would be $1,500 or less 

• if used primarily for producing income 

• if annually producing income consistent with fair market value 

• if needed for long-distance travel for employment, not including daily commuting 

• if it is the household’s home 

• if needed to transport a physically disabled household member 

• if needed to carry fuel for heating or water for home use if the transported fuel or 

water is the main source of fuel or water 

• one vehicle for each adult 

• if used by person under age 18 to transport to training or education to prepare for 

work (except high school or college), work, or to look for work

Appendix III: State Vehicle Rule Choices and 

Descriptions 
Appendix III: State Vehicle Rule Choices and 

Descriptions 

State Vehicle rule choice Vehicle rule description

Indiana Food Stamp Program (1) Fair Market Value (FMV) - $4,650 = x (2) FMV - lien(s) = y. The state uses the greater

of x and y as a resource. 

Iowa Food Stamp Program 

and TANF assistance 

Iowa excludes the entire value of one vehicle per household for TANF and the Food Stamp 

Program. The value of remaining vehicles for the Food Stamp Program is determined using 

FSP rules. 

Kansas TANF assistance All vehicles are exempt for TANF and FS purposes. 

Kentucky TANF assistance State did not provide vehicle rule description. 

Louisiana TANF assistance Louisiana excludes the value of all vehicles when determining eligibility for food stamp 

benefits. 

Maine TANF assistance Primary household vehicle exempt. Additional vehicle may be exempt depending on use.

Can have exempt vehicle for each licensed driver in the household. 

Maryland TANF assistance The value of all vehicles is excluded from countable resources. 

Massachusetts TANF assistance Vehicles were eliminated as countable assets for FS purposes in 11/2001. The Department 

of Transitional Assistance (DTA) chose to adapt the vehicle rule of a TANF-funded 

program for former Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) clients

who are unemployed and are completing an education or training program. This program 

provides child care services for up to 6 months after the TAFDC cash case has closed. 

There is no vehicle test in this program. 

Michigan State did not provide The state does not consider assets (resources) as a result of its expanded categorical 

eligibility, so therefore the state does not follow the vehicle rules. 

Minnesota TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

The TANF/MOE program that confers categorical eligibility for FS does not count vehicles

as assets. 

Mississippi TANF assistance Mississippi excludes all vehicles except recreational vehicles such as boats, all-terrain 

vehicles (ATV), etc. 

Missouri Child care/foster care All vehicles are excluded. 

Montana Child care/foster care All vehicles are excluded. 

Nebraska Child care/foster care One vehicle per household can be excluded if the vehicle has a fair market value of: (a.) 

$12,000 or less, the total value of the car is excluded. (b.) More than $12,000, the amount 

over $12,000 is counted toward the household’s resource limit. 

Nevada Food Stamp Program, 

TANF assistance, 

TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

One vehicle no matter the value and vehicles owned by a categorically eligible household. 

New 

Hampshire 

TANF assistance The state excludes one vehicle per adult household member, including one vehicle per 

adult household member disqualified or excluded from the assistance group regardless of 

use or value. A vehicle belonging to a dependent child may also be excluded as long as 

the number of vehicles excluded does not exceed the number of adult household 

members. 

New Jersey TANF assistance As per the Farm Bill, New Jersey matched the TANF vehicle resource limit at $11,500 and 

eliminated assessing the vehicle at equity value. All vehicles are assessed at fair market 

value. 

New Mexico Child care/foster care Child care rule that New Mexico uses for FSP vehicle policy excludes any vehicle. 

New York Child care/foster care State did not provide vehicle rule description. 

Page 48 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix III: State Vehicle Rule Choices and 

Descriptions 

State Vehicle rule choice Vehicle rule description

North Carolina TANF assistance North Carolina excludes one vehicle per adult household member plus others if they are 

used for specific purposes or if the sale of the vehicle would net the owner less than 

$1,500. The equity value (using Blue Book figures) of any remaining vehicles is counted in

resources. 

North Dakota Food Stamp Program 

and TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

All vehicles are excluded for categorically eligible households. Regular Food Stamp 

Program vehicle rules apply to disqualified individuals. 

Ohio TANF assistance Ohio excludes all vehicles in determining resources for food stamps, following TANF policy 

to exclude vehicles. 

Oklahoma TANF assistance Use the TANF program rules, $5,000 equity value. Use exclusions allowed through federal

regulations. 

Oregon TANF assistance The first $10,000 of the combined equity value of all motor vehicles—whether licensed or

unlicensed—is excluded for both FS and TANF. The remaining equity value, if any, counts 

toward both the FS and TANF resource limits. 

Pennsylvania TANF assistance Exempt one vehicle. 

Rhode Island TANF assistance Rhode Island excludes one vehicle per household member with a maximum of two vehicles 

being excluded per household. If there are any other vehicles, the regular food stamp rules 

would apply to those vehicles.

South Carolina TANF assistance For households that are not categorically eligible, exempt one licensed vehicle per adult 

household member. 

South Dakota TANF assistance Per TANF rules, the state excludes one vehicle per household. All other vehicle exclusions 

follow federal Food Stamp regulations. 

Tennessee Child care/foster care Exclude all vehicles with certain exceptions such as vehicles used for recreational 

purposes, such as personal watercraft. 

Texas TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

Texas exempts all vehicles as specified by food stamp regulations; plus the state exempts 

$15,000 of the fair market value of the highest valued vehicle that would otherwise be 

countable. 

Utah TANF assistance Exempt vehicles beginning January 1, 2007. Will match to TANF. 

Vermont Food Stamp Program, 

TANF assistance, and 

TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

Aligns FS vehicle rules with TANF (Reach Up) rules by totally excluding the value of one 

vehicle per adult in the household for no more than two adults. Also excludes all vehicles 

when the household is categorically eligible by virtue of receiving state-funded earned 

income tax credit, which is counted as TANF/MOE. 

Virginia TANF assistance The vehicle evaluation was changed as a result of the options allowed under the Farm Bill

of 2002. The TANF program changed its eligibility criteria at the same time to exclude the 

evaluation of all resources. The FS program in Virginia chose to exclude the value of all 

nonliquid resources, including vehicles, so that now only liquid resources are countable. 

Washington Food Stamp Program, 

TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

TANF/MOE categorical eligibility for households meeting the eligibility test and not 

specifically barred from categorical eligibility status. All other households: Food Stamp 

Program rules. 

West Virginia Child care/foster care All vehicles are excluded for the West Virginia FSP. West Virginia defines “vehicle” as a 

car, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, or camper when the living section of the camper is a 

permanent part of the motorized section. To be considered a vehicle, it must require 

licensing to operate on public roadways, not necessarily be licensed. ATVs are treated as 

recreational vehicles, not as vehicles, and can be considered as an available resource to 

household. 

Page 49 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix III: State Vehicle Rule Choices and 

Descriptions 

State Vehicle rule choice Vehicle rule description

Wisconsin TANF/MOE—

categorical eligibility 

Wisconsin currently does not have a vehicle limit. 

Wyoming TANF assistance Exclude a vehicle with trade-in value up to $15,000 for single household. Exclude two 

vehicles with a combined trade-in value of $15,000 for a married household. 

Source: GAO survey. 

Note: States are allowed to substitute the following vehicle rules in place of the Food Stamp Program 

(FSP) rules: TANF Assistance Rules, TANF/Maintenance-of-effort (MOE) Categorical Eligibility Rules,

and Child Care/Foster Care Rules. 

Page 50 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix IV: Other Nutrition Programs 

Page 51 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

Program Description Eligibility criteria 

School Breakfast 

Program (SBP) 

School districts and 

independent schools that 

choose to take part in the 

SBP receive cash 

subsidies from the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) for each meal 

they serve. In return, they 

must serve breakfasts that 

meet federal requirements 

and they must offer free or 

reduced price breakfasts 

to eligible children. 

Any child at a participating school is offered a meal through the SBP: 

• Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of poverty 

income guidelines are eligible for free meals. 

• Children from families with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of 

poverty income guidelines are eligible for reduced-price meals for which 

children may be charged a maximum of $.30. 

• Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty income 

guidelines pay full price, although their meals are still subsidized to some

extent. 

A child who is a member of a household receiving food stamps or benefits under 

the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or TANF is

categorically eligible for free benefits. In addition, the following children are also 

eligible for free benefits: 

• those who are enrolled in Head Start programs because they meet that 

program’s low-income criteria, 

• those who are homeless as determined under the McKinney-Vento Homeless 

Assistance Act,

• those who are migratory as determined under the Elementary and Secondary 

Education Act of 1965, and 

• those who are considered runaways by a program authorized under the 

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. 

National School 

Lunch Program

(NSLP) 

School districts and 

independent schools that 

choose to take part in the 

NSLP get cash subsidies 

and donated commodities 

from USDA for each meal 

they serve. In return, they 

must serve lunches that 

meet federal requirements 

and they must offer free or 

reduced price lunches to 

eligible children. 

Any child at a participating school is offered a meal through the NSLP: 

• Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of poverty 

income guidelines are eligible for free meals. 

• Children from families with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of 

poverty income guidelines are eligible for reduced-price meals, for which 

students can be charged no more than $.40.

• Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty income 

guidelines pay full price, although their meals are still subsidized to some

extent. 

A child who is a member of a household receiving food stamps or benefits under 

FDPIR or TANF is categorically eligible for free benefits. In addition, the following 

children are also eligible for free benefits: 

• those who are enrolled in Head Start programs because they meet that 

program’s low-income criteria, 

• those who are homeless as determined under the McKinney-Vento Homeless 

Assistance Act,

• those who are migratory as determined under the Elementary and Secondary 

Education Act of 1965, and 

• those who are considered runaways by a program authorized under the 

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. 

Appendix IV: Other Nutrition Programs 
Appendix IV: Other Nutrition Programs 

Program Description Eligibility criteria 

Special Milk 

Program (SMP) 

The SMP provides milk to 

children in schools, child 

care institutions, and 

eligible camps that do not 

participate in other federal 

child nutrition meal service

programs. Participating 

schools and institutions 

receive reimbursement 

from USDA for each half 

pint of milk served. They 

must operate their milk 

programs on a nonprofit 

basis. They agree to use 

the federal reimbursement 

to reduce the selling price 

of milk to all children. 

Schools in the NSLP or 

SBP may also participate 

in the SMP to provide milk 

to children in half-day prekindergarten and 

kindergarten programs 

where children do not 

have access to the school 

meal programs. 

When local school officials offer free milk under the program to low-income 

children, any child from a family that meets income guidelines for free meals is 

eligible. Each child’s family must apply annually for free milk eligibility. Income 

guidelines for free meals require that children’s families have incomes at or below 

130 percent of poverty income guidelines. 

A child who is a member of a household receiving food stamps or benefits under 

FDPIR or TANF is categorically eligible for free benefits. In addition, the following 

children are also eligible for free benefits: 

• those who are enrolled in Head Start programs because they meet that 

program’s low income criteria, 

• those who are homeless as determined under the McKinney-Vento Homeless 

Assistance Act,

• those who are migratory as determined under the Elementary and Secondary 

Education Act of 1965, and 

• those who are considered runaways by a program authorized under the 

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. 

The Special 

Supplemental

Nutrition Program 

for Women, Infants, 

and Children (WIC) 

WIC provides nutritious 

foods, nutrition education, 

and referrals to health and 

other social services to 

participants at no charge. 

WIC serves low-income 

pregnant, postpartum and 

breast-feeding women, 

and infants and children 

up to age 5 who are at 

nutritional risk.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements: 

Categorical requirement—Applicants must be one of the following: 

• pregnant women (during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after the birth of an 

infant or the end of the pregnancy), 

• postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of the infant or the end of

the pregnancy), 

• breast-feeding women (up to the infant’s first birthday), 

• infant (up to the infant’s first birthday), or 

• child (up to the child’s fifth birthday). 

Residency requirement—Applicants must live in the state in which they apply. 

State agencies may require applicants to live in a local service area and apply at a 

WIC clinic that serves that area. 

Income requirement—Applicants must have income at or below 185 percent of 

poverty income guidelines. A person who participates or has family members who 

participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, 

Medicaid, or TANF, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement. 

Nutrition risk requirement—A health professional, such as a physician, nurse, or 

nutritionist, must determine that the applicant is at nutrition risk. “Nutrition risk” 

means that an individual has a medical-based or dietary-based condition, such as 

anemia or a poor diet. 

Page 52 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix IV: Other Nutrition Programs 

Program Description Eligibility criteria 

Commodity 

Supplemental Food 

Program (CSFP) 

CSFP works to improve 

the health of low-income 

pregnant and breastfeeding women, other new 

mothers up to 1 year 

postpartum, infants, 

children up to age 6, and 

elderly people at least 60 

years of age by

supplementing their diets 

with nutritious USDA 

commodity foods. The 

population served by 

CSFP is similar to that 

served by WIC, but CSFP

also serves elderly people, 

and provides food rather 

than the food vouchers 

that WIC participants 

receive. Eligible people 

cannot participate in both 

programs at the same 

time. CSFP does not 

operate in every state. 

Residency requirement—Women, infants, children, and the elderly must reside in

one of the states or on one of the Indian reservations that participate in the CSFP. 

States may establish local residency requirements based on designated service 

areas. 

Income eligibility— 

• Elderly persons must have incomes at or below 130 percent of poverty. 

• Women, infants, and children must have incomes at or below 185 percent of 

poverty. 

• Women, infants and children who receive food stamp benefits, TANF, or 

Medicaid are considered automatically eligible. Women, infants, and children

who participate in certain other public assistance programs may also be

considered eligible for CSFP. 

Nutritional risk requirement—States may require that participants be at nutritional 

risk. 

The Emergency 

Food Assistance

Program (TEFAP) 

TEFAP helps supplement 

the diets of low-income 

Americans, including 

elderly people, by 

providing them with 

emergency food and 

nutrition assistance at no 

cost. USDA makes 

commodity foods available 

to states, and states 

distribute them to local 

agencies, such as food 

banks, which, in turn, 

distribute them to local 

organizations that serve 

the public directly, such as 

soup kitchens or food 

pantries. 

Public or private nonprofit organizations that provide food and nutrition assistance 

to the needy through the distribution of food for home use or the preparation of 

meals to be served in a congregate setting are eligible to receive food through 

TEFAP, subject to the following: 

• Organizations that distribute food for home use must determine the 

household’s eligibility by applying the income standards that are set by the 

State. 

• Organizations that provide prepared meals are eligible to receive 

commodities if they can demonstrate that they serve predominately needy

persons. 

Households that meet state eligibility criteria are eligible to receive food through 

TEFAP for home consumption. Each state sets these criteria. At the state’s 

discretion, income standards may be met through participation in other existing 

federal, state, or local food, health, or welfare programs for which eligibility is based 

on income. Recipients of prepared meals are considered needy and not subject to 

a means test. 

Page 53 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix IV: Other Nutrition Programs 

Program Description Eligibility criteria 

Senior Farmers’ 

Market Nutrition

Program (SFMNP) 

The SFMNP awards 

grants to states, U.S. 

territories, and federally 

recognized Indian tribal 

governments to provide 

low-income seniors with 

coupons that can be 

exchanged for eligible 

foods at farmers’ markets, 

roadside stands, and 

community-supported 

agriculture programs. 

Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive SFMNP benefits: 

Categorical eligibility—Participants must not be less than 60 years of age, except 

that states agencies may: 

• exercise the option to deem Native Americans who are 55 years of age or 

older as categorically eligible

• at their discretion, deem disabled individuals less than 60 years of age who 

are currently living in housing facilities occupied primarily by older individuals 

where congregate nutrition services are provided as categorically eligible 

Residency requirement—The state agency may establish a residency requirement. 

It may determine a service area for any local agency and require that applicants be 

residing within the service area at the time of the application to be eligible for the 

SFMNP. 

Income eligibility—Participants must have a maximum household income of not 

more than 185 percent of the annual poverty income guidelines, or be determined 

automatically eligible based on current participation/eligibility to receive benefits in 

another means-tested program, as designated by the state agency, for which 

income eligibility is set at or below 185 percent of the poverty income guidelines 

and for which documentation of family income is required. 

Child and Adult 

Care Food Program 

(CACFP) 

CACFP provides nutritious 

meals and snacks to 

children in day care and 

adults who receive care in 

nonresidential adult day 

care centers. CACFP 

reaches even further to 

provide meals to children 

residing in emergency 

shelters, and snacks and 

suppers to youths 

participating in eligible 

after-school care 

programs. 

Eligible Population 

Eligible children include: 

• persons age 12 and under, 

• persons age 15 and under who are children of migrant workers, 

• persons age 18 and under who are residents of emergency shelters, 

• persons with mental or physical handicaps, as defined by the state, who are 

enrolled in an institution or a child care facility or residing in an emergency 

shelter serving a majority of persons age 18 years of age and under, and 

• persons age 18 and under at the start of the school year who participate in atrisk after-school care centers.

Meals are reimbursable for provider’s own children only if eligible for free or 

reduced price meals, if the children are enrolled and participating in the child care 

program, and if other nonresidential children are enrolled in the day care home and 

are participating in the meal service. 

Eligible adults include: 

• a person enrolled in an adult day care center who is functionally impaired or 

60 years of age or older. 

The adult component of CACFP is targeted to individuals who remain in the 

community and reside with family members. Individuals who reside in institutions 

are not eligible for CACFP benefits. 

Determining eligibility 

In centers: 

• Participants from households with incomes at or below 130 percent of poverty 

income guidelines are eligible for free meals. 

• Participants with household incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of 

poverty income guidelines are eligible for meals at a reduced price. 

• A participant’s eligibility for free and reduced price meals in centers or for Tier 

I day care homes may be established by submission of an income eligibility 

Page 54 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix IV: Other Nutrition Programs 

Program Description Eligibility criteria 

statement, which provides information about family size and income. 

In day care homes: 

• Tier I day care homes are those that are located in low-income areas, or 

those in which the provider’s household income is at or below 185 percent of 

poverty income guidelines. Sponsoring agencies may use elementary school 

free and reduced price enrollment data or census block group data to 

determine which areas are low-income. 

• Tier II homes are those family day care homes which do not meet the location 

or provider income criteria for a Tier I home. The provider in a Tier II home 

may elect to have the sponsoring organization identify income-eligible 

children so that meals served to those children who qualify for free and 

reduced price meals are reimbursed at the higher Tier I rates. A child’s 

eligibility for Tier I rates in a Tier II day care home may be documented 

through submission of an income eligibility statement which details family size 

and income or participation in any of a number of means-tested state or 

federal programs with eligibility at or below 185 percent of poverty guidelines. 

• Sponsoring organizations of day care homes must determine which day care 

homes are eligible for Tier I rates and, if requested, which children are eligible 

to receive meals reimbursed at Tier I rates in Tier II day care homes. 

Automatic eligibility: 

• Children whose families receive benefits from the Food Stamp Program, 

FDPIR, or state programs funded through TANF are categorically eligible for 

free meals. 

• Children who are income-eligible participants of Head Start or Even Start 

programs are automatically eligible for free meals, without further application

or eligibility determination. 

• Children who are residents of emergency shelters are also automatically 

eligible for free meals. 

• In at-risk after-school care centers, after-school snacks (and after-school 

meals in certain eligible states) are served free to participants. 

• Adults who receive food stamps, FDPIR, Social Security Income (SSI), or 

Medicaid benefits are categorically eligible for free meals. 

Source: FNS. 

Page 55 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix V: Nature of TANF Noncash 

Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility for Food Stamps 

Page 56 GAO-07-456 Food Stamp Program

Appendix V: Nature of TANF Noncash 

Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility for Food Stamps

State Employment support Family support Self-sufficiency support Child care assistance 

Alaska z

Arizona z

Arkansas z z

Colorado z

Delaware

Florida z

Georgia z

Hawaii zzzaz

Kansas z

Maine z

Maryland z

Massachusetts z

Michigan

Minnesota z zz

Missouribzz z

Nebraska z z

North Carolina zz

North Dakota 

Ohiocz

Oregondzzzz zz z

Pennsylvania zz

South Carolina z zz z

South Dakota zzz z

Tennessee z

Texas z zzzz z

Virginia

Washington z

West Virginia z z z

Wisconsin z

Total programs 22 14 13 6 

Total statese15 9 10 5

Source: GAO analysis of state survey responses 
Appendix V: Nature of TANF Noncash 

Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility for Food Stamps 

Transportation 

assistance 

Information and referral 

services 

Pregnancy prevention

and support 

Domestic violence 

prevention

Total number of

programs

1

1

z 3

1

z 1

1

1

4

1

1

1

1

z 1

3

3

2

2

z 1

1

z z 9

2

z z 6

4

z 2

z 7

z 1

z 2

3

1

4 4 2 2 67

4 4 2 2

Page 57 GAO-07-456 Food Stamp Program
Appendix V: Nature of TANF Noncash 

Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility for Food Stamps 

a

Multiple dots indicate that a state has multiple services of a given nature. 

b

Missouri’s Transportation Related Expense (TRE) or Work Related Expense (WRE), classified as 

employment support, also provides assistance with transportation. 

c

Ohio’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program includes many types of services 

aimed at helping recipients achieve self-sufficiency, such as clothing and shelter, domestic violence 

housing relocation and disaster assistance, transportation, training, employment, and work support. 

d

Oregon’s TANF Emergency Assistance exists in administrative rule only. No clients receive benefits 

through this service. 

e

The following states responded that they do not use TANF noncash services to confer categorical 

eligibility and are not included in the chart above: Alabama, California, Connecticut, the District of 

Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New 

Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and 

Wyoming. 

Page 58 GAO-07-456 Food Stamp Program
Appendix V: Nature of TANF Noncash 

Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility for Food Stamps 

Page 59 GAO-07-456 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Page 60 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

Net income 

limit at or 

below 100% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Net income 

limit above 

100% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit at or 

below 130% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit above 

130% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Family/ 

children in

household 

(including 

noncustodial

parents) 

Alaska

Postrecipient Case Management Services 

Arizona

Jobs Services z

Arkansas

Mentoring Services

Transportation Assistance

Case Management Services and 

extended case management services 

Colorado

Family Preservation/Emergency 

Assistance 

z

Delaware

Pregnancy Prevention Programaz

Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Eligibility for or 

enrollment in 

other assistance 

program (not 

including TANF 

cash assistance) 

Households

currently eligible, 

applying for, or

receiving TANF

cash assistance 

Households

following closure

of TANF cash

assistance case 

At least one

member of 

household is

employed

Eligibility criteria 

vary across state Miscellaneous

z z

z z

z z The net income limit of 

$223.00 per month for 

the TANF cash program 

represents an individual 

employed 10 hours per 

week at the federal 

minimum wage of 

$5.15 per hour 

(10 X $5.15 = $51.50 X 

4.334 = $223.20). 

z z The net income limit of 

$223.00 per month for 

the TANF cash program 

represents an individual 

employed 10 hours per 

week at the federal 

minimum wage of 

$5.15 per hour 

(10 X $5.15 = $51.50 X 

4.334 = $223.20). 

z z The net income limit of 

$223.00 per month for 

the TANF cash program 

represents an individual 

employed 10 hours per 

week at the federal 

minimum wage of 

$5.15 per hour 

(10 X $5.15 = $51.50 X 

4.334 = $223.20). 

Page 61 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Net income 

limit at or 

below 100% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Net income 

limit above 

100% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit at or 

below 130% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit above 

130% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Family/ 

children in

household 

(including 

noncustodial

parents) 

Florida

Supportive Services—Healthy Families z z

Georgia

Transitional Work Supplement Payment 

(TWSP) 

z

Hawaii

Employment Subsidy

Grant + Program

Self-sufficiency Program

Grant Diversion

Kansas

Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF) 

work-related support services

Maine

State Resource Guide for Familiesaz z

Maryland

Family Preservation Services z z

Massachusetts

Family Resources Brochureaz z z

Michigan

Domestic Violence Services

a

Minnesota

Transition Year (TY) Child Care z z

Basic Sliding Fee (BSF) Child Care 

Program 

z z

Diversionary Work Program (DWP) 

Missouri

Transportation Related Expense (TRE) or 

Work Related Expense (WRE) 

Page 62 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Eligibility for or 

enrollment in 

other assistance 

program (not 

including TANF 

cash assistance) 

Households

currently eligible, 

applying for, or

receiving TANF

cash assistance 

Households

following closure

of TANF cash

assistance case 

At least one

member of 

household is

employed

Eligibility criteria 

vary across state Miscellaneous

z

z z

z

z

z

z

Except for a few sanction

reasons, as long as the 

household’s income is 

below 200% of the 

federal poverty income 

limit (FPIL), the 

household is 

categorically eligible. 

z z

z

z

Page 63 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Net income 

limit at or 

below 100% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Net income 

limit above 

100% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit at or 

below 130% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit above 

130% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Family/ 

children in

household 

(including 

noncustodial

parents) 

Child Care z

Missouri Mentoring

Nebraska

Employment First Services z

Emergency Assistance Payments z z

North Carolina

Work First Employment Services for 

Working Low-Income Families

z z

Work First Employment Services for NonCustodial Parents z z

North Dakota

Information and Referral Servicesaz

Ohio

Prevention, Retention, and Contingency 

(PRC) 

z z

Oregon

Assessment Program z z

Refugee Program if receiving JOBS 

services 

z

TANF Domestic Violence Survivors z

TANF Jobs Plus Program z

TANF Transition, Retention, and Wage 

Enhancement 

z

TANF Information and Referral Servicesaz

Employment Related Dependent Care z z

Housing Stabilization Program z z

Page 64 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Eligibility for or 

enrollment in 

other assistance 

program (not 

including TANF 

cash assistance) 

Households

currently eligible, 

applying for, or

receiving TANF

cash assistance 

Households

following closure

of TANF cash

assistance case 

At least one

member of 

household is

employed

Eligibility criteria 

vary across state Miscellaneous

Sliding scale for costs

based on income; no 

income threshold 

No income threshold

z z

z z

z z Generally less than

200% of the federal 

poverty level—some 

counties have lowered 

thresholds 

z

z

z

z z

z

Page 65 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Net income 

limit at or 

below 100% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Net income 

limit above 

100% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit at or 

below 130% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit above 

130% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Family/ 

children in

household 

(including 

noncustodial

parents) 

TANF Emergency Assistanceb

Pennsylvania

Elect Initiative z z

Fatherhood Initiative z z

South Carolina

Family Independence (FI) Information and 

Referral Servicesa

z

Department of Alcohol and Other Drug 

Abuse Services (DAODAS) for 

purchase/provision of intensive case 

management for women and children—

substance abuse treatment 

z z

Family Financial Literacy z

FI Applicant Support Services z z

Center for Fathers and Families z z

Wheels to Work z

South Dakota

12 Months after TANF case closed z

12 Months after Diversion Assistance z

3 Months after Tribal TANF case closed z

Child Care Assistance z z

Tennessee

Family First Counseling z

First Wheels Program

Texas

School Dropout Prevention z

Page 66 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Eligibility for or 

enrollment in 

other assistance 

program (not 

including TANF 

cash assistance) 

Households

currently eligible, 

applying for, or

receiving TANF

cash assistance 

Households

following closure

of TANF cash

assistance case 

At least one

member of 

household is

employed

Eligibility criteria 

vary across state Miscellaneous

z To be eligible, a financial 

group must have a 

shelter or food need that 

was caused by natural 

disaster or that resulted 

from the financial group’s 

lack of income or cash 

resources during the 

month of application and 

the prior month sufficient 

to prevent the 

emergency. 

z

z

z

z

z

z

z

z z

z

z

Page 67 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Net income 

limit at or 

below 100% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Net income 

limit above 

100% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit at or 

below 130% of

the federal 

poverty level 

Gross income 

limit above 

130% of 

the federal 

poverty level 

Family/ 

children in

household 

(including 

noncustodial

parents) 

Pregnancy Support Program

Prekindergarten skills development z

Early Childhood Intervention z z

Child Care z

Adult Education z

Texas Workforce Services

Virginia

Transitional Transportation Program

Washington

Online Community Services Office (CSO)

a

z

Diversion Cash Assistance z

West Virginia

Support Services Payments z

School Clothing Allowance (SCA) z z

Diversionary Cash Assistance (DCA) 

Wisconsin

JobNet Services made available z

Source: GAO analysis of state survey responses 

Note: The following states responded that they do not use TANF noncash services to confer

categorical eligibility and are not included in the chart above: Alabama, California, Connecticut, the 

District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, 

Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, 

Vermont, and Wyoming. 

a Italicized text indicates that the TANF noncash service is a brochure or information referral service 

that has eligibility criteria that could allow for a large segment of the state’s food stamp population to 

be categorically eligible for food stamps. 

b Oregon’s TANF Emergency Assistance (EA) exists in administrative rule only. No clients receive 

benefits through EA. 

Page 68 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VI: Eligibility Criteria of TANF 

Noncash Services Used to Confer Categorical 

Eligibility 

Eligibility for or 

enrollment in 

other assistance 

program (not 

including TANF 

cash assistance) 

Households

currently eligible, 

applying for, or

receiving TANF

cash assistance 

Households

following closure

of TANF cash

assistance case 

At least one

member of 

household is

employed

Eligibility criteria 

vary across state Miscellaneous

Provides services to

Texas women

z

An eligibility requirement

is that annual family 

gross income does not 

exceed $63,000, which 

roughly equates to 300 

percent of the federal 

poverty level. 

z z

z z

z

z z

z

z

z

z z Income limit is based on 

Standard of Need. 

Page 69 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VII: State-by-State Comparison of 

TANF Noncash and TANF Cash Categorically 

Eligible Households 

Page 70 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

Categorically eligible households

Total households Gross income Net income

Countable

resources, 

excluding

vehicles Vehicles 

Number of 

children less 

than age 5 in

household 

Number 

of TANF 

noncash 

Number 

of 

TANF 

cash 

Avg. 

TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cash 

Avg. 

TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cash

Avg. TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashc

AL d 7,969 d $270.00 d $72.00 d d d 0.86

AK d 2,442 d $1,036.00 d $542.00 d d d 0.64

AZ 17 26,915 $975.12 $343.00 $256.24 $99.00 $14,337.75 $3,724.88 1 0.96

AR 106 2,189 $717.50 $352.00 $476.07 $149.00 e e0.94 1.04

CA d 267,993 d $670.00 d $320.00 d d d0.62

CO d 1,124 d $364.00 d $102.00 d d d0.73

CT d 10,465 d $631.00 d $273.00 d d d0.89

DE 14,376 2,366 $832.41 $456.00 $431.68 $132.00 $181.24 $2,117.12 1.35 0.85

DC d 9,522 d $473.00 d $262.00 d d d0.85

FL d 27,451 d $283.00 d $69.00 d d d0.96

GA 16,324 10,054 $959.58 $349.00 $421.06 $85.00 $47.94 e 0.83 1.28

HI 646 5,629 $1,214.70 $832.00 $773.70 $484.00 $273.64 e 0.79 0.93

ID d 370 d $545.00 d $129.00 d d d1.51

IL d 9,683 d $473.00 d $166.00 d d d0.89

IN d 24,861 d $335.00 d $83.00 d d d0.90

IA d 13,215 d $524.00 d $172.00 d d d0.79

KS 4,906 10,627 $936.98 $412.00 e $108.00 $29.88 e 0.89 0.98

KY d 12,303 d $326.00 d $85.00 d d d1.15

LA d 4,362 d $442.00 d $89.00 d d d0.87

ME 45,006 7,485 $879.67 $676.00 $389.35 $266.00 $344.27 $3,022.23 0.36 0.64

MD 56,355 11,757 $881.12 $507.00 $458.59 $243.00 $135.29 0 0.65 1.00

MA 35,849 25,971 $553.99 $599.00 $180.39 $249.00 e e0 0.71

MI 376,852 38,506 $684.74 $566.00 $351.75 $240.00 e e0.27 0.90

MN d 26,002 d $513.00 d N/A d d d0.84

MS d 6,023 d $307.00 d $138.00 d d d1.36

MO 18,740 23,215 $959.61 $370.00 $432.65 $86.00 e e0.99 0.98

MT d 2,159 d $466.00 d $192.00 d d d0.95

NEh 503 7,447 $358.30 $433.00 $162.30 $133.00 $432.40 $2,406.20 0.88 0.79

NV d 3,101 d $570.00 d $266.00 d d d0.95

Appendix VII: State-by-State Comparison of 

TANF Noncash and TANF Cash Categorically 

Eligible Households
Appendix VII: State-by-State Comparison of 

TANF Noncash and TANF Cash Categorically 

Eligible Households 

Number of children

age 5 to 17 in

household 

 Number of 

disabled children in

household 

 Number of 

nondisabled adults

age 18 to 59 in

household 

Number of disabled

adults age 18 to 59 

in household 

Number of 

nondisabled 

persons age 60 or

over in household

Number of disabled

persons age 60 or

over in household

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash 

Avg. 

TANF 

cashc

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash 

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash 

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

d 1.15 d d d d d 

d 1.27 d d d d d 

1.12 1.19 0.18 1.41 0.06 0.06 0

0.92 1.07 0 1.19 0.01 e e

d 1.16 d d d d d 

d 0.82 d d d d d 

d 0.71 d d d d d 

1.80 0.88 e 1.26 1.09 1.04 1.07

d 1.21 d d d d d 

d 0.72 d d d d d 

1.40 0.74 0.06 1.26 0.02 0 0

1.82 1.00 e 1.35f f 0g g 

d 1.42 d d d d d 

d 1.09 d d d d d 

d 1.09 d d d d d 

d 1.01 d d d d d 

1.24 1.01 0.05 1.28 0.03 0 0

d 0.55 d d d d d 

d 0.90 d d d d d 

0.77 1.22 0.04 0.73 0.39 0 0.14

1.42 1.13 0.08 0.05 0.88 0.06 0.23

0.03 0.91 0 0.80 0.06 0.30 0.02

0.65 1.33 0.03 0.96 0.17 0.10 0.04

d 1.24 d d d d d 

d 0.76 d d d d d 

1.32 0.93 0.02 1.07 0.02 0 0

d 1.23 d d d d d 

1.20 1.16 0.04 1.39 0.03 0 0

d 1.11 d d d d d 

Page 71 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VII: State-by-State Comparison of 

TANF Noncash and TANF Cash Categorically 

Eligible Households 

Total households Gross income Net income

Countable

resources, 

excluding

vehicles Vehicles 

Number of 

children less 

than age 5 in

household 

Number 

of TANF 

noncash 

Number 

of 

TANF 

cash 

Avg. 

TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cash 

Avg. 

TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cash

Avg. TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncasha

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashc

NH d 2,687 d $652.00 d $252.00 d d d0.67

NJ d 29,950 d $468.00 d $187.00 d d d0.83

NM d 13,242 d $486.00 d $217.00 d d d0.94

NY d 86,073 d $564.00 d $142.00 d d d0.81

NC 2,252 15,200 $661.69 $386.00 $204.26 $130.00 $9,093.79 e 0.65 0.94

ND d 1,881 d $535.00 d $204.00 d d d1.01

OH d 31,651 d $402.00 d $113.00 d d d0.94

OK d 3,077 d $276.00 d $60.00 d d d1.02

OR 149,949 7,808 $665.69 $496.00 $337.83 $207.00 e e1.32 0.74

PA 490 49,910 $893.48 $462.00 $539.86 $140.00 $308.52 $924.04 0.51 0.87

RI d 8,826 d $693.00 d $343.00 d d d0.73

SC 197,698 6,962 $592.20 $338.00 $321.07 $133.00 e e1.32 1.24

SD d 302 d $415.00 d $110.00 d d d0.72

TN 214 34,769 $777.88 $431.00 $391.11 $186.00 e e0.71 0.91

TX 466,579 56,672 $659.81 $341.00 $337.68 $92.00 e e0.70 0.95

UT d 4,159 d $605.00 d $264.00 d d d 1.02

VT d 2,511 d $676.00 d $207.00 d d d 0.78

VA d 17,243 d $561.00 d $282.00 d d d 0.98

WA 156,501 27,863 $616.09 $540.00 $450.64 $172.00 $710.72 $687.88 0.31 0.70

WV 24,109 4,820 $774.94 $315.00 $450.88 $28.00 $115.62 0 0.41 0.68

WI 126,953 3,107 $775.43 $689.00 $412.08 $335.00 e e0.47 1.09

WY d 210 d $344.00 d $68.00 d d d 0.77

Source for TANF noncash categorically eligible household data: GAO analysis of state-provided data for the month of September 2006. 

Source for TANF cash categorically eligible household data: FNS data from Fiscal Year 2005. 

Page 72 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VII: State-by-State Comparison of 

TANF Noncash and TANF Cash Categorically 

Eligible Households 

Number of children

age 5 to 17 in

household 

 Number of 

disabled children in

household 

 Number of 

nondisabled adults

age 18 to 59 in

household 

Number of disabled

adults age 18 to 59 

in household 

Number of 

nondisabled 

persons age 60 or

over in household

Number of disabled

persons age 60 or

over in household

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash 

Avg. 

TANF 

cashc

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash 

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash 

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

Avg. 

TANF 

noncash

Avg. 

TANF 

cashb

d 0.93 d d d d d 

d 1.07 d d d d d 

d 1.01 d d d d d 

d 0.92 d d d d d 

1.19 0.99 0.07 1.01 0.17 0.08 0.04

d 0.85 d d d d d 

d 0.71 d d d d d 

d 1.25 d d d d d 

1.76 0.92 e 1.08 1.03 0.11 1.02

1.45 1.15 0.11 1.18 0.27 0 0.01

d 1.27 d d d d d 

1.82 1.24 e 1.28f f 1.10g g 

d 1.04 d d d d d 

1.17 1.32 e 1.19 0.16 0 0

1.16 1.30 e 1.09f f 0.02g g 

d 1.10 d d d d d 

d 0.83 d d d d d 

d 0.99 d d d d d 

0.68 1.01 0.06 0.91 0.19 0.02 0.11

1.67 0.92 0.10 1.43 0.18 0.03 0.01

0.79 1.39 0 0.87 0.12 0.09 0.05

d 1.06 d d d d d 

Page 73 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VII: State-by-State Comparison of 

TANF Noncash and TANF Cash Categorically 

Eligible Households 

a

For more detailed information on the TANF noncash categorically eligible food stamp households 

see appendix VIII. 

b

FNS did not provide this data on TANF cash categorically eligible food stamp households. 

c

GAO calculation using FNS data. To obtain the average, we divided total number of children by total 

number of households in the state.

d

This state did not provide any data on TANF noncash categorically eligible food stamp households. 

e

The state did not provide this data element for TANF noncash categorically eligible food stamp 

households. 

f

This represents the average number of adults age 18 to 59 in the household because the state did 

not provide a breakdown between nondisabled and disabled adults.

g

This represents the average number of elderly persons (age 60 and over) in the household because

the state did not provide a breakdown between nondisabled and disabled elderly persons. 

h

In Nebraska, the state applied special income rules to 92 percent of its TANF noncash categorically 

eligible food stamp cases. For these cases, the state does not count earned or unearned income that 

led to the closure of the TANF cash assistance case. 

Page 74 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VII: State-by-State Comparison of 

TANF Noncash and TANF Cash Categorically 

Eligible Households 

Page 75 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 76 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Arizona 

Data item N N missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 17 0 0 $975.12 $347.00 $3,059.00 $3,059.00 $3,059.00 $16,577.00

Net income 17 0 0 $256.24 0 $1,356.00 $1,356.00 $1,356.00 $4,356.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

17 0 0 $14,337.75 $5.00 $85,007.00 $85,007.00 $85,007.00 $243,741.73

Vehicle assets 17 0 0 $3,724.88 $1,000.00 $12,080.00 $12,080.00 $12,080.00 $63,323.00

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibilityc

WICd

 Free SBP, NSLP, and/or SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

17 0 0 17 3 17.65% 17 3 17.65%

Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash Categorically 

Eligible Food Stamp Households
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 77 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income test 

but not meeting the net income 

test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not 

meeting the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households

17 3 17.65% 14 0 0 14 3 21.43% 17 6 35.30%

b

This total number of households represents 23 people, including 11 children age 0 to 17 and 12 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh

Reduced price SBP 

and/or NSLP mealsei

Reduced price CACFP 

meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

1 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 78 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Arkansas 

Data item N N missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 106 0 0 $717.50 $744.00 $1,451.00 $1,813.00 $2,073.00 $76,055.00

Net income 106 0 0 $476.07 $404.00 $1,317.00 $1,600.00 $1,934.00 $50,463.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 106 

Vehicle assets 0 106 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd

Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households

106 0 0 104 2 1.92% 106 2 1.89%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 79 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test (not including 

vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N

Number of 

household

s

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households

106 2 1.89% 104 3 2.88% 106 5 4.70%

b

This total number of households represents 14 people, including 9 children age 0 to 17 and 5 adults 

age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh

Reduced price SBP 

and/or NSLP mealsei

Reduced price CACFP 

meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 80 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Delaware 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 14,376 0 0 $832.41 

$720.00 

$2,066.00 $2,676.00 $4,454.00 $11,966,727.00

Net income 14,376 0 0 $431.68 

$288.25 

$1,337.89 $1,805.94 $4,107.25 $6,205,820.77

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

14,376 0 0 $181.24 0 $400.00 $2,775.80 $252,060.00 $2,605,466.62

Vehicle assets 2,573 11,803 0 $2,117.12 0 $12,300.00 $34,991.40 $111,750.00 $5,447,359.30

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

14,376 58 0.40% 8,722 896 10.27% 14,376 1,204 8.38%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 81 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

Number 

of households 

Percentage 

of households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households

14,376 1,285 8.94% 13,091 108 0.82% 12,983 180 1.39% 14,376 1,573 10.90%

b

This total number of households represents 4,379 people, including 2,301 children age 0 to 17 and 

2,078 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

2,494 4 0.16% 896 36 4.02% 1,204 58 4.82%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 82 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Georgia 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 16,324 0 0 $959.58 $941.04 $1,943.59 $2,598.54 $10,049.91 $15,664,260.22

Net income 16,324 0 0 $421.06 $341.00 $1,205.00 $1,635.00 $2,947.00 $6,873,383.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

16,324 0 0 $47.94 0 $174.00 $700.00 $50,020.02 $782,564.56

Vehicle assets 0 16,324 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

16,324 69 0.42% 16,310 439 2.69% 16,324 439 2.69%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 83 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the net 

income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households

16,324 439 2.69% 15,885 13 0.08% 15,872 18 0.11% 16,324 470 2.90%

b

This total number of households represents 1,436 people, including 811 children age 0 to 17 and 625 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

87 1 1.15% 439 69 15.72% 439 69 15.72%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 84 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Hawaii 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 646 0 0 $1,214.70 $1,153.50 $2,354.00 $3,021.00 $3,274.00 $784,693.00

Net income 646 0 0 $773.70 $702.00 $1,717.00 $2,256.00 $2,464.00 $499,808.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

646 0 0 $273.64 $22.97 $1,439.21 $2,065.13 $10,000.00 $176,768.36

Vehicle assets 0 646 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

646 0 0 643 12 1.87% 646 12 1.86%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 85 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibiltya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the net 

income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number of 

households 

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

646 15 2.32% 631 0 0 631 7 1.11% 646 22 3.40%

b

This total number of households represents 84 people, including 54 children age 0 to 17 and 30 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

0 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 86 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Kansas 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 4,906 0 0 $936.98 $976.22 $1,869.00 $2,296.60 $3,284.98 $4,596,831.43

Net income 0 4,906 

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

4,906 0 0 $29.88 0 $100.00 $646.89 $19,505.34 $146,585.39

Vehicle assets 0 4,906 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

4,906 0 0 4,740 7 0.15% 4,906 7 0.14%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 87 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income testk

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

4,906 4 0.08% 4,902 1 0.02% 4,906 5 0.10%

b

This total number of households represents 13 people, including 6 children age 0 to 17 and 7 adults 

age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

5 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 0
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 88 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Maine 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 44,992 14 0 $879.67 $640.00 $1,947.08 $2,601.19 $18,150.30 $39,578,201.37

Net income 45,005 1 0 $389.35 $230.47 $1,294.23 $1,904.00 $18,016.30 $17,522,718.52

Assets 

(countable 

resources, 

excluding 

vehicles) 

45,005 1 0 $344.27 0 $730.00 $3,591.00 $400,000.00 $15,493,940.95

Vehicle assets 1,567 43,439 0 $3,022.23 $1,000.00 $13,350.00 $33,050.00 $65,700.00 $4,735,841.55

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

39,405 197 0.50% 27,819 1,100 3.95% 45,006 1279 2.84%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 89 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households

44,992 799 1.78% 44,193 868 1.96% 43,325 537 1.24% 44,992 2,204 4.90%

b

This total number of households represents 7,139 people, including 3,726 children age 0 to 17 and 

3,413 adults age 18 and over. Data was missing for 20 individuals and 14 households. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

6,183 27 0.44% 1,100 149 13.55% 1,279 193 15.09%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 90 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Maryland 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 56,355 0 0 $881.12 $802.00 $2,095.92 $2,681.00 $5,367.00 $49,655,529.50

Net income 56,355 0 0 $458.59 $330.80 $1,373.00 $1,849.20 $4,045.77 $25,843,682.32

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

56,355 0 0 $135.29 0 $516.60 $1,987.40 $183,871.30 $7,624,338.85

Vehicle assets 56,355 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

56,334 219 0.39% 54,843 3,961 7.22% 56,355 4,067 7.22%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 91 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

56,355 96 0.17% 56,259 1,494 2.66% 54,765 293 0.54% 56,355 1,883 3.30%

b

This total number of households represents 5,342 people, including 3,026 children age 0 to 17 and 

2,316 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

15,180 74 0.49% 3,961 207 5.23% 4,067 219 5.38%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 92 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Massachusetts 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 35,849 0 0 $553.99 $674.00 $1,230.00 $1,614.04 $4,545.57 $19,859,957.51

Net income 35,849 0 0 $180.39 $5.00 $688.00 $853.00 $2,064.00 $6,466,653.44

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 35,849 

Vehicle assets 0 35,849 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

26,783 88 0.33% 581 15 2.58% 35,849 2,320 6.47%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 93 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the gross income 

test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

35,849 1,301 3.63% 34,548 44 0.13% 35,849 1,345 3.80%

b

This total number of households represents 1,492 people, including 20 children age 0 to 17 and 

1,472 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

9,765 77 0.79% 15 2 13.33% 2,320 155 6.68%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 94 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Michigan 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 376,852 0 0 

$684.74 $677.00 

$1,669.00 $2,153.00 $5,820.00 $258,046,878.00

Net income 376,852 0 0 

$351.75 $156.00 

$1,245.00 $1,716.00 $5,226.00 $132,559,410.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 376,852 

Vehicle assets 0 376,852 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

334,064 752 0.23% 166,262 3,985 2.40% 376,852 21,079 5.59%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 95 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income test 

but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not 

meeting the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

Number 

of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households 

Percentage 

of households NNumber of 

households

Percentage 

of households N Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households

376,852 8,328 2.21% 368,524 10,846 2.94% 376,852 19,174 5.10%

b

This total number of households represents 34,203 people, including 10,119 children age 0 to 17 and 

24,084 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

48,511 380 0.78% 3,985 49 1.23% 21,079 1,079 5.12%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 96 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Missouri 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 18,740 0 0 $959.61 $981.67 $1,914.58 $2,416.73 $5,222.45 $17,983,182.33

Net income 18,740 0 0 $432.65 $345.50 $1,238.00 $1,678.00 $4,099.00 $8,107,785.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 18,740 

Vehicle assets 0 18,740 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

18,729 55 0.29% 18,613 472 2.54% 18,740 484 2.58%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 97 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the gross income 

test 

Meeting the gross income test 

but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

18,740 580 3.09% 18,160 24 0.13% 18,740 604 3.20%

b

This total number of households represents 1,776 people, including 1,065 children age 0 to 17 and 

711 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

35 0 0 472 53 11.23% 484 55 11.36%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 98 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Nebraska 

Data item N N missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 503 0 0 $358.30 0 $1,545.08 $2,209.41 $3,357.75 $180,226.89

Net income 503 0 0 $162.30 0 $1,000.76 $1,662.40 $2,631.27 $81,635.61

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

503 0 0 $432.40 $60.39 $1,464.24 $3,517.66 $58,092.70 $217,495.76

Vehicle assets 503 0 0 $2,406.20 $1,300.00 $7,760.00 $14,635.00 $16,935.00 $1,210,317.19

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

503 0 0 493 6 1.22% 503 6 1.19%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 99 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

503 8 1.59% 495 1 0.20% 494 13 2.63% 503 22 4.40%

b

This total number of households represents 72 people, including 43 children age 0 to 17 and 29 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

1 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 100 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

North Carolina 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 2,252 0 0 $661.69 $614.00 $1,628.00 $2,374.00 $4,664.00 $1,490,127.00

Net income 2,252 0 0 $204.26 0 $1,161.00 $1,747.00 $3,248.00 $459,996.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

2,252 0 0 $9,093.79 0 $74,013.00 $89,100.00 $99,700.00 $20,479,221.00

Vehicle assets 0 2,252 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

2,159 5 0.23% 1,993 29 1.46% 2,252 47 2.09%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 101 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

2,252 32 1.42% 2,220 20 0.90% 2,200 557 25.32% 2,252 609 27.00%

b

This total number of households represents 1,919 people, including 1,101 children age 0 to 17 and 

818 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

244 3 1.23% 29 5 17.24% 47 6 12.77%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 102 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Oregon 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 149,949 0 0 $665.69 $580.00 $2,000.00 $2,793.00 $6,632.00 $99,819,173.00

Net income 149,949 0 0 $337.83 $60.00 $1,323.00 $2,022.00 $5,127.00 $50,656,604.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 149,949 

Vehicle assets 0 149,949 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

133,553 29 0.02% 64,371 6,586 10.23% 149,949 14,705 9.81%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 103 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the gross income 

test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households

149,949 10,543 7.03% 139,406 4,348 3.12% 149,949 14,891 9.90%

b

This total number of households represents 36,345 people, including 14,956 children age 0 to 17 and 

21,389 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

17,975 6 0.03% 6,586 13 0.20% 14,705 35 0.24%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 104 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Pennsylvania 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 490 0 0 $893.48 $941.50 $1,990.00 $2,403.00 $2,800.00 $437,807.54

Net income 490 0 0 $539.86 $465.50 $1,472.00 $2,029.00 $2,400.00 $264,530.00

Assets (countable resources, 

excluding vehicles) 

490 0 0 $308.52 0 $785.98 $7,500.00 $50,000.00 $151,175.90

Vehicle assets 490 0 0 $924.04 0 $5,415.00 $14,000.00 $20,000.00 $452,778.66

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

490 1 0.20% 436 6 1.38% 490 10 2.04%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 105 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

490 10 2.04% 480 8 1.67% 472 5 1.06% 490 23 4.70%

b

This total number of households represents 68 people, including 35 children age 0 to 17 and 33 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

6 0 0 6 1 16.67% 10 1 10%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 106 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

South Carolina 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 197,698 0 0 $592.20 $575.00 $1,627.45 $2,122.05 $4,669.47 $117,075,826.70

Net income 197,698 0 0 $321.07 $148.28 $1,132.86 $1,572.97 $3,556.57 $63,474,598.73

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 197,698 

Vehicle assets 0 197,698 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

180,691 12 0.01% 120,001 108 0.09% 197,698 1,198 0.61%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 107 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

197,698 320 0.16% 197,378 32 0.02% 197,698 352 0.20%

b

This total number of households represents 816 people, including 332 children age 0 to 17 and 484 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

22,843 22 0.10% 108 2 1.85% 1,198 32 2.67%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 108 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Tennessee 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 214 0 0 $777.88 $613.00 $2,097.00 $2,532.00 $4,575.00 $166,466.00

Net income 214 0 0 $391.11 $169.00 $1,499.00 $1,698.00 $1,940.00 $83,697.00

Assets (countable resources, 

excluding vehicles) 

0 214 

Vehicle assets 0 214 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

214 3 1.40% 199 14 7.04% 214 14 6.54%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 109 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

214 12 5.61% 202 3 1.49% 214 15 7.00%

b

This total number of households represents 43 people, including 25 children age 0 to 17 and 18 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

2 0 0 14 3 21.43% 14 3 21.43%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 110 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Texas 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 466,579 0 0 $659.81 $493.36 $1,902.14 $2,494.83 $5,653.25 $307,853,386.63

Net income 466,579 0 0 $337.68 $99.00 $1,255.00 $1,743.00 $4,344.00 $157,555,167.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 466,579 

Vehicle assets 0 466,579 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

460,374 5 0 385,238 10,754 2.79% 466,579 13,268 2.84%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 111 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

466,579 17,248 3.70% 449,331 366 0.08% 466,579 17,614 3.80%

b

This total number of households represents 51,716 people, including 29,018 children age 0 to 17 and 

22,698 adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

8,544 2 0.02% 10,754 4 0.04% 13,268 7 0.05%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 112 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Washington 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross 

income 

156,501 0 0 $616.09 $603.00 $1,750.00 $2,375.84 $5,979.30 $96,418,722.36

Net income 156,501 0 0 $450.64 $412.00 $1,325.39 $1,816.20 $4,604.44 $70,525,602.72

Assets 

(countable 

resources, 

excluding 

vehicles) 

78,173 78,328 0 $710.72 $38.00 $1,500.00 $11,040.00 $705,094.00 $55,559,322.00

Vehicle 

assets 

22,044 134,457 0 $687.88 0 $3,865.00 $11,585.00 $194,350.00 $15,163,668.48

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

141,968 2 0 74,142 18 0.02% 156,501 37 0.02%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 113 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

78,173 15 0.02% 78,158 2,759 3.53% 75,399 2,338 3.10% 78,173 5,112 6.50%

b

This total number of households represents 10,942 people, including 4,190 children age 0 to 17 and 

6,752 adults age 18 and over. Data was missing for 155,958 individuals and 78,328 households. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

17,125 0 0 18 0 0 37 2 5.41%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 114 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

West Virginia 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 24,109 0 0 $774.94 $722.00 $1,700.00 $2,146.00 $3,571.00 $18,682,979.00

Net income 24,109 0 0 $450.88 $355.00 $1,296.00 $1,681.00 $2,981.00 $10,870,265.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

24,109 0 0 $115.62 0 $500.00 $1,591.00 $70,025.00 $2,787,383.00

Vehicle assets 24,109 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

24,093 9 0.04% 23,080 79 0.34% 24,109 118 0.49%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 115 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles) Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

24,109 104 0.43% 24,005 136 0.57% 23,869 93 0.39% 24,109 333 1.40%

b

This total number of households represents 988 people, including 483 children age 0 to 17 and 505 

adults age 18 and over. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

770 1 0.13% 79 4 5.06% 118 10 8.47%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 116 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Wisconsin 

Data item N 

N 

missing Minimum Mean Median

95th 

percentile

99th 

percentile Maximum Sum

Gross income 121,939 5,014 0 $775.43 $747.00 $1,961.00 $2,580.00 $6,056.00 $94,555,401.00

Net income 121,939 5,014 0 $412.08 $267.00 $1,330.00 $1,830.00 $4,327.00 $50,248,833.00

Assets (countable 

resources, excluding 

vehicles) 

0 126,953 

Vehicle assets 0 126,953 

Households ineligible for other nutrition programs without TANF noncash categorical eligibility:c

WICd Free SBP, NSLP, and SMP mealsef Free CACFP meals in centersfg

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

112,641 5,543 4.92% 76,490 5,730 7.49% 126,953 11,536 9.09%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 117 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Households ineligible for food stamps without TANF noncash categorical eligibilitya

Not meeting the 

gross income test 

Meeting the gross income 

test but not meeting the 

net income test 

Meeting the gross and net 

income tests but not meeting 

the asset test 

(not including vehicles)j

 Total ineligibleb

N 

 Number 

of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number 

of 

households

Percentage of 

households N

Number of 

households

Percentage 

of households N 

Number 

of households

Percentage of 

households

121,939 8,280 6.79% 113,659 3,564 3.14% 121,939 11,844 9.70%

b

This total number of households represents 25,673 people, including 11,278 children age 0 to 17 and 

14,395 adults age 18 and over. Data was missing for 155,958 individuals and 5,014 households. 

SFMNPh Reduced price SBP and/or NSLP mealsei Reduced price CACFP meals in centersgi

N 

Number of 

households 

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households N 

Number of 

households

Percentage of 

households

15,466 142 0.92% 5,730 283 4.94% 11,536 637 5.52%
Appendix VIII: State-by-State Household 

Characteristics of TANF Noncash 

Categorically Eligible Food Stamp Households 

Page 118 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program 

Source: GAO analysis of state-provided data for the month of September 2006 

a

Our eligibility analyses represent estimates for September 2006 and include calculations using 

eligibility rules for households with and without elderly and/or disabled members. They do not include 

calculations using eligibility rules for elderly individuals too disabled to prepare food alone and being 

treated as a separate household. We did not apply vehicle asset tests in our eligibility analysis. 

c

We calculated income eligibility for these other nutrition programs; these other nutrition programs 

have other eligibility criteria that we did not factor into these calculations due to lack of state data. For 

a full list of eligibility criteria for these other nutrition programs, please see Appendix IV. 

d

Households with only elderly members were not included in the WIC eligibility calculations. 

e

Households without children were not included in the free or reduced price SBP, NSLP, and/or SMP 

eligibility calculations. 

f

Free meals through the SBP, the NSLP, the SMP, or the CACFP in centers are available to 

individuals in households with gross incomes at or below 130 percent of poverty. 

g

All households were included in the free and reduced CACFP in centers calculations. We calculated 

eligibility for CACFP in centers only; we did not calculate eligibility for CACFP in day care homes due 

to lack of state data. 

h

Only households which included an elderly member were included in the SFMNP eligibility 

calculations. 

i

Reduced price meals through the SBP, the NSLP, or the CACFP in centers are available to 

individuals in households with gross incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of poverty. 

j

The state did not provide asset data. Eligibility calculations do not include an asset test. 

k

The state did not provide net income data. Eligibility calculations do not include a net income test. 
Appendix IX: 

A

GAO Contact and Staff 

cknowledgments 

Page 119 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

Appendix IX: GAO Contact and Staff 

Acknowledgments 

Sigurd R. Nilsen, (202) 512-7215 or nilsens@gao.gov. 

In addition to the contact named above, Diana M. Pietrowiak, 

Assistant Director; Linda L. Siegel; Meghana Acharya; Jill M. Evancho; and 

Jasminee Persaud contributed significantly to all aspects of this report. 

Kevin L. Jackson and Laurie S. Hamilton assisted in conducting the survey 

and analyzing the state data; Daniel A. Schwimer provided legal support; 

and Charles E. Willson assisted in report development. 

GAO Contact 

Staff 

Acknowledgments 
Related GAO Products 

Page 120 GAO-07-465 Food Stamp Program

Related GAO Products 

Food Stamp Program: Payment Errors and Trafficking Have Declined 

despite Increased Program Participation. GAO-07-422T. Washington, 

D.C.: January 31, 2007. 

Food Stamp Trafficking: FNS Could Enhance Program Integrity by 

Better Targeting Stores Likely to Traffic and Increasing Penalties. 

GAO-07-53. Washington, D.C.: October 13, 2006. 

Welfare Reform: Better Information Needed to Understand Trends in 

States’ Uses of the TANF Block Grant. GAO-06-414. Washington, D.C.: 

March 3, 2006. 

Food Stamp Program: States Have Made Progress Reducing Payment 

Errors, and Further Challenges Remain. GAO-05-245. Washington, D.C.: 

May 5, 2005.

Food Stamp Program: Farm Bill Options Ease Administrative Burden,

but Opportunities Exist to Streamline Participant Reporting Rules 

among Programs. GAO-04-916. Washington, D.C.: September 16, 2004. 

Food Stamp Program: Steps Have Been Taken to Increase Participation 

of Working Families, but Better Tracking of Efforts Is Needed. 

GAO-04-346. Washington, D.C.: March 5, 2004. 

Food Stamp Program: States’ Use of Options and Waivers to Improve 

Program Administration and Promote Access. GAO-02-409. Washington, 

D.C.: February 22, 2002. 

Food Stamp Program: States Seek to Reduce Payment Errors and 

Program Complexity. GAO-01-272. Washington, D.C.: January 19, 2001. 

(130579) 
This is a work of the U.S. government and is not subject to copyright protection in the 

United States. It may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without further 

permission from GAO. However, because this work may contain copyrighted images or 

other material, permission from the copyright holder may be necessary if you wish to 

reproduce this material separately. 
GAO’s Mission The Government Accountability Office, the audit, evaluation and 

investigative arm of Congress, exists to support Congress in meeting its 

constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and 

accountability of the federal government for the American people. GAO 

examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; 

and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help

Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO’s 

commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of 

accountability, integrity, and reliability. 

The fastest and easiest way to obtain copies of GAO documents at no cost

is through GAO’s Web site (www.gao.gov). Each weekday, GAO posts 

newly released reports, testimony, and correspondence on its Web site. To

have GAO e-mail you a list of newly posted products every afternoon, go 

to www.gao.gov and select “Subscribe to Updates.” 

The first copy of each printed report is free. Additional copies are $2 each. 

A check or money order should be made out to the Superintendent of 

Documents. GAO also accepts VISA and Mastercard. Orders for 100 or 

more copies mailed to a single address are discounted 25 percent. Orders 

should be sent to: 

U.S. Government Accountability Office 

441 G Street NW, Room LM 

Washington, D.C. 20548 

To order by Phone: Voice: (202) 512-6000 

TDD: (202) 512-2537 

Fax: (202) 512-6061 

Contact: 

Web site: www.gao.gov/fraudnet/fraudnet.htm

E-mail: fraudnet@gao.gov

Automated answering system: (800) 424-5454 or (202) 512-7470 

Gloria Jarmon, Managing Director, JarmonG@gao.gov (202) 512-4400 

U.S. Government Accountability Office, 441 G Street NW, Room 7125 

Washington, D.C. 20548 

Paul Anderson, Managing Director, AndersonP1@gao.gov (202) 512-4800

U.S. Government Accountability Office, 441 G Street NW, Room 7149 

Washington, D.C. 20548 

Obtaining Copies of 

GAO Reports and 

Testimony

Order by Mail or Phone 

To Report Fraud,

Waste, and Abuse in 

Federal Programs 

Congressional 

Relations 

Public Affairs 

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER