Child support payments are required as a way to ensure a noncustodial parent is continuing to financially support their child even after they separate or divorce from the other parent. For tax purposes and most considerations, child support is not considered extra income. But what about supplemental government programs? Low-income households that receive child support payments may wonder if that money counts as income for SNAP or other programs. It is important to understand all of your rights and options as a parent. Speak with a Sparta child support attorney to learn more.
What is SNAP?
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP offers low-income people and households financial support dedicated to ensuring that these individuals can afford to buy and eat food that is nutritious and essential to their health.
New Jersey has a monthly minimum SNAP benefit of $95 but on average single people will receive $202 per month and families of four will receive $713 per month. The actual amount depends on income, assets, and needs.
Who is Eligible for SNAP?
SNAP provides support to families, children, couples, older adults, college students, and individuals with disabilities. One of the most important eligibility criteria is the individual or family’s monthly income. To be eligible for NJ SNAP, a household has to have a gross monthly income at or below 185% of the federal poverty line. For example, this equals out to $2,248 for a single person, $3,833 for a family of 3, $5,418 for a family of 5, and so on.
Are Child Support Payments Considered Income for SNAP?
In New Jersey, not all child support payments will be considered income for SNAP, but some will. As stated in N.J. Admin. Code § 10:87-5.7, child support payments assigned to the CWA are excluded from SNAP calculations but those not assigned to the CWA are considered unearned income and included when determining income for SNAP.
Why Does it Matter if Child Support Payments Are Counted as Income?
It may not seem like a big deal whether child support payments are considered income or not, but when it comes to supplemental income programs like SNAP, it is a huge consideration. As established, households must meet maximum income requirements to be considered eligible for SNAP benefits.
Say a single mother and her child live together. The mother makes $3,000 per month, slightly less than the maximum allowable income for a 2 person household. If child support payments are not considered income, she and her child will qualify for SNAP benefits. However, if the child support is counted as income and pushes her over the threshold of allowable income, she will no longer be eligible and miss out on the financial support from SNAP. Talk with a lawyer about your family situation and concerns regarding child support payments.
