SNAP Benefits And Rules for Renters, Landlords, and Homeowners

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal assistance program in the United States that helps households afford food. It is available to all low-income earners in America.

For those involved in the housing market—whether renters, landlords, or homeowners—understanding SNAP's regulations is essential, as these can significantly affect eligibility and benefit amounts.
 

SNAP Rules for Renters

According to Mass Legal Help, those who don’t pay rent at their current residence and have been receiving SNAP benefits might have their benefits reduced. 

If you live with a family member and do not contribute to rent, your SNAP benefits will decrease. However, even a small contribution towards rent can increase your benefits.

To avoid having your rent deducted from your SNAP benefits entirely, it's essential to contribute to rent and utilities. The amount you spend on housing can significantly affect the level of assistance you receive through SNAP.
 

Special Situations

1. Young Adults at Home: If you’re under 22 and living with your parents, you usually can't get SNAP by yourself since you’re counted with your parents. But once you hit 22, you can sign up for SNAP even if you still live with them.
2. Boarders: If you rent a room in someone's home and pay them for both the room and your meals, SNAP sees you as a "boarder." Boarders can't get their own SNAP benefits because they're seen as part of someone else's food budget.
3. Roomers: If you only pay rent and not for meals, you’re called a "roomer." Roomers can get SNAP, but they have to apply as their own household.

For more information about the difference between Roomers vs Boarders, check out this article.
 

SNAP Rules for Homeowners and Landlords

When a homeowner receives rent from someone living in their home, the IRS considers it income. Homeowners must report this rent to the IRS, similar to landlords renting out entire properties.

To avoid deductions from their SNAP benefits, they must show that the rent is used for housing-related expenses, resulting in no profit.

For instance, if you pay rent to your brother for living in the basement, he must report that income and demonstrate that it covers rental and utility costs to continue receiving SNAP benefits.

Some of the ways a homeowner can use the rental income include:
 

• Home repairs – roof, painting, etc
• Home improvements (such as roof replacement)
• Homeowners insurance
• Electricity, gas, heating, and other utilities
• Interior or exterior cleaning and maintenance services like gardening
• Trash collection
• Security costs

Other expenses may also qualify, depending on housing needs.
 

What to Do in the Case of Changes

If you experience any changes in income, rent, utilities, household, or medical expenses, it’s always important to notify your caseworker. You can request a reassessment of your SNAP benefits based on any of these changes at any time.

Contacting a caseworker via email might be easier than visiting them in person. Email also leaves a written record of the changes you report to your caseworker.

If the caseworker asks for an in-person meeting, try to do so at the earliest chance. If your disability prevents you from attending an in-person meeting, you can request the caseworker to make the necessary adjustments and conduct the meeting via phone.

Lastly, if you believe your SNAP benefits were incorrectly processed, you can appeal this decision via your caseworker.
 

Summary

Generally, the greater your housing (aka, “shelter”) expenses, the larger your SNAP benefits will be. If you're not paying rent, mortgage, or utilities, you may still be eligible for SNAP, but you'll get fewer benefits. 

However, it's always good to check with your local SNAP website or office.