99. Maximum food stamp deductions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture every year updates the maximum allotments, deductions and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each Federal Fiscal Year (FFY), which runs from October 1 through September 30 of each year.
For California-specific rules applicable to Food Stamp program allotments, deductions and income limits, see the most recent All County Letter detailing current “cost-of-living” (COLA) adjustments in the California program, usually published each year in August or September.
The following are the maximum deductions effective from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012:
| Type of Deduction | Amount in California |
|---|---|
| Earned Income | 20% of earnings |
| Standard | $ 147 (1-3 person household) $ 155 (4 person household) $ 181 (5 persons) $ 208 (6 or more persons) |
| Medical (elderly/disabled only) | Costs over $ 35 |
| Dependent Care – actual costs | no maximum |
| Standard Utility Allowance Limited Utility Allowance Telephone Utility Allowance |
$ 329 per household $ 99 per household $ 20 per household |
| Shelter Deduction Maximum (no cap for seniors/disabled) | $ 459 per household |
| Homeless Shelter Deduction – must incur some shelter expense during the month | $ 143 per household |