While SNAP moves many recipients above the poverty line, the poverty line is often considered a very low threshold, which represents what is needed for families to meet only their most basic needs. Figure 2 presents the median share of income relative to needs for SNAP recipients both before and after counting benefits. This share demonstrates the percentage of one’s total income relative to the poverty line, and thus describes their proximity to the poverty line. A share of 100% means the family’s income equals the poverty line; below 100% indicates income is below the threshold, and above 100% indicates income exceeds it. SNAP recipients’ proximity to the poverty line, before and after counting SNAP benefits (2022-2024) Figure 2
Before counting SNAP income After counting SNAP income
145%
132%
112%
Poverty Line
98%
72%
59%
All SNAP recipients
SNAP recipients living in poverty
SNAP recipients living above the poverty line
Source: Annual Poverty Tracker survey data, second through sixth Poverty Tracker cohorts. Note: Results based on three-year average of 2022, 2023, and 2024 data.
As seen in Figure 2, the median share of income relative to needs of SNAP recipients after counting SNAP income is 112%, meaning that the majority of SNAP recipients are living near the poverty line even after accounting for benefits . However, it is important to also acknowledge the meaningful impact that SNAP has on the income of beneficiaries — raising their median share of income from below the poverty line (98%) to above the poverty line (112%).
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SNAP RECIPIENTS IN NEW YORK CITY AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL CUTS TO SNAP
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