The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly called food stamps, helps millions of Americans afford groceries. But qualifying for benefits depends on more than just income — your assets, including vehicles, may also count. So, do vehicles affect your SNAP eligibility? Yes, but there are critical exceptions that may keep you eligible.
How SNAP treats vehicles as resources
The USDA sets national guidelines for SNAP, but states have flexibility in how they count vehicles. Generally, a vehicle’s fair market value over $4,650 may count toward your household’s resource limit — unless it qualifies for an exemption.
- Resource limit: $2,750 for most households
- Higher limit: $4,250 if someone in the home is 60+ or disabled
These limits include countable assets like bank accounts and cash — but not your primary home or most retirement accounts.
Which vehicles are exempt from being counted?
According to USDA guidelines, a vehicle may be excluded if it meets one of the following:
- Used to earn income (e.g., delivery car, taxi)
- Generates annual income equal to its value
- Required for long commutes to work
- Serves as a primary residence
- Needed to transport a disabled household member
- Used to haul water or fuel
- Has a resale value under $1,500
States may apply additional rules or choose to completely exempt all vehicles, making it vital to check your local SNAP office’s policy.
What if your car isn’t excluded?
If your vehicle does not meet any exemption, the state will assess either:
- Fair market value above $4,650, or
- Equity value (market value minus any outstanding loan)
Whichever amount is higher is then counted toward your total resources. If that pushes you above the limit, you could lose eligibility — but again, many states have looser vehicle rules than the federal default.
Does having a car loan matter?
Yes. If you’re still paying off the vehicle, only your equity in the car counts. That’s the market value minus what you owe. But if your car is not excluded, even a low equity value could affect your SNAP case.
Your local SNAP office will evaluate the details to determine whether your vehicle impacts your eligibility.
States with more flexible vehicle rules
Some states do not count vehicles at all, regardless of value or usage. These more lenient policies aim to prevent penalizing households for needing reliable transportation.
To find out your state’s policy, consult the USDA SNAP State Directory.
Key takeaways
- Owning a vehicle does not automatically disqualify you from SNAP.
- Exceptions exist for cars used for work, living, disability transport, and more.
- Some states don’t count vehicle value at all.
- If not exempt, your car’s value could count toward resource limits.
- Always check your state’s rules, as they vary widely.
What to do next
If you’re applying for SNAP and own a vehicle:
- Review your state’s rules on vehicle exclusions.
- Estimate your car’s market value and equity.
- Contact your local SNAP office if you’re unsure how your car will be assessed.
For more on SNAP qualifications, see our guide on 2025 SNAP income limits and resource rules for food stamps.
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