7 CFR § 273.1(a)(1)-(3)

Individuals who live together and share food must be included in the SNAP EDG.  Individuals share food if they:

• share in the cost of buying food, 
• share in preparing the food, regardless of who paid for it, or
• eat from the same food supply, regardless of who paid for it.

Types of EDGs are:

• An individual living alone.
• A group of individuals living together who share food.
• An individual (or group of individuals) living with others, but who do not share food with the others.  

Note: The intent to purchase food and prepare meals separately also establishes separate EDG status, even if the intent depends on receiving SNAP.  

Exception: Individuals identified in Relationships must be in the same SNAP EDG with the other individuals they live with, even if they purchase/prepare separately.

Elderly and Unable to Purchase/Prepare Food

7 CFR § 273.1(b)(2)

An individual and their spouse together may be a separate EDG,  even if they purchase and prepare with others, if all of the following are true:

• One of them is 60 years or older; and
• That individual cannot purchase and prepare meals because of:
• a disability considered permanent by SSA, or
• another permanent physical or mental non-disease related disability; and
• The gross monthly income for the others in the household does not exceed 165% of the federal poverty level.  

Discuss the following options with the household:

• Apply as one EDG with all household members; or
• Apply as a separate EDG (with spouse).