Gross Income

• As of 2011, a single-person household can earn a gross maximum of $1,174 to qualify for food stamps, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Gross income is earnings that don't have deductions taken out. A two-person household can earn $1,579; a family of five can earn $2,794.
  
  

Net Income

• As of 2011, a household of one can claim $903 in net earnings and still qualify for food stamps, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Net earnings are income minus taxes and deductions. A family of two can claim $1,215, and a family of five can earn $2,150.
  
  

How Much?

• The amount of monthly benefits a family receives depends on its income and size, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The maximum amount a single person can receive is $200. A family of two can receive $367, and a family of five can receive $793.
  
  

Who Qualifies?

• In Maine, someone in need of food stamps doesn't need to fill out an application, according to Maine's Office of the Department of Health and Human Services. You can be interviewed in person or over the phone. You'll need to sign papers afterward to verify the facts you've provided, and you may be asked to bring in certain documents.