It's not hard and fast as the formulas are somewhat complicated, but just looking at the "benefit estimator" for FS in this state shows how some behavior is encouraged vs. discouraged.
For example, if your assets exceed $5K, you absolutely don't qualify here, so any sort of savings for an emergency is a no-no. This is, of course, being honest about your savings. I'm sure those who mostly operate on cash aren't going to say so if they happen to have more than $5K in cash outside any bank accounts.
You also qualify much easier if you keep mom's finances separate from dad's -- ie. don't ever marry and at least keep the appearance of living apart. If mom either has no job or has a job and then spends all that money on child care, it's not too difficult for her to qualify.
Also, housing costs are subtracted from income, but not questioned. So, if you have more house than you need, you'll qualify sooner than the person who struggles in a cramped living environment so as to try and make it without the assistance.
Excessive vehicles do hurt your chances of qualifying, but the limits are pretty generous and they DON'T consider that a larger families NEEDS more of a car than a smaller one.