The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps people with limited income buy groceries. It used to be called food stamps. Benefits are loaded each month onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores, many farmers markets and some online grocers.
Millions of older adults who qualify for SNAP do not receive it. Some believe they will only get a small amount, but special rules for older households can mean a larger benefit than expected.
Special rules for households with someone 60 or older
If anyone in your household is 60 or older, or receives disability benefits:
- Only the net income test applies. Most households must pass both a gross income test and a net income test. Older and disabled households only need to meet the net income limit, after deductions.
- Medical expense deduction. You can deduct out-of-pocket medical costs above $35 a month, such as Medicare premiums, prescriptions, copays, dental care, hearing aids, glasses and transportation to medical appointments. Some states use a simpler standard deduction for medical costs.
- No cap on the shelter deduction. High housing costs, including rent or mortgage, property taxes and utilities, can be fully counted.
- Higher asset limit. Households with an older or disabled member may have more in savings and still qualify. Many states have eliminated the asset test entirely. Your home, retirement accounts and most cars usually do not count.
Simplified applications
Many states offer shorter applications, phone interviews and longer certification periods for households where everyone is 60 or older and has no earned income. Ask your state SNAP office about simplified options.
Work requirements
Recent federal changes expanded SNAP work requirements to adults up to age 64. Unless they qualify for an exemption, adults 18 to 64 without dependents generally must work, volunteer or take part in training for 80 hours a month to keep benefits for more than three months in three years. People 65 and older are exempt. People with a disability or a medical condition that limits work may also be exempt. If you are 55 to 64, ask your state SNAP office what applies to you and what proof is needed.
How to apply
- Find your state SNAP agency through the USDA state directory, your Area Agency on Aging or by calling 211.
- Apply online, by mail or in person. You can submit an application with just your name, address and signature to set your filing date, then add the rest later.
- Complete an interview, usually by phone.
- Provide proof of identity, income, housing costs and medical expenses. Keep receipts for medical costs; they can raise your benefit.
States must decide most applications within 30 days, or within 7 days for households with very low income and resources.
Using your benefits
You can use SNAP to buy most foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals and seeds or plants that grow food. You cannot use it for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, hot prepared foods (in most cases) or non-food items. Many farmers markets accept SNAP, and some offer matching programs that double your benefits for fresh produce.
If you are denied
You have the right to a fair hearing if your application is denied or you disagree with your benefit amount. Ask for one in writing, and ask a legal aid office or your Area Agency on Aging for help.
