Benefits · Food Assistance
How to apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for Seniors
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (administered by your state)
Who it's for
SNAP (formerly food stamps) puts money on a card each month to buy groceries. Households with a member who is 60 or older (or who has a disability) get special rules: only the net-income test applies, medical expenses over $35 a month can be deducted, and the countable-asset limit is higher at $4,500. Many seniors who assume they earn too much still qualify once those deductions are counted. Benefits average well over $1,000 a year for a single senior. You apply through your state's SNAP office; many states offer a simplified application for seniors.
Households with a member 60+ or disabled only have to meet the net-income limit (100% of poverty) after deductions, and may qualify with gross income above the 130%-of-poverty screen shown here, so this is a may-qualify result. The asset limit is $4,500 for these households. Apply through your state SNAP office.
What you'll need
- Proof of identity
- Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension, wages)
- Proof of housing and utility costs
- Proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses (for the senior/disabled deduction)
- Bank statements
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-800-221-5689
Renewals
periodic recertification (often 12-24 months for senior households)
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.