While shelter, food, and clothing are essential for basic sustenance, not everyone has the financial resources to buy all three. To assist those living below the poverty line, the government and private organizations spend millions of dollars, mainly to ensure that they are fed and have a place to live. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a nationwide federal program that aims to combat hunger among low-income individuals and households.
What SNAP does
SNAP is a federal government program that provides food to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Many beneficiaries are families with children and working families.
Eligibility for SNAP
Every state may have different requirements for qualifying for SNAP. But there are some common eligibility factors.
- The gross monthly income of the individual or the family should be 130% below the poverty line.
- The net income of the individuals and families should be equal to or less than the poverty line.
- Household assets should be within permissible rights, and the limits vary from one state to another.
- One member of the household should be a citizen or have an eligible immigration status.
- If a person has lost their source of income recently, they are eligible.
- If a person has had an increase in sudden expenses, like housing, child care, child support, or other recurring expenses, they can apply for SNAP.
- There must be a disabled person in the house, and the monthly cost of care should be more than $35.
Things to know before applying for SNAP
Knowing some terms, definitions, and limits will help people understand their eligibility before applying for SNAP.
- As per SNAP, income refers to cash income from all sources before deducting payroll tax. It also includes the total unearned income an individual gets through child support, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and cash assistance they receive.
- For SNAP, an asset is any resource that can directly contribute to buying food, such as cash and bank accounts. Investments and savings are not considered assets. Further, personal property and any vehicles the family owns are not considered assets in SNAP.
It is estimated that only two out of five eligible seniors apply for SNAP, while more than three out of five members miss out on the benefits of the program. By enrolling in SNAP, eligible seniors can purchase food and groceries from participating stores and get access to nutritious food. It contributes to putting food on the table. On average, a single-senior household can receive about $118 per month.
What seniors can buy with SNAP
Once a senior gets approval for SNAP, they get a SNAP card, which they can use to buy vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products, meals, poultry, bread, and beverages. They can also buy other essentials like spices, cooking oil, and sweeteners. They can also buy seeds and plants and grow them in the garden, which can, over time, reduce additional expenses. SNAP cards can be used in SNAP-authorized retailers. They can be used to buy food in convenience stores, farmer’s markets, and certain specialty food shops.
SNAP enrollment for seniors
If a senior wants to enroll in SNAP, there are some easy steps to do it.
Verify eligibility
- A senior should be above the age of 60 years.
- Their net and gross household income levels should fall within SNAP limits. The limits may vary for each state; visit the local SNAP website or office to get the exact amount.
- Verify that the asset values are within the SNAP limits.
Gather documentary evidence
While applying for SNAP either online or in person, individuals have to submit the following documents for proof of personal information and income.
- Proof of identity
- Proof of income, including Social Security Number and pension details
- Proof of residency, including lease agreements and utility or phone bills
- Proof of care expenses, as SNAP allows the deduction for wellness costs
Apply by mail or fax
Information about local SNAP offices can be found on the official website. Applicants can also download an application form, fill it out, and submit it along with the necessary documents by mail or fax.
Apply through a phone
Some states allow applicants to share their information and apply for SNAP through their phone.
Apply online
Individuals can visit the local SNAP website and apply while digitally submitting the necessary documents.
Attend an interview
Once they receive an application, SNAP officials will contact seniors and arrange a date for an interview. The interview is done to verify if the contents of the application are true.
Wait for the approval
If their application is approved, seniors will receive a written confirmation of their enrollment. They should also receive the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card through mail within four to five days of approval. Seniors should check their mail to ensure that they don’t miss or accidentally discard it. The EBT card looks like a credit card, and the benefit amount is transferred to the SNAP account through EBT every month.
Seniors can get information about SNAP-authorized retailers during the interview from the SNAP staff or through the local SNAP website. Seniors can visit these retailers and buy the food items they require. At the end of the shopping, the SNAP-authorized retailer will give a printed bill, which, apart from the amount of the bill, will also give information on the SNAP balance in that account.