The evolving economy has brought a myriad of obstacles to food accessibility. To counter some of these challenges, the Federal Government runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This policy is geared towards those who may otherwise be at risk of hunger or malnutrition, including seniors. SNAP (formerly referred to as food stamps) is a food assistance program that helps individuals buy the food they need to sustain their lifestyle.
Maximum monthly allotment under SNAP
The total benefits received under this program are referred to as an allotment. While the amount can vary greatly based on one’s resources and monthly income, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a uniform maximum allotment limit depending on the number of members in the household.
- 1-person household: $292
- 2-person household: $536
- 3-person household: $768
- 4-person household: $975
- 5-person household: $1,158
- 6-person household: $1,390
- 7-person household: $1,536
- 8-person household: $1,756
- Every additional person: $220 extra
The above-listed limits are for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. The rules regarding eligibility, allotments, and other requirements vary in the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Using SNAP benefits
Upon approval, individuals receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. SNAP benefits are loaded onto this card and it can then be used at authorized retailers to make purchases.
These benefits can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, breads, cereals, dairy products, snack foods, and much more. It may also be used to purchase seeds and plants to grow foods for the household. Currently, over 5.3 million seniors are enrolled in SNAP to help improve their quality of life.
Eligibility for SNAP
The SNAP eligibility is governed by state agencies. To be eligible for SNAP, one must apply in the state in which they currently reside. The application must be sent through the state SNAP agency or local SNAP office. If the agency determines that one is eligible to receive these benefits (based on requirements such as resource and income limits), they will send the benefits that go as far back as the date of the application. It is important to note that SNAP limits are updated annually, so the benefits received each year may differ. These details can be found on the USDA website.
In households with seniors over the age of 60, special SNAP rules apply. While SNAP households are typically required to meet both gross and net income requirements, households with an elderly person or a person with disabilities only have to meet the net income requirement.
Additionally, households already receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other (listed) general assistance, may also be deemed “categorically eligible” for SNAP.
Factors that determine SNAP eligibility
In addition to one’s income, agencies also consider certain other factors to determine eligibility for SNAP.
Resource ownership: Households may have up to $3,000 in countable resources (cash or money in bank accounts) to be eligible for SNAP benefits. If at least one member of the household is over the age of 60, this limit is extended to $4,500. Some states may allow higher limits as well.
That being said, certain resources are not counted in this process, such as a home and a lot, resources of people who receive SSI and TANF, and most retirement and pension plans.
Vehicle ownership: Vehicles are also counted as a resource under this program. But, licensed vehicles may not be counted if they are used for producing income, needed for long-distance travel for work, used as the home, needed to transport a physically disabled household member, needed to carry most of the household’s fuel or water, or if it has a retail value of less than $1,500.
For non-excluded licensed vehicles, any automotive with a value greater than $4,650 would qualify as a resource.
Allowed deductions: The program also has special provisions for certain deductions.
- 20% deduction from earned income
- Standard deduction of $204 for 1-3 member households in most states
- Dependent care deduction (for specific purposes only)
- Care expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled members (if not paid by insurance or someone else)
- Legally owed child support payments (in some states only)
- Standard shelter deduction for homeless households of $190.30
- Excess shelter deduction for shelter costs that are more than half of the household’s income after deductions
Applying for SNAP
An application for SNAP benefits can be sent online, by mail, or over the phone. While requirements for each state differ, they will require individuals to fill out details regarding the size of the household, annual income, and assets owned.
Rest assured that all online SNAP applications are protected by special security technology that has been developed to keep one’s information private.
Once sent, the state agency may take up to 30 days to process the application. In some cases, representatives from the agency may also reach out to ask for additional information (eligibility interview) and verification before taking a call regarding benefits.
So, those struggling with paying for daily food and other expenses must consider making a SNAP benefits application.