In the United States, the govt has implemented the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP program for the take care of senior citizens. It is reported that nearly 15 million seniors in the US have faced problems buying nutritious food for their survival. The US govt has shown concern towards senior citizens who are now retired and need special care. SNAP is a food stamp program that helps the people of the US to buy grocery items at lower rates.
Recently, the govt has made changes in the SNAP program for the benefit of senior citizens whose age is more than 60 years. The new SNAP has included higher income people, there are deductions in medical expenses, the application process is simplified, and more, check full details below.
Understanding SNAP Benefits for Seniors
SNAP is a program run in the United States that helps poor families to afford nutritious food. Now, the US govt has updated the SNAP program to benefit people with age more than 60 years. Senior citizens who are suffering from financial crises will benefit from the SNAP Program’s new updates.
Increased Income Limits
The US govt has increased the income threshold for people above 60 years. The govt has acknowledged that senior citizens have more expenses than younger people and their income limit should be higher so that more senior citizens can benefit from the SNAP program. The new threshold values are given in the below table.
| Number of Members in Home | General Income Limit | Senior Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 member | $1473 per month | $2148 per month |
| 2 members | $1984 per month | $2904 per month |
| 3 members | $2495 per month | $3660 per month |
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Medical Expense Deductions
The new SNAP rule will allow people with age more than 60 years to deduct their medical bills from their gross monthly income. Now, more senior citizens can benefit from SNAP. You can deduct the following from the monthly income while calculating eligibility for the SNAP.
- Prescribed medicine
- Doctor visits charge and medical equipment charge
- Health insurance premiums can be minus from the net income
Simplified Application Process
The application form submission process for senior citizens will be simplified now. They do not need to suffer the admin work and there will be less paperwork for them.
Combining SNAP with Social Security Benefits
Senior citizens who are receiving Social Security can take SNAP as a supplement program that helps them financially. The people who are receiving retirement benefits disability benefits or any other benefit will receive the additional payment for SNAP.
Additional Factors Affecting SNAP Eligibility for Seniors
There are other factors too apart from age and income that affect SNAP eligibility, check them below.
The US govt will consider the number of members in the home like all members are seniors or there are some adults in the family. More older people will get the benefit in eligibility.
The US govt will check the household type and total assets while deciding the eligibility for SNAP.
| Household Type | Asset Limit |
| Home with Seniors | $4250 |
| General Home | $2750 |
People who are above 60 years old and have some disabilities will get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and also they can apply for the SNAP.
How to Appeal a Denied SNAP Application
If a person gets rejected for the SNAP Program, he can appeal by following the below steps.
- Locate the Appeal Section: The person needs to mention that I want to appeal for the rejected SNAP and I disagree with this decision. Mention the date on the letter and do your sign on it. Submit the letter to the local SNAP office.
- Contact a Caseworker: If you contact the caseworker directly, they can assist you with the appeal process and it will take less time for the appeal.
- Follow the Deadline: The US govt has given the time limit of 90 days to file an appeal for the rejected SNAP program.
State-Level Differences in SNAP Benefits for Seniors
The payment under the SNAP program may differ from one state to another.
- Hawaii The people are getting the highest payment for SNAP here, the amount is $385.
- Florida older people are given preference in the SNAP program.
- New Mexico The states include more people in SNAP benefits by relaxing asset limits and easier application process.
SNAP Program is additional financial assistance for people who are aged more than 60 years. The US govt has changed the rules for the benefit of senior citizens so that they do not rush to the offices to apply for the SNAP program, The application process is easier now. More people can take the benefit of SNAP. The US govt will not count the medical expenses of senior citizen in their total income.