Food Stamps for Seniors on Social Security

The federal food assistance program, SNAP, sometimes also called Food Stamps, is available to low-income households to encourage healthy food choices. The income and resource limits for applicants are higher for people over 60 years old, and seniors can apply even while receiving Social Security benefits.

Lindsey Crossmier, writer for RetireGuide
  • Written by
    Lindsey Crossmier

    Lindsey Crossmier

    Financial Writer

    Lindsey Crossmier is an accomplished writer with experience working for The Florida Review and Bookstar PR. As a financial writer, she covers Medicare, life insurance and dental insurance topics for RetireGuide. Research-based data drives her work.

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  • Edited By
    Lamia Chowdhury
    Lamia Chowdhury, editor for RetireGuide.com

    Lamia Chowdhury

    Financial Editor

    Lamia Chowdhury is a financial content editor for RetireGuide and has over three years of marketing experience in the finance industry. She has written copy for both digital and print pieces ranging from blogs, radio scripts and search ads to billboards, brochures, mailers and more.

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  • Published: March 3, 2023
  • Updated: March 21, 2023
  • 4 min read time
  • This page features 7 Cited Research Articles
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How to Cite RetireGuide.com's Article

APA Crossmier, L. (2023, March 21). Food Stamps for Seniors on Social Security. RetireGuide.com. Retrieved April 1, 2023, from https://www.retireguide.com/social-security/benefits/food-stamps-for-seniors/

MLA Crossmier, Lindsey. "Food Stamps for Seniors on Social Security." RetireGuide.com, 21 Mar 2023, https://www.retireguide.com/social-security/benefits/food-stamps-for-seniors/.

Chicago Crossmier, Lindsey. "Food Stamps for Seniors on Social Security." RetireGuide.com. Last modified March 21, 2023. https://www.retireguide.com/social-security/benefits/food-stamps-for-seniors/.

Key Takeaways
  • The SNAP program evolved from earlier food assistance programs and is sometimes still called Food Stamps.
  • SNAP provides monthly benefits to increase food security and help low-income households make nutritious food choices.
  • Most applicants must meet gross and net income limits to qualify for SNAP, but seniors only need to meet the net income limit.
  • You can receive SNAP even if you are already receiving Social Security benefits.

How Do Food Stamps Work?

The national Food Stamp program was first introduced by the Roosevelt government in 1939. As the Food Stamp program grew and changed over the decades, other food and nutrition programs were added to the portfolio. Today, the Food and Nutrition Service, which operates under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, conducts 15 federal food assistance programs.

The largest of these programs, formerly known as Food Stamps, is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In addition to Social Security and retirement benefits, SNAP provides monthly benefits to enhance the food budgets of families in need, so they can make healthy, self-sufficient food choices.

More than 42 million people are currently enrolled in the SNAP program, according to Feeding America. Of those, 4.8 million are seniors over 60 years old.

What Is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

SNAP is the current form of the program formerly known as Food Stamps. SNAP’s goal is to reduce hunger and increase food security.

Participants receive monthly benefits on an electronic benefit transfer card (EBT). The EBT card is similar in form and function to a debit card and can be used at any grocery that accepts SNAP. Fortunately, most grocery stores accept this form of payment.

Who Is Eligible for SNAP on Social Security?

To qualify for SNAP benefits, most applicants must meet limits on gross income (before deductions) and net income (after deductions), as well as limits on countable resources. Seniors over 60 years old and applicants with disabilities only have to meet the net income limit. Their limit on countable resources is also higher than other applicants.

You can receive SNAP even if you are getting other social assistance. In fact, almost half of SNAP recipients also receive Social Security benefits.

Until the end of September 2023, the net monthly income limit to qualify for SNAP is $1,133 for an individual, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The amount increases depending on the size of the household.

Rules and Special Circumstances

If you are 60 and over, you can have $4,250 worth of countable resources and still receive SNAP benefits. Countable resources include bank accounts and some vehicles. However, homes, Social Security income and most retirement or pension plans are not considered countable resources.

Your SNAP benefit depends on the size of your household and your monthly income, and you are expected to spend 30% of your own income on food. Your monthly benefit is calculated by the maximum allotment for the size of your household minus the amount of that 30%.

How To Apply for SNAP

Although SNAP is a federal program, it is administered by state agencies. To apply, you must fill out an application form from your local SNAP office, which will be processed within 30 days. During that time, you’ll have an interview in which you’ll provide proof of your financial eligibility. If you are accepted into the SNAP program, your benefits will begin based on the day your application was received.

How To Contact SNAP
You can call the toll-free information number at 1-800-221-5689.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, your local SSA office can also help you complete and submit your SNAP application.

Resources for Seniors Interested in SNAP

Because SNAP is administered at the state level, the application process differs for each state. Your SNAP benefit will depend on the size of your household and your monthly income. Check with your local SNAP or Social Security office for details.

The Food and Nutrition Service also offer other food assistance programs for seniors, including programs for military and veteran families, farmer’s markets and adult day programs.

In addition, US.gov can connect you to information about food help near you.

Frequently Asked Questions About SNAP

When will you receive confirmation of your SNAP benefits?
You should receive confirmation and an eligibility interview within 30 days of submitting your application.
How will you receive your SNAP benefits?
Your monthly benefits will be automatically loaded onto an EBT card, which you can use at participating grocery stores.
Can you be eligible for SNAP while on disability benefits?
Yes, you can be eligible for SNAP if you are currently receiving disability benefits. Applicants with disabilities are only subject to the net income limit. The cap on countable resources is also higher than for regular applicants.
Last Modified: March 21, 2023

7 Cited Research Articles

  1. McGovern, E.K.. (2021, March 31) 7 Facts About Older Adults and SNAP. Retrieved from https://www.ncoa.org/article/7-facts-about-older-adults-and-snap
  2. Food And Nutrition Service (FNS). (n.d.). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Retrieved from https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
  3. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). SNAP Special Rules for the Elderly or Disabled. Retrieved from https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility/elderly-disabled-special-rules
  4. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Assistance for Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.fns.usda.gov/assistance-seniors
  5. Hunger + Health. (n.d.). SNAP-Eligible Households. Retrieved from https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/explore-our-work/programs-target-populations/snap-eligible-households/
  6. Social Security Administration. (n.d.). Looking for a local office? Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
  7. USA.gov. (n.d.). Food Assistance. Retrieved from https://www.usa.gov/food-help