The United States Department of Agriculture offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help low-income individuals and families buy healthy food.
If you are 60 years or older or have a disability, there are special rules and benefits that can make it easier for you to qualify.
Support is out there with your name on it, explore your benefits now!
Who Qualifies as Elderly or Disabled?
You may be considered elderly or disabled if:
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You’re 60 years old or older.
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You receive disability or blindness payments (e.g., Social Security Administration SSI).
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You receive disability retirement benefits from a government agency.
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You get Railroad Retirement and qualify for Medicare.
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You’re a veteran who is totally disabled or needs regular care.
Who Counts in a SNAP Household?
A SNAP household includes everyone who:
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Lives together and
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Buys and prepares food together.
Seniors who can’t prepare meals separately due to disability may qualify as a separate SNAP household, especially if others they live with have limited income.
Even if you live in a facility or group home, you may still qualify for SNAP if:
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You live in federally subsidized housing for the elderly.
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You live in a small nonprofit group home (16 or fewer residents).
SNAP Income Limits for Elderly & Disabled (Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026)
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1 person: $1,305
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2 people: $1,763
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3 people: $2,221
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4 people: $2,680
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5 people: $3,138
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6 people: $3,596
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7 people: $4,055
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8 people: $4,513
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Each additional person: +$459
If you already receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you are automatically eligible for SNAP.
Deductions That Lower Your Countable Income
SNAP subtracts certain expenses from your income to help you qualify:
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20% deduction on earned income.
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Standard deduction: $204 (1–3 people), $254 (5 people), $291 (6+ people).
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Dependent care costs.
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Child support payments.
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Shelter and utility costs above half of your income.
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Medical costs over $35/month for elderly or disabled members (including prescriptions, doctor visits, insurance premiums, and transportation to medical appointments).
Tip: Keep receipts or bills for your medical costs, these can help lower your net income.
Resource Limits
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If your household includes someone elderly or disabled, the resource limit is $4,500.
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Resources include money in bank accounts, CDs, stocks, or bonds.
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Your home does not count toward the resource limit.
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Many people are “categorically eligible” (automatically eligible), meaning no resource limit applies.
How Long You Can Get SNAP?
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If all members are elderly or disabled and have no income, your certification period can last 36 months.
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If there’s earned income, it’s 12 months.
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You must recertify at the end of this period to continue receiving benefits.
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