What Is SNAP and How Do I Apply?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Americans with low income pay for food. If you’re an older adult struggling to afford groceries, these benefits can help you stretch your budget and eat healthier every day. You can apply through the SNAP agency in your state.

If you need assistance buying food, you’re not alone. About 7.7 million adults age 60 and older faced food insecurity in 2024, according to Feeding America.¹

This guide explains how SNAP works, who may qualify, and how to apply for these benefits.

What is SNAP? And how can it help older adults?

SNAP, formerly called food stamps, is a food assistance program that helps people with limited means afford groceries. 

Having access to affordable, healthy food is important no matter your age. But today, millions of older adults are feeling the strain of rising prices and uncertainty. The latest Census Bureau data shows that nearly 10% of adults age 65+ lived in poverty in 2025.² 

For many people with limited income, SNAP makes a real difference. It’s a lifeline for older adults who might otherwise face hunger, malnutrition, and the stress of not being able to put enough food on their table. 

NCOA data shows us that more than 9 million older adults are eligible for SNAP but not enrolled, resulting in only 38% participation in this program. Those who miss out on these benefits may be forced to make difficult choices between buying groceries, paying for medications, and covering rent or utilities. “These life-saving benefits are crucial in helping them stretch their limited dollars and being able to afford essentials,” explained NCOA President and CEO Ramsey Alwin.  

Take Jane, for example. Jane is 89 and in poor health due to cancer. Referring to her monthly SNAP benefits, she told her benefits counselor:

"The food stamps I get help me buy the healthy foods I need to keep my strength up. I really rely on them to buy fresh fruits and vegetables."

SNAP Quick Facts

How do you use SNAP benefits to buy food?

If you’re approved for SNAP food assistance, you will receive a fixed monthly amount on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. You can use this prepaid card just like a debit card to purchase eligible food in most grocery stores and other retail stores that sell food. Many farmers markets throughout America also accept EBT cards as payment.

 

How much can I get in SNAP benefits? 

The amount of SNAP benefits you receive depends on your household size, income, and certain expenses. If your household has someone who is 60 or older or living with a disability, your housing costs and medical expenses may affect your benefit amount. The agency that handles SNAP in your state will calculate your monthly benefit when you apply. 

The average SNAP benefit for a one-person senior household is $188 per month, or $2,256 per year.³ This amount is even higher if you live in Alaska or Hawaii. 

A household is defined as “everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together.”

What can I buy with SNAP benefits? 

If you’re approved for SNAP, you can use your EBT card to buy fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry, and fish; breads and cereals; dairy products; snack foods; and non-alcoholic beverages. SNAP assistance can also be used to buy seeds and plants to grow food for a household.

There are also clear rules about what you cannot buy with a SNAP card. These benefits can't be used to buy alcohol and tobacco products; vitamins and supplements; and other nonfood items (including pet food).

Who qualifies for SNAP benefits?

SNAP assistance is open to anyone who meets their state’s guidelines, from young families to older adults living on their own. Each state has different rules for SNAP. Typically, your monthly income and assets must be below a certain amount. Read about the 2026-2027 SNAP income limits here.

You will also probably have to meet specific work requirements to get SNAP benefits. These rules changed as of Feb. 1, 2026.

What are the new SNAP work requirements?

Under the updated SNAP work rules:

• Adults age 55 to 64 who can work and do not have dependents may now have to work, volunteer, or join a SNAP Employment and Training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. Before, this rule stopped at age 55. 
• Some caregivers may still qualify for an exemption, and final guidance from the federal government is still being worked out.
• Veterans are no longer automatically exempt from these work rules. 

These SNAP work rules may affect how long some older adults and veterans can receive SNAP benefits—especially in areas with limited job opportunities. Check with your local SNAP office to learn when these rules mean for you and your household.

Are there special SNAP rules for adults age 60 or older?

Yes. SNAP has special rules for adults age 60 or older that may make it easier to qualify. Your household generally only needs to meet the net income limit after allowed expenses are subtracted. You may also be able to subtract certain medical costs you pay yourself (if they total more than $35 a month). 

If an asset limit applies, your household can usually have more in savings than households without an older adult or a person with a disability. But the exact rules depend on your state. Ask your local SNAP office which ones apply to your situation. 

How can I check if I qualify for SNAP?

What is the SNAP cost-of-living adjustment for 2027?

For fiscal year 2027, maximum allotments increased for the 48 U.S. states and D.C., Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.4 Families of four have a maximum allotment of $1,023 if they are in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.

For the rest of the U.S.:

• In Alaska, a family of four will receive a maximum of $1,306 to $2,027.⁴
• In Hawaii, a family of four will receive a maximum of $1,655.⁴
• In Guam, a family of four will receive a maximum of $1,507.⁴
• In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a family of four will receive a maximum of $1,315.⁴

SNAP benefit amounts are adjusted at the start of each federal fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. These changes are based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), or the amount of money needed to support a basic standard of living.

What is the SNAP excess medical expense deduction?

If you spend more than $35 a month on out-of-pocket medical costs, you may be able to deduct that amount from your gross income when applying for SNAP. This can result in a higher monthly payment. Many seniors who qualify for the excess medical expense deduction don’t use it, potentially missing out on a big increase in benefits. See our fact sheet to learn more about this important deduction.

How do I apply for SNAP?

You apply for SNAP through the agency that manages the food assistance program in your state of residence. Depending on your state, you can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a local SNAP office.

The SNAP application may ask about:

• The size of your household
• Your annual income
• Any assets you have (e.g., cash, property)

Additional information may be required to help determine the amount of SNAP assistance you receive. While you may be hesitant to provide this type of personal information online, rest assured that SNAP applications are protected by special security technology that keeps your information private.

Processing your SNAP application can take up to 30 days. In some cases, your local SNAP office may reach out to ask you additional questions before they make a final decision regarding benefits.

Don’t assume you’re not eligible for SNAP assistance

If you don’t check your SNAP eligibility, you could be giving up valuable assistance that can help improve your quality of life. You have nothing to lose by finding out whether you or someone else qualifies. In fact, you could gain a lot, including all the health benefits that come from eating enough and eating well.

Need help getting food right now?

If you or someone you know is having a hard time affording food, there are still steps you can take now. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org to find local programs that may be able to help right away. Enter your ZIP code to explore benefits available in your area, including SNAP, as well as other programs that can help you pay for medicine, utilities, and more.

BenefitsCheckUp is free, confidential, and easy to use. You can also contact your local SNAP office for the most up-to-date information on benefits in your area.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does SNAP have an asset limit?
Some states limit how much you can have in assets, such as cash and money in bank accounts. Many states have no asset limit for most households. If a limit applies, households with someone age 60 or older or someone with a disability generally have a higher limit. Your home and most retirement accounts don’t count toward this limit. Check with your local SNAP office for details.  

Does SNAP require an interview?
Yes, most applicants must complete an interview, usually by phone or in person. A caseworker will review your application and may ask for more information. Some households may be able to skip the interview (called an “interview waiver”). Your state SNAP office will tell you what’s required. 

Can I get emergency SNAP benefits?
Yes. If you have very little income and money available, you may be able to get SNAP benefits within 7 days. This is often called “expedited SNAP,” though some states may call it by a different name. Apply using your state’s regular SNAP application and tell the SNAP office you need food right away. The office will check if you qualify for faster help.

When will my SNAP benefits be deposited? 
SNAP payment dates for 2026 into 2027 are decided by each individual state; there's no set nationwide schedule. In most states, benefits are deposited on the same day each month. To learn about SNAP payment dates in your state, visit the USDA SNAP Directory. There, you can find the contact information for your local SNAP office.

Sources

1. Feeding America. Food insecurity reaches every U.S. community, with rural and southern counties facing the highest rates. July 8, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/press-room/Map-the-Meal-Gap-2026

2. U.S. Census Bureau. POV-01. Age and Sex of All People, Family Members, and Unrelated Individuals, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/cps-pov/pov-01.html

3. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits. Updated October 3, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/a-quick-guide-to-snap-eligibility-and-benefits

4. USDA. Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments. Found on the internet at https://www.fna.usda.gov/snap/allotment/cola/fy27