SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—formerly known as the Food Stamp program—is a federally funded means-tested entitlement program that provides certain low-income individuals and families with a monthly benefit (an allotment) that they can use to buy the food they need to stay healthy. As of 2013, nearly 3 million older adults (aged 60+) are enrolled in SNAP, with an average monthly benefit (in FY2011) of $122.1 Here we review what SNAP is, how it works, the eligibility criteria, and how you can help your clients. How Does the SNAP Benefit Work People who qualify for SNAP get their benefits through a special card called an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The EBT card works just like a debit card. Your clients buy their groceries at a participating food store and, using the card, the cost is taken out of the account linked to their card. Before we explain the ins and outs of SNAP in more detail, here are few things you should know about: Using SNAP Most food stores accept SNAP EBT cards; as of July 2013, there are more than 245,000 participating stores nationwide. Many stores have a decal sticker in their window that lets you know they accept SNAP benefits. Use SNAP’s store retailer locator to help your clients find stores near them that welcome SNAP benefits. Under certain circumstances, SNAP benefits can be used in other ways, such as to pay for Meals on Wheels. View list of eligible and non-eligible food items. Once approved, your clients will get a benefit amount (based on their level of eligibility). This amount is loaded onto their EBT card on a monthly basis. Each state has a set time of the month when it distributes (or loads) benefits. Find out how and when benefits are available in your state. Qualifying for SNAP Eligibility for SNAP is determined by the income of a household. For the purposes of SNAP, everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together is grouped together as one household2. However, if a person is 60 years of age or older and unable to purchase and prepare meals separately (e.g., because of a permanent disability), he or she and spouse may be considered a separate household if the others he or she lives with do not have very much income (no more than 165% of the Federal Poverty Level). Some people who live together such as husbands and wives and most

1

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Characteristics of SNAP Households: Fiscal Year 2011. November 2012. http://www.fns.usda.gov/ora/MENU/Pubslished/snap/FILES/Participation/2011Characteristics.pdf 2 Title 7: Agriculture, §273.1, Certification of Eligible Households, Subpart A: General Rules.

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children under age 22 are included in the same household even if they purchase and prepare meals separately. Your clients must meet financial and other eligibility rules to get SNAP. We’ll go over these specific rules later on. Many who qualify for SNAP benefits generally get their benefits for a 6- or 12-month period. However, people over the age of 60 may be eligible for up to 24 months. Find out the rules in your state. Your clients can apply for SNAP through their local assistance offices. These agencies may vary from state by state. For example, the state agency administering SNAP may be located at the DHS office (Department of Health Services) or the Social Security office. Locate your local SNAP office. All states must make an eligibility decision within 30 days of receiving an application. They must also provide an expedited decision in 7 days for those who qualify in an emergency situation. When your clients are approved for SNAP benefits, they may get pro-rated benefits for the first month. This means they may not have to wait till the following month for their first benefit; they may get a portion of the benefits dating back to when they initially applied. For example, if they applied during the middle of the month, they may get 50% of the benefits remaining for that month. Then, the following month they will get their 100% of their approved benefit. Find out the rules in your state. This is why is it important for your client to submit an application with name, address, and signature even if they don’t know the rest of the requested information on the application. This begins the process. Now let’s take a closer look at the program. Background and Overview The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, or FNS, oversees SNAP; however, each state determines eligibility and delivers the benefits. Generally states must follow the federal guidelines of the program, although there are options state agencies may use to help meet the needs of eligible individuals and families in their states. (Find out the specifics of the program in your state.) These amounts may change from year to year. Important Note: Unlike most other benefit assistance programs which follow the calendar year, FNS follows the federal fiscal year; therefore, the income guidelines for SNAP are in effect from October 1 through September 30 of the following year. (For example, from October 2013-September 2014, FNS applies the federal poverty levels from 2013 rather than 2014 when determining federal income eligibility standards.) Eligibility Rules Most households must meet an income and a resource test for SNAP. However, some people are automatically eligible for SNAP, including those who get: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)* Public or General Assistance

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) *SSI recipients in California are not eligible for SNAP benefits because they get a state supplement to their SSI benefits (called a cash-out”) in place of SNAP benefits. If your clients get one of these benefits listed above they are categorically eligible for SNAP. This means they do not have to prove they qualify for SNAP because they’ve already proven that they are eligible for one of these income support programs for which the rules are at least as strict as the SNAP rules. However, they may still need to complete a SNAP application in your state, unless the SNAP application is combined together with the application, as it may be in your state for General Assistance or TANF. Find out the rules in your state. Your clients who are not getting SSI, General Assistance (if your state has this kind of income support program), or TANF have to prove the income and assets they report on their SNAP application. SNAP - Income Test Most households (since SNAP can serve people of ALL ages) must meet a gross and a net income limit to be eligible for SNAP. But, people who are 60 years of age or older (or who are disabled, generally those who receive SSI or SSDI) need only meet the net income limit. What is net income? Net income is calculated when you add the total income of a household (i.e., the gross income), then take away a number of approved deductions (see list of approved deductions down below). The net income test must be at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and again according to the federal fiscal year (see previous page for explanation). The following federal guidelines are in effect from Oct. 1, 2013-Sept. 30, 2014: Net Income (100% Federal Poverty Level)3 Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each add’l person

48 States and D.C. $958 $1,293 $1,628 $1,963 $2,298 $2,633 $2,968 $3,303 +$335

Alaska $1,196 $1,615 $2,035 $2,454 $2,873 $3,292 $3,711 $4,130 +$420

Hawaii $1,103 $1,488 $1,873 $2,258 $2,643 $3,028 $3,413 $3,798 +$385

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Amounts effective through September 30, 2014. Source: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/government/FY14_Income_Standards.htm

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IMPORTANT: Some states may have more relaxed income tests, including eligibility for individuals at less than 100% FPL. Your state or local office can explain the rules in your state. Check your state’s eligibility criteria to find out the income limit. SNAP – Allowable Income Deductions There are certain deductions that are allowed when determining a household’s net income: Standard Deduction Off the top, anyone who is applying for SNAP can subtract from their income a standard deduction. This standard deduction accounts for basic, unavoidable household costs. The standard deduction amount varies by state and by the size of household, and may change each year (typically by a few dollars). The standard deductions are as follows (effective Oct. 1, 2013-Sept. 30, 2014): Standard Deductions4 Household Size

Location

48 States & DC Alaska Hawaii Guam Virgin Islands

1-3 $152 $260 $215 $306 $132

4 $163 $260 $215 $326 $160

5 $191 $260 $220 $382 $187

6+ $219 $274 $252 $438 $214

Medical Deductions Your clients 60+ can deduct certain medical costs beyond $35 from their gross income. And, there is no cap on medical deductions for the elderly and disabled, however, your clients must provide documentation. Allowable medical deductions can include: o Cost of health insurance premiums, deductibles, and copayments (including outof-pocket costs in Medicare) o Hospitalization and nursing home care costs o Attendant, home health aide, homemaker, or child care services o Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, supplies and equipment o Eyeglasses prescribed by an optometrist or specialist o Hearing aids, prosthetics o Most dental care including dentures o Medically related expenses such as lodging and transportation (including mileage, calculated at the federal rate = 56.5¢/mile in FY13) o Costs associated with owning a service dog

4

Amounts effective through September 30, 2014. Source: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/government/FY14_Allot_Deduct.htm

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Amounts over the first $35 do not qualify for the medical deduction if they were paid by insurance (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid) or by someone outside the household. Many of your clients likely (and easily) meet the $35 excess medical expense “deductible.” For example, they pay the Medicare Part B premium ($104.90 for most in 2013), either directly or deducted from their monthly Social Security benefit. This would satisfy the $35 amount. NOTE: Some states allow a standard medical deduction. This process requires less paperwork, that is, a person only needs to show unreimbursed medical expenses over $35 to claim the standard deduction amount (deduction amounts vary by state). States that currently have a standard medical deduction include: AR, IL, IA, KS, MA, MO, NH, RI, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, and WY, with deductions ranging from $83-$245. Depending on the amount of health care costs, people in these states can use either the regular medical deduction process or the standard medical deduction, whichever maximizes their SNAP benefit. Learn more about the standard medical deduction in our July 2013 webinar, Maximizing SNAP benefits through the Medical Expense Deduction. Excess Housing Deductions Certain shelter costs that are over half of the household’s income may be deducted. And there is no cap on shelter deductions for the elderly and disabled. Allowable shelter costs include: o Rent, mortgage, taxes, interest o Cost of utilities such as gas, electricity, and water IMPORTANT NOTE about Utilities & Helping Your Clients with Housing Deductions Utility costs can add up. These may include the cost of heating, air conditioning, electricity, gas/fuel, water, sewage, trash collection, and/or telephone. Instead of calculating each of these costs separately under the housing deduction, your clients may be able to use the “standard utility allowance,” (or SUA). For most of your clients, the SUA may be a higher deduction than the actual costs of their utilities. Most states, including the District of Columbia, require a mandatory SUA, meaning your clients get the standard utility deduction.5 (If they can show higher utility costs, your clients can substitute that amount for the standard deduction.) A small number of states make the SUA optional (meaning your clients have the option to either take the standard deduction or submit proof of their utility costs). And, many states allow your clients to use the SUA even if, for example, heating and cooling is included in the rent or if they get assistance from LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

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Food and Nutrition Service, Survey of States SUA, FY13, available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/rules/Memo/SUAAlpha.htm

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The SUA is a significant deduction, which can help bring your clients’ net household income that much closer to being eligible for SNAP. Learn about the SUA rules in your state. SNAP – Resource/Asset Test A household with someone who is either 60 years or older or disabled may have liquid resources (e.g., cash on hand, checking and savings accounts, stocks) of up to $3,250. States may choose to increase or remove this asset limit. As of July 2013, 36 states (AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, MS, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, VT, WA, WI, and WV) D.C., Guam and, the U.S. Virgin Islands have eliminated the resource limit for households with elderly or disabled members. Many other states have either increased the resource limit or apply the resource test only if older adult gross household income is above 200% of FPL (ID, TX, and MI have asset limits of $5,000; NE has raised its asset limit to $25,000; PA has asset limits of $5,500 for most households and $9,000 for households with one person who is over age 60 or disabled).6 SNAP – Other Eligibility Criteria To get SNAP, your clients must generally be U.S. citizens and a resident of your state. Some non-citizens admitted to the U.S. as refugees, or permanent residents, can get SNAP. How Much SNAP Benefits Can Your Eligible Clients Get The amount of SNAP benefits varies, depending on: How many people live in the household, The total household income and expenses, Where they live (i.e., benefits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii), and What deductions they may take. The amount of the household’s SNAP benefit is based on the Thrifty Food Plan, a low-cost model diet plan based on the National Academy of Sciences’ Recommended Dietary Allowances and food choices of low-income households. Using this calculation, it’s expected that a household would spend 30% of their monthly income on food. To find out the household's benefit, the net monthly income of the household is multiplied by .30 (the amount expected to spend on groceries), and then subtracted from the maximum benefit for the household size. According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau7, the 6

Food and Nutrition Services, Broad-based Categorical Eligibility, available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/rules/Memo/BBCE.pdf 7

U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplement Table AVG1. Average Number of People per Household, by Race and Hispanic Origin, Marital Status, Age, and Education of Householder: 2010 http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/hh-fam/cps2010.html

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average household size for people over the age of 65 is a two-person household. As age increases (75 and older), the average household size decreases. IMPORTANT NOTE: As of November 1, 2013, your clients who receive SNAP benefits may see a slight decrease in their monthly allotment. This is due to the end of the extra benefits that were provided by the 2009 stimulus law (the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, or ARRA, temporarily increased the maximum benefit to 13.6% above the 2009 Thrifty Food Plan through Nov. 1, 2013). The decrease in benefits will last through the remainder of the FY14. Therefore, the maximum SNAP benefit from Oct. 1, 2013 – Oct. 31, 2013 is: Household Size

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each add’l person

Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit (Allotment)8 48 States and D.C. Hawaii $200 $367 $526 $668 $793 $952 $1,052 $1,202 $150

Alaska Urban $239 $438 $627 $797 $946 $1,135 $1,255 $1,434 +$179

Rural I $304 $559 $800 $1,016 $1,207 $1,448 $1,600 $1,829 +$229

Rural II $371 $680 $974 $1,237 $1,469 $1,762 $1,948 $2,226 +$278

$330 $605 $867 $1,100 $1,307 $1,568 $1,734 $1,981 +$248

And, the maximum SNAP benefit from Nov. 1, 2013 – Sept. 30, 2014 is: Household Size

1 2 3 4 5 6

Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit (Allotment)9 48 States and D.C. Hawaii $189 $347 $497 $632 $750 $900

Alaska Urban $226 $415 $594 $755 $896 $1,076

Rural I $288 $529 $758 $962 $1,143 $1,372

Rural II $351 $644 $922 $1,172 $1,391 $1,670

$330 $605 $867 $1,100 $1,307 $1,568

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Maximum monthly allotment, effective Oct. 1,2013-Oct. 31, 2013. Sources: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/government/FY14_Allot_Deduct.htm and http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/government/FY14_Allot_Deduct_AKHIGUVI-1.htm 9 Maximum monthly allotment, effective Nov. 1,2013-Sept. 30, 2014. Source: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/rules/Memo/2013/FY_2014_COLA_memo.pdf

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7 8 Each add’l person

$995 $1,137 $142

$1,189 $1,359 +$170

$1,516 $1,733 +$217

$1,845 $2,109 +$264

$1,734 $1,981 +$248

Case Examples Now, let’s take a look at how these rules and eligibility may apply using a couple illustrative sample clients: Example #1: Tom (age 68) and Mary (age 66) live in Ohio. Their monthly income includes a Social Security retirement benefit check and pension benefit in the combined amount of $1,900. They own their home and have no mortgage. They have a fair amount of medical and prescription expenses. Step 1: Calculate income $1,900 (gross income) $152 (standard deduction for 2-person household in Ohio) - $ 1,100 (medical deductions, e.g., Medicare Part B & D premiums, copays) $648 (John and Mary’s total net income) x .30 (amount expected to spend on groceries) $194.40 (amount of their net income for groceries) Step 2: Calculate monthly SNAP benefit (as of Nov. 1, 2013) $347 (maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a 2-person household in Ohio) - $194 (net income for groceries, rounded to nearest dollar) $153 (John and Mary’s estimated monthly SNAP benefit) Based on this screening, it appears John and Mary would receive each month $153 on their SNAP EBT card to spend on groceries. They can use their SNAP benefits to purchase food at grocery stores and retailers that accept EBT. They cannot use their SNAP benefits to purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, and non-food items (e.g., paper products, pet food, personal and/or household cleaning supplies). Example #2: Sarah (age 66) lives alone in Nebraska. She gets a monthly Social Security retirement check in the amount of $1,100. She rents an apartment in a senior housing community development. She is fairly healthy and has minimal medical and prescription expenses. Step 1: Calculate income $1,100 (gross income) $152 (standard deduction for 1-person household in Nebraska) $200 (medical deductions, such as Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays)

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-

$600 (housing deductions, e.g., rent, electricity, water) $148 (Sarah’s total net income) x .30 (amount expected to spend on groceries) $44.40 (amount of her net income for groceries)

Step 2: Calculate monthly SNAP benefit (as of Nov. 1, 2013) -

$189 (maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a 1-person household in Nebraska) $44 (net income for groceries, rounded to nearest dollar) $145 (Sarah’s estimated monthly SNAP benefit)

Based on this screening, it appears Sarah would receive each month $145 on her SNAP EBT card – a significant amount to help her buy sufficient and healthy food. Applying for SNAP Anyone can apply for SNAP. Since each state runs its own program, you’ll need to check with your state program to find out specific rules for applying. Use BenefitsCheckUp SNAP map for SNAP contact info in your state including your states’ program website, contact phone number, and the online application (if available). Many states have online SNAP applications, or you may have to print the application and bring to local SNAP office. Most states offer a SNAP eligibility calculator to help you screen your clients for eligibility. You can also use the online tool at www.BenefitsCheckUp.org. How You Can Help Your Clients Only three out of 10 eligible seniors applies for SNAP.10 Therefore, many of the people you meet and counsel with may be eligible for this critical benefit and are not applying. As you meet with clients, help them learn more about the SNAP benefit and how to apply. Remember: If your clients are age 60 or older, or get Social Security or SSI disability benefits, and their income is above the 100% FPL amount, they may still be eligible for SNAP. This is because SNAP has many types of income deductions such as medical and housing costs that are especially generous for qualified elderly and disabled people who apply. And, this is where you can especially help your clients – those who live at or below 200% the FPL could be eligible for SNAP in some states, depending on other factors. NOTE: Currently almost half of the Medicare population lives below 200% FPL, which amounts to roughly $23,000 a year, or about $2,000 a month.11 Many may be 10

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Research and Analysis (ORA).Trends in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates, 2001-2008. June 2010. Available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/ora/menu/Published/snap/FILES/Participation/Trends2002-09Sum.pdf 11 U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplement. Table: PINC08. Source of Income in 2009-People 15 Years Old and Over, By Income of Specified Type in 2009, Age, Race, Hispanic Origin, & Sex, at: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/cpstables/032010/perinc/new08_000.htm

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eligible for SNAP if they have enough medical and housing expenses that can be deducted to help them meet the net income test. With the allowable deductions, your clients with limited income may be eligible for SNAP, which could greatly improve their quality of life and economic security by helping them go to the supermarket and buy sufficient and healthy food. NOTE: The average SNAP benefit for a person 60+ living alone is $122 a month, or $1,464 annually12. This sum can get them a significant amount of food. Help your clients understand the rules of the program, how they can deduct certain medical and housing costs. Help connect those who appear eligible with this benefit, so they can stay healthy. And, using a person-centered approach, connect them with this important benefit along with other benefits such as the Part D low-income subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs, so they can improve their quality of life. Additional Resources Learn more about the medical deduction in our 2-page fact sheet, SNAPshots: Maximizing the SNAP Medical Expense Deduction for Older Adults. Check out our handy publication, 8 Facts about Older Adults and SNAP. Download slides and access a recording of our July 2013 webinar, Maximizing SNAP Benefits through the Medical Expense Deduction. See the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) 4-page fact sheet, A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits (revised August 2013) and CBPP’s 20-page guide, SNAP Online: A Review of State Government SNAP Websites (Updated May 2013). References See the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) webpage, ARRA: SNAP benefits are changing. See the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) website for more general information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including federal guidelines for the 48 U.S. states and D.C. See Special Rules for the Elderly or Disabled. See the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) website for current and past years SNAP maximum benefit, deductions, and income eligibility standards. For more info on improving outreach, see the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Outreach webpage.

12

FNS Report, Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2011, at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/ora/MENU/Published/snap/FILES/Participation/2011Characteristics.pdf

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