Seniors and Food Stamps

Can seniors and people with disabilities get food stamps?

Many seniors and people with disabilities get food stamps. There are special eligibility rules for seniors age 60 or older and for the disabled. These special rules make it easier to qualify.



Households with senior or disabled members:



have a higher asset limit, up to $3000

can take medical deductions for senior/disabled members

do not have a limit on the shelter deduction

do not have to pass a gross income test

In addition, seniors and people with disabilities:



do not have to meet food stamp work requirements

can have a telephone interview or home visit instead of an in-office interview

if both disabled and senior, may be allowed to apply as a separate food stamp household even if sharing meals with others.

There are also special rules that make it easier for seniors and disabled people who get SSI to apply for food stamps:



If everyone in your food stamp household is getting or applying for SSI, you can apply for food stamps at your local Social Security office. The SSI food stamp application is a simple one-page form. The SSA worker will help you fill out the form and will send it to the DTA for you.



Many SSI recipients are eligible for a special food stamp application process called Bay State CAP (Combined Application Project). Bay State CAP has a short application that uses your SSI proofs, certifies you for three years, and often results in higher food stamp benefits than the regular application. For more information, see Bay State CAP.