SNAP recipients no longer receive food stamps, but instead are issued debit cards called EBT cards (Electronic Benefits Transfer) that are easy to use and look like credit cards. To overcome these barriers, the government updated and streamlined the program. The misperception that the application process is too difficult also contributes to its under-utilization. Among those who know about it, some are too embarrassed or too proud to apply, while others think that if they receive SNAP they will take food benefits away from others, especially children. It appears that many eligible seniors don’t even know that the program exists. There are a number of reasons why seniors don’t apply for SNAP, according to an AARP Foundation report. In fact, according to the website Hunger Solutions, the average monthly SNAP benefit for households with an older adult in New York City is $180 a month. Unfortunately, many potential applicants believe that they will only qualify for the minimum amount of $16 per month. medical expenses in excess of $35 a month. In addition, applicants can claim a number of exemptions that can increase the amount they receive, e.g. A two-person household with an elderly or disabled person and an annual income of $31,020 also qualifies for benefits. Individuals 65 and older who are living alone with a net monthly income of $1,915 can receive benefits. As many as 500.000 older New Yorkers go hungry each month for lack of money to buy groceries, despite the existence of a safety net program that could put food on their tables.Įligibility requirements for SNAP are more generous for senior citizens and disabled persons than for others. In NYC, less than half of eligible seniors receive help from SNAP. Only a third of eligible seniors take part in the program according to 2012 data from the National Council on Aging. Nationwide, senior citizens have a lower sign-up rate for SNAP benefits than any other age group. Formerly known as Food Stamps, SNAP provides monthly benefits for low-income people of all ages to buy groceries of their choice at participating food stores and farmers markets. Yet the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is under-utilized by older persons. Hunger among the nation’s seniors is a growing concern. Where the Action is: Senior Programs Liven It Up The Brooklyn Public Library Beckons Seniors Growing, Connecting and Having Fun through Art DFTA Mourns Passing of Senior Advisory Committee Chair
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