SNAP Benefits: Special Rules and Extra Help for Seniors and People with Disabilities

• Author: Wilbert Raynor
• Posted: 2025-10-14

The United States Department of Agriculture offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food.

If you’re 60 or older or have a disability, there are special rules that can make it easier to qualify, and possibly receive a higher benefit amount.

Support is out there with your name on it, explore your eligible benefits now!
 

Who Qualifies as Elderly or Disabled

You may qualify under SNAP’s elderly or disabled rules if you:

• Are 60 years or older.

• Receive disability or blindness benefits (e.g., from Social Security Administration SSI).

• Get disability retirement benefits from a government agency.

• Receive Railroad Retirement and qualify for Medicare.

• Are a veteran who is totally disabled or requires regular care.

Who Counts as a SNAP Household

A SNAP household includes people who:

• Live together, and

• Buy and prepare food together.

You may qualify as a separate household if:

• You can’t prepare meals separately due to a disability.

• Others you live with have low income.

You can also receive SNAP if you live in:

• Federally subsidized housing for seniors, or

• A small nonprofit group home with 16 or fewer residents.

SNAP Income Limits for Elderly & Disabled (Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026)

• 1 person: $1,305

• 2 people: $1,763

• 3 people: $2,221

• 4 people: $2,680

• 5 people: $3,138

• 6 people: $3,596

• 7 people: $4,055

• 8 people: $4,513

• Each additional person: +$459

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you’re automatically eligible for SNAP.

Deductions That Help Lower Your Countable Income

SNAP uses deductions to make qualifying easier. You may deduct:

• 20% of earned income

• Standard deduction ($204 for 1–3 people, $254 for 5 people, $291 for 6+)

• Dependent care costs

• Child support payments

• Shelter and utility costs above half your income

• Medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled members, including:

  • Prescriptions

  • Doctor visits

  • Premiums

  • Transportation to medical appointments

Tip: Keeping track of your medical bills and other expenses can help increase your benefit amount.

Resource Limits

• If your household includes someone elderly or disabled: Resource limit will be $4,500.

• Resources include bank accounts, CDs, stocks, or bonds.

• Your home doesn’t count toward the limit.

• Many households are categorically eligible, meaning no resource test applies.

How Long Benefits Last

• If all household members are elderly or disabled and have no income: 36-month certification period.

• If there’s earned income: 12-month certification period.

• You must recertify to continue receiving benefits.