Food Stamps for Seniors and People with Disabilites

The Food Stamp Program has special rules that make getting food stamps easier for seniors and people with disabilities. These rules apply to you if you are 60 or older or get disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Insurance, Veteran's Disability, Social Security disability or blindness payments, or Railroad Retirement disability payments.

• You can have money in the bank. You can have up to $3,000 in the bank and still get food stamps.
• You can get more food stamps each month if you receive fuel assistance. If you get fuel assistance, you can get more food stamps each month. Even if you live in subsidized housing or your heat is included in your rent, you may be able to get fuel assistance. Your local Agency on Aging can answer your questions and help you apply. Click here to find your local Agency on Aging.
  • You can get food stamps without going to the food stamp office. If you cannot get to the food stamp office and do not have a friend or family member who can go for you, you can talk to a worker on the phone or at your home instead of going to the food stamp office.
  • Your food stamps can be deposited into a bank account. If everyone in your food stamp household is 65 or older or disabled, you do not have to use the food stamp card. Instead, you can get food stamps in the form of cash deposited right into your bank account. You can use cash or a check to buy food. Click here to download and print the application for the food stamp direct deposit application (PDF requires Adobe Reader). If you do not have a bank account, you can get food stamps in the form of cash on the food stamp card.
  • You can get more food stamps if you have monthly medical expenses. You may be able to get more food stamps each month if you have medical costs not covered by insurance. These costs will be deducted from your income and can help you get more food stamps.

    Click here for a complete list of medical costs that you can deduct from your income when you apply for food stamps.
    Medical costs are things like: over-the-counter medications; insurance premiums; medical supplies; dentures; prescriptions; and a home health aid (nurse)

  • You can get food stamps if you own a car and your home. You can own a car of any value and own your home and the land you live on and still get food stamps. These things will not be taken away from you if you apply for food stamps.
  • You can save money in a PASS plan and get food stamps. If you get SSI and have a PASS plan, the money you save in your PASS plan does not count against you when you apply for food stamps.
  • You do not have to reapply for food stamps as often as other people. If everyone in your food stamp household is 65 or older or has a disability, you will be able to get food stamps for 1-2 years before you will be asked to fill out another application.
  • You can get help with your food stamp application at your local…
    Area Agency on Aging if you are 60 or older; or
    Community Action Agency if you are person with a disability and under 60