Millions of people in the U.S. are able to buy the healthy food they need beacuse of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps." This includes 1.2 million veterans whose households participate in SNAP.1 

Nearly one half of our nation's veterans (8.1 million people) are age 65 or older.2 Many of them could get SNAP, but don't know they can. As a result, they miss out on benefits that could help them eat better and worry less about money.

Can I get SNAP benefits as a veteran?

Yes, you probably can. To get SNAP benefits as a veteran, you usually have to meet standard state income and asset limits. But SNAP has special rules for older adults and people with disabilities.

You may also qualify for SNAP even if you already get other benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or if you live with others. 

What are the SNAP income limits for older veterans or veterans with disabilities?

If you are a veteran who is age 60+ or has a disability, your household must meet two special rules:

  • Your net monthly income must be the same as or less than the federal poverty line. Your net income is your total income minus certain expenses and taxes. In 2024, a two-member household with a net monthly income of $1,644 might qualify for SNAP.3
  • Your assets must be valued at $4,250 or less. Assets are "countable" resources, such as cash, money in a bank account, and some vehicles.

Your net income is your total income minus certain expenses and taxes. And assets are countable resources, such as cash, money in a bank account, and some vehicles. In 2023, a 2-member household with a net monthly income of $1,643 or less might qualify for SNAP.2 

Here are a few other things to think about:

  • For SNAP, combat pay, hostile fire pay, and imminent danger pay do not count as income.4
  • There are many deductions you can take, such as excess medical expenses, to help you meet the net income limit.
  • Many assets, such as a home you own, do not count toward the $4,250 limit.
  • If everyone in your household gets SSI benefits, you may already qualify for SNAP without meeting the net income limit.

Can I get SNAP if I live with family members? 

You could. Under the same special rules, you (and your spouse, if you have one) may qualify as a separate household if you are age 60+ or are unable to buy or make meals because of a permanent disability.

Other household members together still need to meet SNAP income limits. In this case, it would be a net income of no more than 165% of the federal poverty level.

How can SNAP benefits help me as a veteran?

A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions that become more common with age. These conditions affect people with disabilities more than those without them.

But it can be hard to afford healthier foods on a limited or fixed income. SNAP can give you more money in your pocket, and there is no shame in claiming benefits you have worked hard to earn.

How do I apply for SNAP?

The SNAP application process is different from state to state, so a good first step is contacting your local SNAP office. 

If you’d like someone to guide you through the process of applying for SNAP, help is available. Click here and type your ZIP code in the box on the left to get started.

To find other veterans benefits that can help you be healthier, more independent, and more financially secure, check out our guide 18 Benefits for Veterans: Helping Our Nation’s Heroes.

Sources

1. USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s “Military and Veteran Families” page. Found on the internet at https://www.fns.usda.gov/military-and-veteran-families

2. U.S. Census Bureau. Census Bureau Releases New Report on Aging Veterans. July 18, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/aging-veterans.html

3. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) Poverty Guidelines. Found on the internet at https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines

3. USDA Food and Nutrition Service.&Military and Veteran Families. Found on the internet at https://www.fns.usda.gov/military-and-veteran-families