Almost 5 million older adults get help buying food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps. If you are one of them or are thinking about applying, you may have questions about how long you can use SNAP benefits.
How long do SNAP benefits last?
SNAP benefits periods range from 1 month to 3 years. How long you can receive SNAP benefits depends on:
- The number of people in your household
- Your employment status
- Your age and health
If you qualify, your approval letter will tell you how long you will get benefits. This period of time is called your certification period. Your household will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to use to spend your monthly SNAP dollars.
How do I renew SNAP benefits?
If you need help from SNAP for a longer period of time, you will have to recertify for benefits. Several weeks before your SNAP benefits are scheduled to end, you will receive a recertification packet with instructions.
In addition to completing the recertification form, you may have to provide additional verifying information and/or documents. These may include:
- Your current income and most recent pay stubs, if applicable
- Any household changes (new members or people who have left)
- The amount you pay for shelter, dependent care, and medical expenses
The good news? Many states have now made the renewal process easier for older adults. If everyone in your house is age 60 or older, you should be able to skip the recertification interview.
SNAP guidelines vary by state. If you have questions, use this state directory and contact your local SNAP office.
Do SNAP dollars expire?
You do not have to use all your SNAP benefits in the same month you receive them. Unused SNAP dollars will stay on your EBT card. Some people save up SNAP dollars for fewer but bigger shopping trips. Even if you lose your SNAP benefits, you can still spend any SNAP dollars left on your EBT card.
However, the phrase "use it or lose it" applies to SNAP benefits. If you do not spend your SNAP dollars at all for 9 months, you will lose them for good.
How can I protect my SNAP benefits?
It is important to keep your SNAP EBT card in a safe and secure place, such as your wallet, but mistakes happen. Contact your state’s EBT customer service department right away if:
- You lose your EBT card.
- Your EBT card is stolen.
- You forget your personal identification number (PIN), the 4-digit secret number you use to access your funds.
- There are unauthorized charges on your EBT account.
EBT cards are not protected from fraudulent charges like other government benefits cards, so act quickly to protect your benefits.
How do I apply for SNAP benefits?
NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp is here to help make the often overwhelming SNAP application process much easier for you. Click here to get started by entering your ZIP code.