The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, helps older adults with low or fixed incomes afford healthy food. SNAP food assistance is open to anyone who meets its guidelines, from young families to older adults living on their own. 

To get SNAP benefits, you must first complete an application.

How do I apply for SNAP?

To find out if you can get help from SNAP, you must apply to the agency that manages the program in your state. There are often several options for turning in your SNAP application:

  • By filling out an application at a SNAP office
  • By mailing a completed paper application
  • By giving your application information over the phone
  • By completing an online application

What information do I need for a SNAP application?

Applying for SNAP starts with a few simple questions, such as your full name, date of birth, and where you live. Depending on what state you live in, the SNAP application may ask about:

  • The size of your household
  • Your annual income
  • Any assets you have (for example, cash or property)

Other information may be needed to help decide the amount of SNAP benefits you get. You may be worried about sharing your personal information online. But you should know SNAP applications are protected by special security technology that keeps your information 100% private.

Can someone else help me complete my SNAP application?

Yes. If you need help applying for SNAP and managing your benefits, you can name a trusted friend or family member as your Authorized Representative. This can be done on you SNAP application.

What happens after I turn in my SNAP application?

It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application. Soon after you send it, someone from your local SNAP agency should call you to make an appointment for a SNAP interview. The interview is the last step in deciding if you can get food benefits.

What is a SNAP interview?  

Shortly after you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be contacted by a SNAP representative for an interview. You can complete the interview in person or over the phone—it’s only meant to confirm the information you already provided, including your income and household details. You may need to provide documents like your ID, proof of income, or your utility bill to prove residency. Click here to learn more about the SNAP interview process.  

When will I find out if I’m approved?  

You should get a decision on your SNAP application within 30 days. If you qualify, you’ll receive an approval letter with your monthly benefit amount, start date, and how long your benefits will last. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card for SNAP-eligible groceries. 

If you’re not eligible, you’ll get a letter explaining why. If 30 days pass and you haven’t heard anything, it’s a good idea to contact your local SNAP office. 

How can NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp help me?

Use the website you're currently on to learn more about SNAP. We can also help you find your state's SNAP website, online SNAP application, and contact information.

It's worth finding out if you qualify.  Older adults who live alone may get about $188 a month in SNAP benefits—that’s around $2,256 over a year to help pay for groceries. 1 

Source

1. USDA. Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023. April 2025. Found on the internet at https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-FY23-Characteristics-Report.pdf