The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, helps older adults with limited of 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.
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 3 options for turning in your SNAP application:
- 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?
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 asked for to help decide the amount of SNAP benefits you get. You may be worried about sharing your personal information. But you should know SNAP applications are protected by special security technology that keeps your information 100% private.
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.
How can NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp help me?
NCOA's free, confidential tool can help you learn more information about SNAP. It can also help you find your state's SNAP website, online SNAP application, and contact information. Whether you are interested in learning more about SNAP for yourself or for someone you help care for, we invite you to take the next step. Start by clicking here to browse benefits or contact your local SNAP office to learn more.
