SNAP Benefits for Seniors Over 60 (2025-2026)

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is also called food stamps. This government program helps people buy food.

Seniors over 60 can get SNAP benefits. The good news is: rules are easier for people aged 60+.​

Many seniors live on Social Security. They struggle to buy enough food. SNAP helps them eat better.

About 4.8 million seniors get SNAP today. But only half of eligible seniors apply.​

Quick Article Summary:

• Seniors 60+ only need to meet net income limits (not gross income)
• Higher asset limits: $4,500 (instead of $3,000)
• Can own a home and still qualify for SNAP
• Maximum benefit for 1 person: $298/month (2025-2026)
• No work requirements for people 60 and older
• Apply online, by phone, or in person

2025-2026 Income Limits for Seniors

For fiscal year 2026, seniors 60 and older only need to meet net income requirements. Net income means your total income minus allowed deductions.

Monthly Net Income Limits (October 2025 – September 2026)

Household Size	48 States & D.C.	Alaska	Hawaii
1 person	$1,305/month	$1,630/month	$1,500/month
2 people	$1,763/month	$2,203/month	$2,027/month
3 people	$2,221/month	$2,776/month	$2,555/month
4 people	$2,680/month	$3,350/month	$3,082/month
Each additional person	+$459/month	+$574/month	+$528/month

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service FY 2026 COLA

Add $583 for each additional person.

Important note: These are federal baseline limits. Many states have adopted higher income limits through Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).

Your state may allow income up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Check your specific state SNAP income limits for 2025 below to see if you qualify with higher income.

Maximum SNAP Benefits for Seniors (2025-2026)

Your benefit amount depends on your household size and net income. Each senior gets 30% of net income deducted from the maximum benefit.​

Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits (48 States & D.C.)

Household Size	Maximum Benefit
1 person	$298
2 people	$546
3 people	$785
4 people	$994
5 people	$1,183
6 people	$1,421
7 people	$1,571
8 people	$1,789
Each additional person	+$218

Minimum benefit: $24/month for all households​

How much do you actually get? The formula is simple:

• Start with the maximum for your household size
• Subtract 30% of your net income
• This is your monthly benefit

Example: Single senior with $1,000 net monthly income in California:

• Maximum for 1 person: $298
• 30% of income: $1,000 × 0.30 = $300
• Her benefit: $298 − $300 = She does not qualify (income too high)

Another example: Single senior with $800 net monthly income:

• Maximum: $298
• 30% of income: $800 × 0.30 = $240
• Her benefit: $298 − $240 = $58/month

What Counts as Income?

All money coming into your household counts:

• Social Security benefits
• Veterans benefits
• Disability payments (SSI, SSDI)
• Pension or retirement income
• Wages from work
• Child support received

Complete SNAP Eligibility Checklist for Seniors 60+

To get SNAP benefits, you must meet ALL of these requirements:

✅ Age: You are 60 years old or older

✅ Income: Net monthly income is at or below the limit for your household size

✅ Assets: You have $4,500 or less in countable resources

✅ Residency: You live in the state where you apply

✅ Citizenship: You are a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified immigrant

✅ Social Security Number: You provide your SSN or apply for one

✅ Work: You do NOT need to work (exemption for age 60+)

✅ Marriage Status: You include all household members’ income in the application

Asset Limits for Seniors

Households with someone age 60 or older can have $4,500 in countable resources.

What Doesn’t Count as Assets

• Your home (where you live)
• Your car (one vehicle)
• Most retirement plans
• 401(k) or IRA accounts
• Pension funds

What Does Count

• Cash on hand
• Money in checking accounts
• Money in savings accounts
• Stocks and bonds

Important: Many states have adopted broad-based categorical eligibility, which can waive asset limits entirely.

Income Deductions for Seniors

Deductions lower your countable income. This helps you qualify and increases your benefits.

Standard Deduction

All households get this:

• 1-3 people: $209 per month
• 4 people: $223 per month
• 5 people: $261 per month
• 6+ people: $299 per month

Earned Income Deduction

20% of earned income from jobs is deducted. If you earn $1,000 from work, $200 is deducted.

Medical Expense Deduction (Seniors Only)

Seniors and disabled members can deduct medical costs over $35 per month. This is a huge benefit for seniors.

What Medical Expenses Count:

• Doctor visits and hospital bills
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter drugs (when doctor-approved)
• Health insurance premiums
• Medicare premiums and Part D costs
• Dental and vision care
• Medical equipment
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Home health care
• Nursing home costs not covered by insurance

Important: Only about 16% of seniors use the medical expense deduction, but many more qualify. If you spend more than $35/month on medical costs, claim this deduction.

Shelter (Housing) Deduction

If housing costs are more than half your income, you can deduct the excess.

Housing costs include:

• Rent or mortgage
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Heating and cooling bills
• Electric bills
• Water and sewer
• Basic phone service

Maximum shelter deduction: $744 per month for most states.

Good news for seniors: Households with someone 60+ have no cap on shelter deductions.

Special Rules for Seniors Over 60

Easier Qualification

People age 60 and older only have to meet net income criteria, not gross income requirements.

Separate Household Option

If you are 60+ and unable to buy or prepare meals due to disability, you and your spouse can be a separate SNAP household. This applies even if you live with others (if they have income below 165% of poverty).

Longer Certification Periods

Households where all members are elderly or disabled receive a 36-month certification period if there is no earned income. If the household has earnings, the period is 12 months.

Meals On Wheels & Nursing Homes

You may qualify for SNAP even if you receive Meals on Wheels or live in a facility that provides some meals.

How to Calculate Your SNAP Benefit

Here’s the simple formula:

Step 1: Add up all household income
Step 2: Subtract all deductions
Step 3: This is your net income
Step 4: Multiply net income by 0.30
Step 5: Subtract from maximum benefit for your household size

Example Calculation

Maria is 65, lives alone, and receives $1,200/month Social Security.

• Gross income: $1,200
• Standard deduction: -$209
• Medical expenses: -$100 ($135 total, minus $35 threshold)
• Shelter costs: -$250 (excess over half income)
• Net income: $641

SNAP benefit calculation:

• Maximum benefit for 1 person: $298
• 30% of net income: $192
• Maria’s SNAP benefit: $106/month

How to Apply for SNAP

Application Process

1. Find your state SNAP office
   • Visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
   • Call your local office
   • Apply online in most states
2. Complete the application
   • Provide proof of identity
   • Show income documents (Social Security statement, pay stubs)
   • Bring medical bills for deductions
3. Attend an interview
   • Most interviews are by phone
   • Have your documents ready
4. Get a decision within 30 days
   • If approved, benefits go back to your application date

Expedited SNAP

Need help fast? You may get benefits within 7 days if your household has less than $100 in resources and $150 in monthly income.

Documents You Need

Bring these to your SNAP interview:

Proof of Identity:

• Driver’s license
• State ID
• Passport

Proof of Income:

• Social Security award letter
• Bank statements
• Pay stubs (if working)

Proof of Medical Expenses:

• Doctor bills
• Prescription receipts
• Medicare premium statements
• Health insurance statements

Proof of Housing Costs:

• Rent receipt or lease
• Mortgage statement
• Utility bills

What Can You Buy With SNAP?

✅ Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
✅ Meat, poultry, fish
✅ Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
✅ Grains (bread, rice, pasta, cereal)
✅ Beans and peas (dried or canned)
✅ Nuts and seeds (if no salt added for some)
✅ Snack foods (crackers, cookies)
✅ Drinks (milk, juice—100% juice only)

Foods You CANNOT Buy

❌ Hot food from deli counter
❌ Prepared meals
❌ Alcohol or tobacco
❌ Vitamins and medicine
❌ Pet food
❌ Soap, toilet paper, paper towels
❌ Coffee, tea (unless 100% unflavored)

New SNAP Rules for 2025-2026: What Changed?

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026

All SNAP benefits increased in October 2025:​

• Minimum benefit: Now $24/month (was $23)
• Maximum for 1 person: Now $298/month (was $292)
• Maximum for 4 people: Now $994/month (was $975)
• Shelter cap: Now $744/month (was $714)

These increases match inflation and cost of living.​

Work Requirements: 2025 Changes

Good news for seniors: You are still exempt from work requirements.​

What changed for working-age adults:

• Ages 55–64 now subject to work requirement (previously exempt at 55)
• Parents with children 14+ must meet work requirements
• Veterans and homeless people no longer automatically exempt​

Seniors 60+ remain fully exempt from all work requirements.​

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2025)

This new law expanded work requirements for SNAP:​

• Raised age limit for work requirements from 54 to 64
• Removed exemptions for some groups (veterans, homeless)
• Added exemption for Native Americans
• Seniors 60+ still fully exempt​

Impact on seniors: No change. Seniors continue to get SNAP without working.

November 2025 Temporary Benefit Reduction

In November 2025 only, SNAP benefits were reduced to 65% of normal amounts due to federal court ruling.​

• Started: November 2025
• Ended: December 2025
• Eligibility: Unchanged
• December 2025 onward: Benefits back to normal

For detailed information on eligibility in your specific state, including higher income limits and special provisions, review the complete SNAP income limits by state resource.

Why Many Seniors Don’t Apply

Currently, 1 in 10 older Americans struggles to afford food, and nearly two-thirds who likely qualify don’t participate.

Common reasons seniors don’t apply:

• Think they won’t qualify
• Don’t know about the program
• Believe benefits are too small
• Feel stigma about asking for help
• Application seems too complicated

The truth: The average SNAP benefit for older adults is $188 per month. Most seniors get more than the minimum.

Health Benefits of SNAP

Research on 60,000 seniors found SNAP participants are 23% less likely to enter a nursing home and 4% less likely to be hospitalized.

Other benefits:

• Better nutrition
• Ability to afford medications
• Lower healthcare costs
• Reduced food insecurity

State-by-State SNAP Offices

Find your state SNAP program:

Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
National hotline: 1-800-221-5689

Each state runs its own SNAP program. Income limits and asset rules may be higher in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Additional Resources

Other Food Programs for Seniors

• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Get coupons for fresh produce
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program: Monthly food packages
• Meals on Wheels: Home-delivered meals

Get Help Applying

• BenefitsCheckUp: Free tool to find benefits at www.benefitscheckup.org
• Local senior centers: Many offer application help
• Legal aid offices: Free help for low-income seniors

Related Benefits to Check

If you qualify for SNAP, you may also be eligible for:

• Medicaid: Health insurance coverage for low-income seniors
• Medicare Savings Programs: Help paying Medicare premiums
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): Help with heating and cooling bills
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Cash assistance for seniors with limited income

Learn more about Medicaid income limits by state to see if you qualify for additional healthcare assistance.

Important Reminders

1. Apply even if unsure: The only way to know if you qualify is to apply
2. Claim all deductions: Medical expenses can greatly increase benefits
3. Recertify on time: Don’t miss your renewal deadline
4. Report changes: Tell your SNAP office about income or household changes
5. Keep documents: Save medical bills and receipts

Official Government Sources

All information in this guide comes from official sources:

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service: www.fns.usda.gov/snap
• Benefits.gov: www.benefits.gov
• SNAP State Directory: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory

Last Updated

This information is current as of December 20, 2025. SNAP rules may change. Check with your state SNAP office for the latest updates specific to your area.

Note: This article provides general information about SNAP. Income limits, rules, and benefits vary by state. Always check with your local SNAP office or state agency for rules specific to your state and situation. This is not legal advice.

About the Author

My name is Akash Biswas. I like to read hard government rules and make them easy to understand. Many people find Medicaid and Medicare confusing, and that is okay. I want to help.

I made this website so families can learn in simple words. I take big, hard information and break it into small, easy steps. I want every person to feel calm and sure when they read about Medicaid or Medicare.

My goal is to help you understand who can get help, how to apply, and what to do next. I hope this website makes your life easier and helps you get the care you need.

I study Medicaid and Medicare rules every day and work hard to share clear, correct, and easy information for all families.