Food Support for Older Adults

The SNAP program has special rules for people over 60 years of age. They still look at income, resources, and the amount of help available. But the limits and deductions are different. It can be complicated. It’s best to apply and let them figure out if you are eligible.

• Go to your county Human or Social Services office and get the application form. Fill it out and turn it in. 
   
• If you can’t go yourself, you can give permission to someone in writing. They can take your letter to the office and get the form and help you apply.
   
• You can apply online at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov.

If you qualify, your benefits are put on an electronic benefits card- like a cash card. You use this card to buy food at any store that accepts SNAP benefits. 

You can get information on SNAP, do an eligibility screening, and get help with an application by calling: 

The MN FoodHelp line at (651) 486-9860 or 1 (888) 711-1151 outside the metro
Minnesota Aging Pathways at 1 (800) 333-2433

Or call for state food support resources:

• (651) 431-4050 in the metro
• 1 (800) 657-3698 statewide
• 1 (800) 627-3529 if you are hard of hearing

Find help online at: https://mn.gov/adresources/

If the county denies your application for SNAP or any other public benefit, you have the right to appeal. The denial notice you get from them explains your appeal rights and your appeal deadline. Your local legal aid office might be able to help you with your appeal. Call them as soon as possible at 1-(877) 696-6529.

Under new Federal law, if you are:

• 65 years old or more, you don’t need to work to get Food Support. 
   
• under the age of 65 and get SNAP benefits, you may be limited to 3 months of benefits in a 3-year period unless you meet work requirements. 

Work requirements include: 

• working
• volunteering or
• taking part in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND reporting that you are meeting the work rules. 

If all adult members of your household are older adults or disabled your Food Support benefits are reviewed every 2 years. Otherwise, it may be every 3 months.

If you are over age 60 and live with others you can qualify alone as a separate SNAP household from the people you live with. Even if you can’t buy and make your food separately.

If you live in a group home, assisted living building, or other institution that provides you with meals you may still be eligible for SNAP benefits. You should apply.

If you are over 60 you can deduct unreimbursed out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses that are more than $35 a month. Only the amount over $35 can be deducted. Bring your medical and prescription drug bills to your local Human Services office and they do the calculation for you.

Note: You cannot do this if an insurance company or someone who is not a household member pays for the expenses. 

If the income is from a program carried out under the Community Service Employment Program (Title V of the Older Americans Act) it does not count. These are programs like the Experience Works and the Senior Aides Program.

Volunteer stipends from programs like Older Adult Companions and Foster Grandparents are not counted as income in figuring out how much food support you should get. If you volunteer and get a stipend, make sure you ask your local Human Services office about it when you apply for Food Support. If you already get benefits and want to start volunteering, talk to your worker. 

Ask your Human Services Office about other income deductions that older adults can get.

Yes. Monthly income you get from a retirement account counts towards the income limit. The balance in the account usually does not count towards the assets limit. However, any cash you keep from your monthly check counts toward the assets limit. 

A separate state program, the Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) is available to non-citizens 50 years of age or older. Apply for MFAP at your local Human Services office. You get the same amount of food assistance that you would get if you had been eligible for the SNAP program.

A lot of people heard that Public Charge means that getting food support can hurt your chances to get resident status. The Public Charge rule makes it safe to apply for all benefits and you can get food support help if you need it.

See our fact sheet Understanding Public Charge.