If you are one of the millions of Americans who rely on Social Security, you may be wondering if you can also get help buying groceries. With the rising cost of food, housing, and medical care, making ends meet on a fixed income can be a challenge. The good news is that you can absolutely receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often still called food stamps, even if you are on Social Security. This is a common misconception; many people believe that receiving Social Security benefits makes them ineligible for SNAP, but that is not true. Social Security and SNAP are two separate government programs that are designed to work together to help improve your financial situation. While your Social Security income is considered when your eligibility for SNAP is determined, there are special, more flexible rules for older adults and people with disabilities that make it easier to qualify. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these programs and how to get the help you deserve.
Understanding the Programs: SNAP and Social Security
To understand how SNAP and Social Security work together, it is important to first understand what each program is and who it serves. They are funded and managed differently, and the type of Social Security benefit a person receives plays a big role in how their SNAP eligibility is determined.
What is SNAP (Food Stamps)?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s largest and most important anti-hunger program. It is a federal program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by state agencies, that helps low-income households buy the food they need for good health. The goal of the program is to supplement a family’s grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food.
Many people still refer to the program by its old name, “Food Stamps.” The name was officially changed to SNAP in 2008 to better reflect the program’s mission of providing nutrition assistance. The old paper stamp coupons have also been replaced with a modern and discreet system. Today, benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which looks and works just like a debit card. Each month, the benefit amount is automatically loaded onto the card, which can then be used to purchase eligible food items at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and many farmers’ markets across the country.
What is Social Security? Understanding Your Benefits
“Social Security” is a broad term that covers several different monthly payment programs managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While they all provide a source of income, they are funded differently and are based on different eligibility criteria. The distinction between these benefit types is the most important concept to grasp when determining how they affect SNAP eligibility. The reason the programs are treated differently is that some are based on a person’s work history—an “earned” benefit—while others are based on financial need.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security retirement benefits are monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify. To be eligible, a person typically needs to earn 40 “credits,” which usually amounts to about 10 years of work. A person can begin collecting retirement benefits as early as age 62, but the monthly payment will be permanently reduced. To receive the full benefit amount, a person must wait until their full retirement age, which is between 66 and 67, depending on their birth year. Social Security was never intended to be the only source of income in retirement; it is designed to replace a percentage of a worker’s pre-retirement earnings.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides income support to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Just like retirement benefits, SSDI is an “earned” benefit. To qualify, an individual must have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes on their earnings. The amount of the monthly SSDI benefit is based on the person’s lifetime average earnings before their disability began.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program also administered by the SSA, but it is fundamentally different from retirement and disability benefits. SSI provides monthly cash payments to people who have very limited income and resources and are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability.
The most critical distinction is that SSI is a need-based assistance program, not an earned benefit program. Eligibility is not based on a person’s prior work history or the work history of a family member. Instead, SSI is financed by general funds from the U.S. Treasury, such as personal and corporate income taxes, not from Social Security taxes. Because SSI is already a means-tested program that has determined an individual has a financial need, it has a special relationship with SNAP, which is also a need-based program. This connection is the reason why receiving SSI can make it much easier to qualify for SNAP.
The following table provides a simple overview of these three key programs.
| Benefit Name | Who It’s For | Eligibility Based On | How It’s Funded | Key Role in SNAP |
| Social Security Retirement | Retirees (age 62 and older) | Work history (credits earned from paying Social Security taxes) | Social Security Taxes (FICA) | Counted as unearned income for SNAP eligibility test |
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | Workers with a qualifying long-term disability | Work history (credits earned from paying Social Security taxes) | Social Security Taxes (FICA) | Counted as unearned income for SNAP eligibility test |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | People with limited income and resources who are 65+, blind, or disabled | Financial need (must have income and assets below strict limits) | General U.S. Treasury Funds (e.g., income taxes) | Can lead to automatic or “categorical” eligibility for SNAP in most states |
Are You Eligible? Checking the Rules for 2025
Now that the different programs are clear, the next step is to understand the specific rules SNAP uses to determine who qualifies for benefits. SNAP eligibility is based on a household’s income, assets (the things you own), and size. While there are federal guidelines, each state administers its own program, so some rules can vary. The only way to know for sure if you are eligible is to apply.
How Your Social Security Income Is Counted
A common point of confusion is how Social Security income affects SNAP eligibility. The rule is straightforward: all types of Social Security benefits—whether from retirement, SSDI, or SSI—are counted as unearned income when you apply for SNAP.
However, this absolutely does not mean you are automatically disqualified. In fact, nearly half of all households receiving SNAP benefits also receive Social Security. It is also important to know that receiving SNAP benefits will not reduce the amount of your Social Security check. The two programs are separate, and SNAP is designed to supplement your income, not replace it.
The key to understanding eligibility is the concept of “net income.” The SNAP office starts with your “gross income” (your total income from all sources, including your Social Security check, before any deductions). Then, it subtracts certain allowable monthly expenses, which are called “deductions.” The amount left over is your “net income,” and this is the figure that is primarily used to determine if you qualify for SNAP and how much you will receive.
Special, Easier Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities
The federal government recognizes that older adults (defined by SNAP as age 60 and older) and people with disabilities face unique financial pressures, such as living on fixed incomes while managing high medical costs. To address this, SNAP has a set of special rules that make it easier for these households to qualify for assistance. These are not minor technicalities; they are significant advantages designed to help those who need it most.
- A Simpler Income Test: Most households applying for SNAP must pass two income tests: a gross income test and a net income test. However, households that include at least one member who is age 60 or older or who receives disability payments only have to meet the net income test. This is a major advantage because it means that even if a household’s total income is above the normal limit, they can still qualify if their expenses for things like housing and medical care are high enough to bring their net income down.
- A Higher Asset Limit: Assets, or “resources,” are things like cash or money in a bank account. For the 2025 fiscal year (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025), the asset limit for most households is $3,000. However, for households with a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability, the asset limit is higher at $4,500. This allows seniors and people with disabilities to have more savings for emergencies without losing eligibility for food assistance.
- What Doesn’t Count as an Asset? It is also important to know what is not counted toward the asset limit. SNAP rules exclude many major assets, including :
- The home you live in and its lot.
- Your personal belongings and household goods.
- Most retirement accounts and pension plans.
- In many states, the value of at least one vehicle.
Many states have adopted a policy called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which allows them to relax or even eliminate the asset test altogether, making it even easier for households with modest savings to qualify.
The Power of Deductions: Lowering Your “Countable” Income
Deductions are the key to meeting the net income limit and maximizing your potential SNAP benefit. These are certain monthly expenses that the SNAP office subtracts from your gross income to get a more accurate picture of the money you actually have available to spend on food. The main deductions include:
- A standard deduction that every household receives, which varies by household size.
- An earned income deduction of 20% for households with income from a job.
- A deduction for dependent care costs needed for a household member to work or attend school.
- A deduction for shelter costs that are more than half of the household’s income after other deductions are taken. This includes expenses like rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, and home insurance. For most households, this deduction is capped. However, for households with an elderly or disabled member, this deduction is uncapped, which is another significant advantage.
- A deduction for utility costs, such as heating, electricity, water, and a basic telephone fee. Many states use a Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) to simplify this, which is a standardized amount a household can deduct without having to provide individual bills.
The Medical Expense Deduction: A Game-Changer for Seniors and People with Disabilities
For seniors and people with disabilities, the most important and most underutilized deduction is the medical expense deduction. This rule is specifically designed to help those with high healthcare costs.
Here is how it works: If you are age 60 or older, or if you receive disability payments (like SSDI or SSI), you can deduct any out-of-pocket medical expenses that total more than $35 per month. These must be costs that are not paid for by insurance or another person. This deduction can make the difference between being eligible or ineligible for SNAP, and it can substantially increase the monthly benefit amount for those who qualify. For example, deducting just $150 in monthly medical costs could increase a senior’s SNAP benefit by over $30 each month.
Many people do not realize how many different costs count as a medical expense. The table below lists some of the most common deductible expenses.
| Common Medical Expenses You Can Deduct |
| Insurance Costs: Health insurance premiums (including Medicare Part B, Part D, and supplemental plans), co-pays for doctor visits and hospital stays, and deductibles. |
| Medications: Costs for prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines (like pain relievers or vitamins) if they are recommended by a doctor or other licensed health professional. |
| Medical and Dental Care: Payments for doctors, dentists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers not covered by insurance. |
| Supplies and Equipment: Costs for items like dentures and adhesives, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and their batteries, wheelchairs, and incontinence supplies. |
| Transportation: The cost of getting to medical appointments, the pharmacy, or therapy. This can include bus fare, taxi fare, or a standard mileage rate if you use your own car. |
| In-Home Care: Payments for a home health aide, attendant, or housekeeper needed because of age or illness. |
| Service Animals: The cost of buying and caring for a service animal, including food and veterinarian bills. |
What is “Categorical Eligibility”? The Easiest Path to SNAP
In many states, there is an even simpler path to SNAP eligibility called “categorical eligibility”. This policy recognizes that if you have already been approved for another need-based government program, you should not have to go through a completely separate and duplicative eligibility process for SNAP. Under this rule, some of the normal SNAP requirements, like the asset test, are waived.
The most important example of this is the SSI-SNAP connection. In most states, if you live in a “pure SSI household”—meaning that every person in your home receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—your household is considered categorically eligible for SNAP. This means you automatically pass the SNAP resource test, and in some states, the income test as well, though your income will still be used to calculate your final benefit amount. This special pathway does not apply to those who receive only Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits, because those programs are not based on the same strict financial need criteria as SSI.
SNAP Income and Asset Limits for 2025
The following table shows the federal income limits for SNAP for the fiscal year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Remember, households with a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability only need to meet the Net Monthly Income limit.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% of Poverty) | Net Monthly Income Limit (100% of Poverty) |
| 1 | $1,632 | $1,255 |
| 2 | $2,215 | $1,704 |
| 3 | $2,798 | $2,152 |
| 4 | $3,380 | $2,600 |
| 5 | $3,963 | $3,049 |
| 6 | $4,546 | $3,497 |
| 7 | $5,129 | $3,945 |
| 8 | $5,712 | $4,394 |
| Each Additional Member | +$583 | +$449 |
Source:. These limits are for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
The asset limit for households with an elderly or disabled member is $4,500.
Common Questions About Eligibility
What counts as a “household” if I live with my family?
This is a very common and important question. For SNAP, a “household” is generally defined as everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares their meals together. Spouses who live together and most children under the age of 22 who live with their parents must be included in the same SNAP household, even if they buy and make their food separately.
However, there is a very important exception for seniors and people with disabilities. If you are age 60 or older and are unable to purchase and prepare your own meals because of a permanent disability, you (and your spouse) may be able to apply as a separate household, even if you live with others, like your adult children. This can be a significant advantage, as it means only your income and assets would be counted, not the income of the other people you live with.
What are the rules about owning a car?
Owning a car does not automatically disqualify you from receiving SNAP benefits. While there is a complex federal rule about a vehicle’s value, most states have used their flexibility to adopt much more lenient policies. Many states exclude the value of at least one vehicle per household entirely, meaning it is not counted as an asset at all. These policies are in place because program administrators recognize that a reliable car is often a necessity for getting to the doctor, buying groceries, or going to work, not a luxury. Because the rules vary so much, the best approach is to apply and let your state agency determine how your vehicle is treated.
Can non-citizens get SNAP?
Eligibility for non-citizens is complex and depends on their specific immigration status. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP. However, many lawfully present non-citizens can qualify for benefits. This includes refugees, asylees, and lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) who meet certain conditions, such as having a 10-year work history in the U.S. or receiving disability benefits. It is also very important to know that applying for SNAP for an eligible household member, such as a U.S.-born child, will not negatively affect a parent’s immigration status under the current “public charge” rule.
How to Apply for SNAP: A Step-by-Step Guide
The SNAP application process can seem intimidating, but breaking it down into steps can make it much more manageable. Being prepared with the right information and documents is the best way to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Step 1: Gathering Your Documents
Before you start your application, it is helpful to gather all the necessary paperwork. This will make filling out the form and completing your interview much easier. While you can submit the application without all your documents, providing them early will speed up the process. The following checklist covers the most common items you will need.
| SNAP Application Document Checklist |
| Proof of Identity (for everyone applying) |
| ☐ Driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport |
| ☐ Birth certificate |
| Proof of Address |
| ☐ Lease or rent receipt |
| ☐ Mortgage statement |
| ☐ Recent utility bill (gas, electric, water) |
| Social Security Numbers |
| ☐ Social Security cards or official document with the number for everyone applying |
| Proof of Income (for everyone in the household) |
| ☐ Social Security award letter (Retirement, SSDI, or SSI) |
| ☐ Pension benefit statement |
| ☐ Pay stubs from the last 30 days (if anyone is working) |
| ☐ Letter from an employer |
| Proof of Assets |
| ☐ Recent statements from all bank accounts (checking and savings) |
| Proof of Expenses (to get deductions) |
| ☐ Housing: Rent receipt, lease, or mortgage statement; property tax bills |
| ☐ Utilities: Recent bills for heating, cooling, electricity, water, and phone |
| ☐ Medical Costs (for members 60+ or disabled): Bills, receipts, or pharmacy printouts for expenses over $35 per month. This includes insurance premiums, co-pays, prescription costs, and transportation for medical care. |
| ☐ Dependent Care: Receipts or a signed statement from your child or adult care provider |
Step 2: Filling Out and Submitting Your Application
You have several options for submitting your SNAP application, allowing you to choose the method that is most convenient for you.
- Apply Online: This is often the fastest and easiest way to apply. Most states have an online portal where you can fill out and submit your application electronically. To find your state’s specific website, you can visit the USDA National Website’s State Directory.
- Apply by Mail or Fax: You can download a paper application from your state’s website, fill it out, and mail or fax it to your local SNAP office.
- Apply in Person: You can visit your local county social services office to pick up and submit an application in person.
A Special Option for SSI Recipients
There is a significant convenience built into the system for people who receive SSI. If you and everyone in your household are applying for or already receiving SSI benefits, you can apply for SNAP at any Social Security Administration (SSA) office. The staff at the SSA office can help you complete the SNAP application and will even send it to the correct state SNAP office for you. This saves you a trip and simplifies the process.
Application Tip: You only need to provide your name, address, and signature to officially file your application. This is important because it establishes your application date. If you are approved, your benefits will be paid retroactively to that date, so it is best to submit the signed application as soon as possible, even if you need more time to gather all of your other documents.
Step 3: The Eligibility Interview
After you submit your application, the SNAP office will schedule an interview with you. This is a required part of the process. In most cases, the interview is conducted over the phone, which is convenient for people who may have difficulty traveling.
The purpose of the interview is for a caseworker to review the information on your application with you, ask clarifying questions, and let you know if any additional documents are needed to verify your situation. This is not a test, but rather a conversation to ensure your eligibility is determined correctly. It is helpful to have your documents, such as your Social Security award letter and expense receipts, handy during the call.
Step 4: The Decision
By law, the SNAP office must process your application and send you a written notice of their decision—either an approval or a denial—within 30 days of the date you filed your application.
In some emergency situations, you may be able to get Expedited SNAP, which provides benefits within 7 days. You may qualify for this faster service if your household has very little money, such as having less than $150 in gross monthly income and less than $100 in cash or savings, or if your monthly housing and utility costs are more than your total income and available cash.
After You Apply: Using Your Benefits and Staying Eligible
Being approved for SNAP is the first step. Understanding how to use your benefits, what your rights are, and how to stay eligible are just as important. The SNAP program is not a one-time event but an ongoing partnership that requires communication to work effectively.
Your EBT Card: How to Use It and What You Can Buy
If your application is approved, you will receive your SNAP benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which will be mailed to you. The card works like a debit card. Before you can use it, you will need to activate it and choose a private Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your PIN is what keeps your benefits secure, so you should never write it on your card or share it with anyone outside of your household or a trusted representative you have officially designated.
Using the card at a store is simple :
- At the checkout counter, swipe your EBT card through the card reader.
- Enter your four-digit PIN on the keypad.
- The cashier will enter the purchase amount, or you may have to enter it.
- Press “OK” or “Enter” to approve the transaction.
- Always keep your receipt, as it will show your remaining balance.
Your SNAP benefits roll over from one month to the next if you do not use them all. However, if you do not use your card at all for a long period (typically nine months), your benefits may be permanently removed from your account.
The table below gives a quick overview of what you can and cannot purchase with your SNAP benefits.
| What SNAP Can Buy | What SNAP Cannot Buy |
| Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned) | Beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Cigarettes and tobacco products |
| Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt | Vitamins, medicines, and supplements (if it has a “Supplement Facts” label, it is not eligible) |
| Breads and cereals | Hot foods or foods prepared to be eaten in the store |
| Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages | Pet foods |
| Seeds and plants that produce food to eat | Household supplies (soap, paper products), cleaning supplies, and cosmetics |
Your Rights and Responsibilities
As a SNAP applicant or recipient, you have both rights and responsibilities.
Your Rights Include:
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin.
- The right to receive an application on the day you ask for one and to file it that same day.
- The right to receive a decision on your application within 30 days.
- The right to request a fair hearing if you disagree with any decision made on your case, such as a denial or a reduction in benefits.
Your Responsibilities Include:
- To provide complete and honest information on your application and during your interview.
- To provide proof (verification) of the information you give.
- To report certain changes in your household’s circumstances to the SNAP office in a timely manner.
- To use your SNAP benefits only to buy eligible food items for your household.
It is important to note that while SNAP has work requirements for some adults, individuals who are age 60 or older or who are receiving disability benefits are generally exempt from these rules.
What Happens if Your Application is Denied? How to Appeal
If your SNAP application is denied and you believe the decision was incorrect, you have the right to appeal. The denial notice you receive in the mail will explain how to request a “fair hearing”.
The process generally involves contacting your local SNAP office to formally request the hearing. This must usually be done within 90 days of the date on the denial notice. You can make the request in writing, over the phone, or in person. You have the right to have a friend, family member, advocate, or legal representative help you prepare for and attend the hearing. If the hearing officer finds that a mistake was made, you will receive any benefits you were wrongly denied.
You can also reapply for SNAP at any time. If your initial application was denied but your financial situation has since changed for the worse—for example, if your income went down or your expenses went up—you should submit a new application.
Reporting Changes to the SNAP Office
Once you are approved for SNAP, you are required to report certain changes to your household situation to the SNAP office. This ensures you continue to receive the correct benefit amount and helps prevent overpayments, which you would have to pay back.
The specific reporting rules vary by state, but generally, you must report :
- When your household’s total gross income goes over the limit for your household size.
- Changes in the source of your income.
- Changes in your address or who lives in your home.
- For some adults, if their work hours fall below a certain level.
It is equally important to report changes that might increase your benefits. If your income goes down, your rent or mortgage payment goes up, or your medical expenses increase, you should report these changes to the SNAP office right away, as you may be eligible for a higher monthly benefit. You can report changes online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Where to Find More Help and Other Food Programs
Navigating government benefits can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. A strong network of non-profit organizations and government resources exists to provide free assistance, answer your questions, and help you get the support you need.
Helpful Organizations and Resources
- National Council on Aging (NCOA): The NCOA offers a powerful and free online tool called BenefitsCheckUp®. By answering a few simple, confidential questions, you can screen for your potential eligibility for SNAP and thousands of other federal, state, and private benefits programs that can help pay for food, medicine, utilities, and more. The NCOA also operates a free Benefits HelpLine at 1-800-794-6559, where you can speak with a trained specialist.
- AARP Foundation: AARP Foundation is dedicated to helping older adults with low incomes and offers resources to help people apply for SNAP. They partner with organizations like mRelief to provide easy online screening tools to see if you are likely to qualify. They also provide advocacy to protect and strengthen the SNAP program for the millions of older adults who rely on it.
- Feeding America: Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Their nationwide network of local food banks often provides direct, one-on-one assistance with SNAP applications. Their outreach specialists can help you understand the rules, gather your documents, and complete the application process.
- Legal Aid: If you are having trouble with your SNAP case or need to appeal a denial, your local Legal Aid society may be able to provide free legal assistance. These organizations specialize in helping low-income individuals navigate complex issues with government benefits.
National Hotlines
- USDA National Hunger Hotline: If you need immediate food assistance, you can call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) for Spanish. The hotline can connect you with local resources like food pantries, meal sites, and other social services.
- 2-1-1: In many areas, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit their website to be connected with a wide range of local health and human services, including food assistance programs.
Other Food Programs for Seniors
In addition to SNAP, there are other federal nutrition programs specifically designed to support the health and well-being of older adults.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Often called the “Senior Food Box” program, CSFP provides a free monthly box of nutritious, USDA-supplied foods to low-income seniors age 60 and older. The food packages typically include items like canned fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese, grains, and protein. Eligibility is generally set at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program is administered by local agencies, often food banks, and you can apply by contacting your state’s distributing agency.
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): This program provides low-income seniors (age 60 and older) with coupons or an electronic card that can be used to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at participating farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. The goal is to improve nutrition while supporting local farmers. Income eligibility is typically at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. You can apply through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Receiving Social Security does not prevent you from getting the food assistance you need. By understanding the rules, taking advantage of the special provisions for seniors and people with disabilities, and reaching out to the many organizations ready to help, you can successfully navigate the process and add healthy, nutritious food to your table.