What Are the Rules for Seniors and Disabled Individuals?

Eligibility Team
Researcher & Writer
February 17, 2016

Individuals classified as elderly or disabled have different eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits. They are not held to the employment requirements, and the income and resource limits are different.

In order to be eligible for the senior eligibility criteria, you must be over the age of 60. This is assuming you fit the other areas of eligibility including citizenship requirements. The income and resource limits are higher to ensure that seniors are able to live comfortably.

Individuals over the age of 60 are also not required to work in order to receive help. Although they may still be working and are not yet eligible for Social Security, SNAP benefits may be available. There are also other programs available for individuals over 60 depending on where they live and their eligibility.

These other programs are offered and funded through federal and state programs but carried out through local agencies including social service agencies, food banks, and soup kitchens. If there is a need for food and you are ineligible for SNAP or your SNAP isn’t enough, you can contact your local social service agencies to see what your other options are.

In order to be eligible as a disabled individual, there are a few options. Many of the eligibility standards are based on other programs the disabled individual is also eligible for or has already been approved for. Individuals that qualify under one of the follow standards are eligible for SNAP.

  • Individuals that receive financial benefits through SSI, social security disability, or blindness payments.
  • Those that are getting blindness or disability benefits through a state program that follows SSI rules.
  • Anyone receiving disability retirement benefits through a government agency as a result of a permanent disability under the definition provided by the Social Security Act.
  • Those receiving annuity payments as a consequence of the Railroad Retirement Act, who are eligible for Medicaid according to the SSI regulations.
  • Disabled or homebound veterans or veterans that are in constant need of aid.
  • The spouse or child of a disabled veteran who is receiving VA benefits as a result of their permanent disability.

Most of these programs involve strict eligibility requirements and a great deal of documentation. However, once approved as disabled under SSI or similar state program, you can get approved for many other programs and services including SNAP. Similar to programs available for the elderly, there is a great deal of other programs available for disabled individuals.

When you are approved for SSI or a similar state program, you will be assigned a caseworker. Your caseworker can help you identify and apply for these other programs. You will also be able to designate someone to represent you, so you will not need to go to interviews or meetings regarding your benefits.

Eligibility Team
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Eligibility Team
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