Get Extra Money for Groceries with SNAP

With prices for everything from eggs and meat to bread and fruit going up across the nation, we want you to know how you may be able to get free grocery money.

AARP Foundation has been helping people secure the essentials — like groceries — for more than 60 years. That’s why we’re sharing information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a program that helps people — not just families with children — make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to purchase food.

On average adults 60 and older who live alone receive $105 a month in benefits they can use to put food on the table.

About 8.7 million households with adults 50 and older participate now, but many more are eligible. If you didn’t qualify before, now may be the time to apply again, especially if you are over age 60 or living with a disability.

Adults 60 and older who live alone receive an average of $105 a month in benefits they can use to put food on the table.

The Truth About SNAP

You may have heard rumors about who qualifies for SNAP, how much grocery money you’ll receive, and how the program works.

Here’s what you need to know about SNAP:

• It’s not just for families with children. Any adult, of any age, who meets the income requirements is eligible for SNAP.
• SNAP is designed to help millions of people — of all ages — afford a healthy, nutritious diet. Your participation in the program does not deny the benefit to someone else.
• No one can tell you’re using SNAP when making a purchase. Your EBT card looks just like a debit or credit card.
• SNAP benefits are adjusted to keep up with rising food prices each year. In addition, the USDA raised SNAP benefits in 2021, raising the maximum benefit people can receive by 21 percent.

Adults over 60 have different income requirements and additional allowable deductions, which may make it easier to qualify for SNAP, if needed. Nearly a third of these households receive the maximum monthly allotment of $281.

Providing information about your monthly medical expenses, like insurance premiums and prescription drugs, may also potentially help you receive a higher benefit amount.

How to Apply

Each state has its own application form and requires you to provide proof of your identity and address, along with income and expense verification documents. If your state doesn’t provide an online application, you may need to apply in person or over the phone.

To apply, you will need to:

1. Connect with your local SNAP office and to obtain an application
2. Complete and submit an application
3. Submit certain documents
4. Confirm information in an interview, if asked

Your application should be processed within 30 days, and your state or county will let you know if you’re approved. Once you’re enrolled, you can begin using your EBT to get extra money for your groceries.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Applying for SNAP