Guests: Maximizing SNAP Benefits

You could miss opportunities to reduce your net income through qualified deductions! Many older adults don’t apply for SNAP because they believe they will only receive the minimum benefit of $23 per month. The SNAP excess medical expense deduction offers a way for adults age 60+ and people with disabilities to apply for a higher benefit.

By deducting out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $35/month, older adults can reduce their net income and receive a greater benefit. According to the National Council on Aging, it is estimated that fewer than 1 in 5 older adults enrolled in SNAP take the medical deduction, but many more SNAP-eligible seniors could qualify to use it. Even seniors enrolled in the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) and Medicare Savings Program (MSP) may have un-reimbursed out-of-pocket costs in excess of $35 that would be eligible.

Medical deductions

For elderly and disabled individuals, medical costs that are more than $35 a month may be deducted, unless an insurance company or someone who is not a household member pays for them. Only the amount over $35 each month may be deducted. Allowable costs include:

  • Most medical and dental expenses
  • Doctor bills 
  • Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication when approved by a doctor
  • Dentures
  • Inpatient and outpatient hospital expenses, and nursing care
  • Certain transportation costs 
  • Attendant care 
  • Health insurance premiums

Shelter deduction

After other deductions are taken, shelter costs that are more than half of the household’s income can be deducted. Allowable shelter costs include the costs of:

  • Rent or mortgage
  • Taxes
  • Interest
  • Utilities such as gas, electricity, and water

For most households, there is a limit on the amount of the deduction that can be allowed.

Resources

SNAP Prescreening Form

This form is designed to help families interested in learning if they are potentially eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), previously called food stamps. The Food Bank will only use the information included in this form to determine your family’s possible eligibility for SNAP benefits and will not share it with other organizations. This form is not an official SNAP application. For families found potentially eligible for SNAP benefits, a Food Bank volunteer will contact you, and with your consent, will assist you in completing an official SNAP application.