Imagine spending decades working, paying taxes, and saving for retirement, only to find yourself choosing between groceries and prescription medications. For many older Americans, that financial pressure is becoming increasingly familiar, yet some aren’t receiving food assistance they may qualify for. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps eligible low-income households purchase groceries. However, older adults participate in the program at lower rates than many other eligible groups.
Research from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) has highlighted the persistent problem of eligible seniors not participating in SNAP. The reasons range from misunderstandings about eligibility to complicated paperwork and concerns about accepting government assistance. Unlike Medicare, which generally begins at age 65, SNAP considers someone age 60 or older an elderly household member for certain eligibility and deduction rules.
