Nearly 9 million eligible people have not applied for benefits that provide crucial financial support for food, especially for low-income seniors
Millions of low-income Americans may be missing the opportunity to receive up to $291 per month in food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Despite being available in all states under different names, such as CalFresh in California, many potential beneficiaries have not applied for this support, either due to lack of awareness or reluctance to rely on government aid.
According to the National Council on Aging, a significant number of older adults in the United States may qualify not only for SNAP but also for other essential programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare Savings Programs. However, the rate of enrollment is alarmingly low: nationwide, an estimated 8,947,693 eligible individuals are not participating in SNAP.
California, in particular, leads the nation in the number of eligible seniors who have not applied for these benefits, with a total of 1,049,658 non-participants in the state. These individuals could be accessing up to $291 per month for a single person, $535 for a two-person household, and up to $1,751 for families of eight.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
- Find your local Food Stamps office: Visit the U.S. Government website to locate the nearest office in your state.
- Apply for monthly payments: Once you’ve found your office, you can visit the official website or call to schedule an appointment. For example, in California, the contact number is 877-847-3663.
- Help others apply: If you know someone, especially an older adult, who might need this support, inform them about the program and offer assistance in signing up.
It is crucial that those who qualify for SNAP get informed and take advantage of this resource, which can be vital in ensuring food security during challenging economic times.