STATES EXPERIMENT TO REACH SNAP-ELIGIBLE ELDERLY

Approximately 1/3 of eligible elderly individuals participated in SNAP IN 2009. Pilot projects in Michigan, and Pennsylvania to increase the percentage of elderly people enrolled in SNAP have been successful, but one in Ohio had no significant effect on participation rates, according to USDA. Michigan and Pennsylvania (1) simplified their SNAP application processes and (2) worked with state agencies to get lists of potentially SNAP eligible seniors. Ohio focused on community outreach but struggled to find sites where significant numbers of eligible seniors could be reached. 

The report cited several factors that inhibit elderly people from enrolling in SNAP, including:

▪      lack of information (or misinformation) about program applications and eligibility;

▪      application burdens, either real or perceived, and low benefits relative to the burden of applying;

▪      low benefits relative to the time and effort needed to apply for benefits; and

▪      stigma associated with receiving government assistance. 

 

Source: Office of Legislative Research, 6/23/14, Seniors & SNAP