Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Households with an Elderly or Disabled Person

Are you eligible for SNAP? If your household income is low, you may be eligible for SNAP benefits. If you have a person in your household who is disabled or who is age 60 or older, you may be eligible for a larger SNAP allotment. The amount of your SNAP allotment depends upon your family size and income after subtracting various expenses. The County Assistance Office uses a computer to find out if a household is eligible for SNAP and to figure out the amount of the SNAP allotment. However, the computer will give the wrong answer if the caseworker puts in the wrong information.  In most cases, you can figure out the correct SNAP allotment by following the steps below. These steps are for households with an elderly or disabled person.

For all these steps, use monthly figures for the entire household.

1. Find your adjusted household income per month.

   1. Gross earned income $
   2. Subtract 20% of the gross earned income – $
   3. Add all other income, such as cash assistance and SSI + $
      Subtract standard deduction – $167 for household sizes of 1-3 people and $178 for a household size of 4
   4. Subtract dependent care costs needed for work or job training/education (Maximum: $200 per dependent under 2 years of age, $175 for other dependents) – $
   5. Subtract medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled person – $
   6. Subtract child support being paid to a non-household member – $Adjusted household income $
2. Find your excess shelter costs per month.
   1. Rent, mortgage, or mobile home payment $
   2. Add home insurance costs + $
   3. Add property taxes + $
   4. Add the larger amount of
      1. The standard utility allowance 
         (a household that has an elderly or disabled person may receive a deduction for the full amount of excess expenses)
      2. Your bills for all utilities: electric, gas, oil, coal, water, sewer, installation charges, garbage, and $33 for phone service (this does not include cable or satellite television) + $
   5. Total A. through D. $

   6. Subtract ½ of your adjusted household income (see step 1 above) – $Excess shelter costs $

3. Find the net income per month for your household.
   1. Adjusted household income $
   2. Subtract excess shelter costs – $
      (If you are homeless but expect to have some
      shelter costs this month, subtract $152)Net income $

4. Find your monthly food stamp allotment.

   1. Maximum benefit level for family size (See chart below) $
   2. Subtract 30% of your household’s net income – $Food stamp allotment $